It also helps that it’sreallysimple to do.
How you access System Restore differs between Windows versions.
SeeWhat Version of Windows Do I Have?if you’re not sure.
PressWIN+Xorright-clicktheStartbutton and then chooseSystem.
Skip to Step 4 if you end up going this way.
SelectSystem and Securitywithin Control Panel.
You won’t seeSystem and Securityif your Control Panel view is set to eitherLarge iconsorSmall icons.
Instead, chooseSystemand then skip to Step 4.
In theSystem and Securitywindow that’s now open, selectSystem.
From theSystem Propertieswindow that appears, pressSystem Restore.
If you don’t see it, ensure you’re on theSystem Protectiontab.
SelectNext >from the System Restore window titledRestore system files and tweaks.
If so, selectChoose a different restore point, assuming you’re not here to undo one.
pick the restore point you want to use from those in the list.
If you’d like to see older restore points, check theShow more restore pointscheckbox.
Unfortunately, there is no way to “restore” older restore points.
The oldest restore point listed is the furthest back you’re able to possibly restore Windows to.
With your chosen restore point selected, use theNext >button to proceed.
Confirm the restore point you want to use on theConfirm your restore pointwindow and then selectFinish.
ChooseYesto theOnce started, System Restore cannot be interrupted.
Do you want to continue?question.
Still, it’s something you should be aware of.
What you’re sitting through here is the actual System Restore process.
Do not turn off or cycle your box during this time!
Wait while your system restarts.
Sign in to Windows as you normally do.
If you don’t use the Desktop and aren’t switched there automatically, go there next.
On the Desktop, you should see a small System Restore window that says"System Restore completed successfully.
The system has been restored to [date time].
Your documents have not been affected."
To undo a System Restore in Windows, repeat steps 1 through 6 above and chooseUndo System Restore.
PressNext >on theRestore system files and settingswindow that should have appeared on the screen.
Choose the restore point that you want to use.
PressFinishon theConfirm your restore pointwindow to begin the System Restore.
SelectYesto theOnce started, System Restore cannot be interrupted.
Do you want to continue?dialog box.
your setup will then reboot as normal when complete.
Immediately after logging into Windows after the reboot, you should see a message thatSystem Restore completed successfully.
If this restorationcauseda problem, you might always undo this particular System Restore.
Choose toRestore my computer to an earlier timeand then selectNext >.
Choose an available date on the calendar on the left.
Available dates are those when a restore point was created and are shown in bold.
Now that a date is chosen, choose a specific restore point from the list on the right.
SelectNext >on theConfirm Restore Point Selectionwindow you see now.
Windows XP will shut down as part of the System Restore process.
Be sure to save any files you have open before continuing.
This could take several minutes.
After the restart is complete, access as you normally do.
If not, you’ve got the option to always try anearlierrestore point, if you have one.
If the System Restore made things worse, you might always undo it.
Restore points don’t usually need to be created manually.
SeeWhat Is a Restore Point?for a greater discussion on restore points and how they work.
SeeHow to Start System Restore From the Command Promptif you need help doing that.
The system may become unbootable if the registry files weren’t properly restored.
To manually create aSystem Restore Point, search for and selectCreate a restore pointfrom the search box.
InSystem Properties, select theSystem Protectiontab and selectCreate.
Enter a description for the Restore Point and selectCreate>OK.
