I'm no expert on EasyRE having never used it, but I do know that it is not a replacement for the Microsoft System Disc as it is restricted by copyright law, so some elements are not available. I see from other threads that sometimes running the disac several times can be helpful as can running a Startup Repair several times from a Windows System Disc. It appears you were lucky to hit on the right method in the end. Glad you are OK now.
I don't know the answer to that last question though. Maybe someone else with expertise will jump in here.