How to Restore a System Program
You may restore your Windows system program using the System Restore wizard. System Restore works to undo changes to your system files, effectively returning your computer to an earlier state. Performing a system restore only affects system files; it does not affect personal files like documents and browser preferences. The System Restore utility works by periodically taking "snapshots" of your system files. These snapshots, called "restore points," are saved in a system folder and may be used to restore your system settings to a previous configuration in the event of a system failure, system file virus, or some other need.
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Instructions
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Log in to your computer using an account with administrator rights.
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2
Launch the System Restore wizard. Open the "Start" menu, go to "All Programs" (or "Programs" if you're using the classic Start menu), "Accessories," "System Tools," then click "System Restore." System restore can also be opened by navigating to C:\WINDOWS\system32\restore\rstrui.exe.
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Follow the System Restore wizard's prompts for restoring your system files. The prompts you receive will vary depending upon which version of the Windows operating system (XP, Vista, or 7) you're using.
Select "Restore my computer to an earlier time," click "Next," browse through the calendar and select a restore point, click "Next," then click "Next" again. (FOR WINDOWS XP)
Select "Choose a different restore point" if you don't want to use the "Recommended restore" point, click "Next," browse through the list of available restore points (each one is stamped with the date and time it was created) and select the one you want, click "Next," select the drive you want to restore (generally the "(C:)" drive contains your system files), click "Next," and "Finished." (FOR WINDOWS VISTA)
Click "Next," browse through the list of available restore points, click "Next," click "Scan affected programs" if you would like to know ahead of time which system programs will be affected by the restore, click "Close," then click "Finished." (FOR WINDOWS 7)
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Click "Yes" if you are prompted to confirm if you would like to continue with the system restore. Windows will automatically shut down your computer, restart it, and perform the system restore. Once the system restore is completed your Windows system programs will be restored to the state they were in at the time the restore point you selected (in step 3) was created.
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References
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