How to Create an Emergency Repair Disc in Windows XP

It is not possible to create an emergency repair disc in Windows XP. However, System Restore is an option to protect your computer in the event of software failure that is included on all Windows XP PCs.

Instructions

1. 

   System Restore is a utility that will allow you to restore your computer's settings to a previous state. Click on the "Start" menu and then click on "All Programs." Go to "Accessories," then "System Tools." Click on the menu selection that says "System Restore."

2. Two options are presented: "Create a restore point" or "Restore my computer to an earlier time." Creating a restore point will protect your computer in the event of a software malfunction without erasing any new documents created between the restore point and the time of recovery. Your computer automatically creates a restore point every so often (unless the option is turned off, which it should not be). In order to create your own restore point, click "Create a restore point" and then click "Next."

3. 

   You will be presented with a text box. Enter a description for this restore point, describing the reason it was created. If, for example, you created it before installing a game, you might title it, "Pregame Restore." The program will automatically add the date and time. "Click Create."

4. Know that you hve finished creating the restore point. Click "Close."

5. In order to restore from a restore point, go to System Restore as described in Step 1, then click "Restore my computer to an earlier time." Click "Next."

6. 

   Any of the bold dates can be used as a restore point. Your computer should automatically create one about once a day and some programs will create a restore point in the process of being installed. Choose a date, then a restore point from the list. Click "Next."

7. 

   Understand that the program will ask you to confirm your selection. Make sure that all other programs are closed and any information is saved, then click "Next." Your computer will restore itself to the configuration on that date. This will take a few minutes. When it restarts, your computer will be as it was at the time of the checkpoint. If you change your mind, you can go to System Restore and choose the new option, "Undo my last restoration."

Tips & Warnings

• Note: If System Restore does not automatically create its own restore points, you can turn them on. Simply open System Restore in the method described in Step 1, then click on "System Restore Settings" on the left. A System Properties window will come up. Uncheck the box that says, "Turn off System Restore." The computer will begin to create restore points once more.

• While documents will be unchanged with System Restore, programs will not. Therefore, be cautious when restoring your computer's old settings, and be sure to make note of all programs you may have installed after the checkpoint you choose to restore your computer from.