How to Restore Window XP Default Settings

Restore default settings on your Windows XP operating system.

The easiest way to return to the default settings on the Windows XP operating system is to do a complete system restore, resetting the system to the settings it operated under on the day you got it. In order to restore default settings you must have administrator privileges on your computer. Before doing a system restore you should back up any personal files on your computer's hard drive onto a disc or external drive. You should also close out of any programs and your Internet browser before starting your system restore as your computer will need to restart.

Instructions

1. Log in to Windows XP as an administrator. Click on the "Start" button and then scroll over the "All Programs" option.

2. Scroll over the "Accessories" option and then scroll over the "System Tools" option. Click on the "System Restore" option and the "System Restore" window will appear.

3. Click on the "Restore my computer to an earlier time" from the "Welcome to System Restore" page. Click on the "Next" button.

4. Choose the restore point from the date when you first installed Window XP from the "Select a Restore Point" page. Click on the "Next" button.

5. Click the "Next" button again on the "Confirm Restore Point Selection" page. Your computer will then automatically restart. Log in as an administrator again, and the "Restoration Complete" page will appear. Click on the "OK" button.

References

• Microsoft Support: How to Restore Windows XP to a Previous State
• Microsoft: Windows XP System Restore Is Easy to Use