How to restore your computer system if you are using Windows XP

You can use System Restore to undo harmful changes to your computer and restore it's settings and performance. System Restore returns your computer to an earlier time (called restore point) without causing you to loose recent work, such as saved documents, or e-mail, or history or favorites lists. Any changes that System Restore makes to your computer are completely reversible. Your computer automatically creates restore points (called system checkpoints), but you can also use System Restore to create your own restore points. This is useful if you are about to make a major change to your system, such as installing a new program or changing your registry.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Your computer must be on, booted up and running.
• Pad and pencil to make notes about restore date.

1. Click on Start, select All Programs, select Accessories, select System Tools, click on System Restore. The next screen is a Welcome to System Restore. Here you will make the choice of the task that you want to perform. Select "Restore my computer to and earlier time". Good idea to click on help at the upper right hand corner. Print and save these instructions as you will need the information in the next few minutes.
2. The next screen that pops up is of a chart showing choices of restore point dates. Select your desired restore point date and click on "next".
   The next screen is a confirmation to make sure that this is what you want to do. Follow the instructions.
3. Click "next" and your computer will start restoring itself. When complete your computer will be working the way it was a few days ago. If your have problems there is plenty of help screens if you need to undo it.

Tips & Warnings

• This is a very strong feature of Windows XP. Windows 98-95 does not have this.
• It is extremely handy and can well save you a trip to the computer shop.
• Performing this may sound ominous and dangerous. Will have to admit, first time I did it I was more than a little apprehensive. Turned out fine, saved the day.