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Well, we all have been there. We turn on our computer (boot up)
getting ready to type that school report, or business
presentation and guess what, our computer just does not want to
work today. Whether it's the word processor, spreadsheet, or
financial package that isn't working, most people do not know
that Microsoft Windows XP has a built in feature that just may
come and save the day. That feature is called "System Restore."
Basically, System Restore is like a little hound that runs
behind the scenes taking "snapshots" of various parts of the
Microsoft Windows XP operating system. So, if a part of
Microsoft Windows XP stops working one day, the System Restore
utility is able to reference one of the "snapshots" it took and
restore your system from a previous day (a day when your
computer worked). It's kind of like going back in time to a day
when your computer worked. All your current data (Microsoft Word
files, etc.) are still retained, so you don't have to worry
about losing any present day files.
In order to restore your computer just follow these simple
steps:
1. Close any open programs. 2. Click on the Windows "Start"
button (normally located on the bottom of your computer desktop)
3. Click on "All Programs" 4. Click on "Accessories" 5. Click on
"System Tools" 6. Then click on "System Restore" 7. At this
point the System Restore wizard will launch. You will have two
options:
a. "Restore my system from an earlier date" b. "Create a system
restore point"
If you just need to restore your system and get it working
correctly again, just select option "a" and click "Next."
8. On this screen you can select a date from the calendar that
you would like to try and restore from. So, if you knew that
your computer worked fine two days ago, just pick that date on
the calendar and click "Next." 9. The next screen is the
confirmation window. Just verify the information on the screen
and click "Next." Windows XP will then reboot and try to restore
your system with the settings from the date you selected.
The System Restore process can take anywhere from 10 to 30
minutes depending on how much reconfiguration Windows XP needs
to do and how fast of a PC you have. When System Restore is
done, a screen will popup with the results of the restore. If it
was successful, you can then log into the system and start using
the computer again. Any quirky issues that you were having are
now hopefully gone.
Now, on step 7b above, I mentioned the "Create a system restore
point" option. This option is for when you want to force Windows
XP to take a snapshot of your system just before you install a
program or alter any system settings that you are not sure of.
It is like a safety net for when you install any internet
programs (sometimes riddled with spyware) or system drivers
(video, audio, etc). If you want to revert back to a virgin
state just create a restore point "before" installing any
software. This way, if your machine starts acting weird, you can
just restore your settings from the selected point.
With a little practice, the System Restore utility is easy to
use and a great way to help ensure the safety of your computer.
About the author:
Jay is the web owner of http://www.dsl-in.com DSL, a website that provides
information and resources on DSL, DSL Service, and DSL Service
Providers. You can visit his website at: DSL Service
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