Using System Restore in Windows XP

If you experience problems with your Windows XP computer after updating drivers or installing software, or after making a change to your computer's settings, System Restore can save the day. This feature quickly and easily restores your computer to a previous state when you know it was working properly, and it does so without altering your personal files in any way. For this reason, System Restore is a great alternative to formatting your hard drive and reinstalling your operating system if you can't get Windows XP to boot properly, since it prevents your files from being lost.

Create a System Restore Point

To restore your computer to a previous state in Windows XP, you must have System Restore points stored on your computer. System Restore points are created regularly at system checkpoints and whenever you install new software or drivers on your computer. However, you can also create them manually, if you prefer. In fact, it's very important to create a manual restore point prior to making important changes to your computer, such as making manual edits to the system registry. To do this, click Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools and System Restore. When System Restore starts, click Create a restore point and click Next. Type a name for your restore point in the field marked Restore Point Description, then click Create and Close.

Restore Your Computer to an Earlier State

Restoring your Windows XP computer to a previous state is similar to creating a new restore point. Click Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools and then System Restore. Click Restore my computer to an earlier time. Select a date on the calendar when you know the computer was working properly. If necessary, press the back arrow button to access a date in a previous month. Click Next. Save your work, close all open programs and click Next again to restart your computer.

Important System Restore Tips for Windows XP

If Windows XP won't save any System Restore points, you won't be able to restore your computer to an earlier time. It may become necessary to turn System Restore off, then back on again, to restore the computer's ability to save System Restore points. Keep in mind that turning System Restore off will delete all existing System Restore points from your computer, so don't use this technique if your computer is able to save Restore points.

To turn off System Restore in Windows XP, click Start, right click My Computer, then click Properties to open System Properties. Click the System Restore tab. Click the check box beside Turn off System Restore, then click OK. Click Yes to confirm your selection.

To turn System Restore back on again, open System Properties again, then click the System Restore tab. Clear the check box beside Turn off System Restore, then click OK.