Question:How do I use the Windows system restore utility?
The Windows System
Restore utility is one of the most valuable recovery tools available to a Windows user.
Limits of the more serious problems in windows are caused by Device
Driver issues, missing or upt DLL
Files, and problems with the windows
Registry-all parts of windows that a System Restore can help.
The System Restore tool is one of the easiest to use recovery utilities available in windows.
Answer:The Windows system restore utility is located in
System ToolsProgram folder and provides a step-by-step process for restoring important Windows files.
The System Restore Tool in Windows works fairly Similarly among Microsoft's operating
Systems but there are some important differences:
- How
To use System Restore in Windows 7
- How
To use System Restore in Windows Vista
- How
To use System Restore in Windows XP
Note:The Windows system restore utility will not in any way affect your non-system files like documents, music, video, emails, etc. If you were hoping that Windows System RestoreWocouldIn fact restore deleted non-system files, try
A file
Recovery Program instead.
Now take XP as an Example
The System
Restore utility in Windows XP is an extremely valuable tool to help solve major problems.
Most major issues in Windows XP are caused by problems with the windows
Registry, Device
Drivers, and DLL
Files. When a restore point is created, a current copy of these and other important files in
Windows XP are saved and can be restored using System Restore.
Considering the scope of protection that System Restore provides, using it early in your troubleshooting cocould save you a lot of time.
Follow these instructions for reverting important Windows XP files back to a previous State using system restore:
Difficulty:Easy
Time required:Using System Restore to reverse system changes in Windows XP usually takes several minuteshere's how:
Navigate toStart->Programs->Accessories->System ToolsProgram Group and chooseSystem Restore.
ChooseRestore my computer to an earlier timeRadio button and then clickNext>.
Choose an available date on the calendar on the left.
Note:Available dates are those when a restore point was created and are shown in bold. You can not use system restore to undo Windows XP changes to a date that a restore point does not exist.
Choose a specific Restore Point on the right.
Note:All restore points created on the date you selected in step 3 will be listed here. this operation des any restore points that you created, scheduled restore points that Windows XP created, and those created automatically during the installation
Of certain programs.
ClickNext>.
ClickNext>OnConfirm Restore Point SelectionWindow to begin the System Restore.
Note:Windows XP will shut down to complete the system restore so be sure to save any work you might have open in other programs now.
Important:System Restore will not revert any of your non-system files like documents, email, music, etc. to a previous state. these types files are completely unaffected by System Restore. if your intention with this tool was to recover
Deleted non-system file, try a file
Recovery Program instead of System Restore.
System Restore will now restore Windows XP to the State that was recorded in the Restore point you chose in Step 4.
Note:The system restore process cocould take several minutes. Your computer will then reboot as normal when complete.
Immediately after logging in after the reboot, you should seeRestoration completeWindow.
ClickOK.
Windows XP will now continue to start.
Check to see if whatever Windows XP problem you were troubleshooting has been corrected by this system restore.
If the problem still persists, you can repeat the steps above and choose another restore point if one is available.
If this restorationCausedA problem, you can always undo this special System Restore.
TIPS:
Not a Windows XP user? See how
Do I use the Windows system restore utility? For specific instructions for your version of Windows.
Having trouble using System Restore in Windows XP? Let a community of PC experts help out! Post your question in the PC
Support forum.
More related to system restore
- What
Is a device driver?
- What
Is DLL file?
- What
Is the Windows registry?
Problems with System Restore?
- Try
System Restore from safe Mode
- Get
System Restore help via the PC support forum
Can't use System Restore?
- Repair
Your Windows Installation
- Reinstall
Windows (clean install)
- Free
File recovery programs