The System Restore feature of the Microsoft Windows Operating System is designed to return the computer to a “known good” state from prior to experiencing significant problems with the PC. Microsoft started deploying System Restore with the XP version of Windows in order to minimize the number of users who would need to conduct a full Operating System installation after experiencing significant computer issues.
How Does System Restore Work?
System Restore will automatically track significant updates and changes to the computer and create restore points. A restore point consists of a full copy of the computer's registry along with various system files required to restore the computer. Some events that will trigger automatic restore point generation include installing operating system updates, installing new drivers, updating software, and when major software programs are installed or updated. The latest versions of System Restore will also preserve data and media files store in the “My Pictures, My Music, and My Documents” folders in order to prevent inadvertent deletion of personal files.
How to Restore Your Computer to a Past Date
Step 1 – Choose the “Start” and “All Programs” menu buttons.
Step 2 – Select the “Accessories” and “Systems Tool” options followed by clicking the “System Restore” menu choice.
Step 3 – Choose the “Restore My Computer to an Earlier Option” menu choice on the opening dialogue screen.
Step 4 – Select a day on the calendar or a bulletized option to restore the computer.
Step 5 – Choose the “Next” menu button on the subsequent screen to continue with System Restore.
Step 6 – Restart your computer after System Restore has completed running, and your computer will be restored to the point.
How to Create a System Restore Point
Although Windows automatically creates System Restore points, you can also manually generate one. In order to do so, conduct the following steps:
Step 1 – Open the System Restore application per the steps stated earlier in this text.
Step 2 – Choose the “Create a Restore Point” menu option on the initial program dialogue box followed by the “Next” menu button.
Step 3 – Enter a descriptive filename for the restore point followed by the “Create” menu button.
Step 4 – Cancel the restore point creating by clicking the “Back” menu button. To continue with finalizing the restore point generation, follow the default menu prompts on the subsequent dialogue boxes.
