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Using System Restore in XP

Windows is well-known for having driver and .dll conflicts, as well as all sorts of software that causes problems with your computer. Luckily there's a System restore feature that can return your computer back to a known working configuration, as long as you've created a restore point.

Note that some software installations will create restore points automatically, but you should run it manually before installing any questionable applications. (Or better yet, don't install questionable applications!)

 

Creating a Restore Point Manually

To create a Restore Point click on Start \ programs\ Accessories \ System Tools \ System Restore, and you'll be given a wizard screen.

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Click on "Create a restore point" and then click the Next button. You'll be brought to a screen where you can type in a description for your restore point. Use something memorable if possible.

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Once your restore point is created (which might take a while), you will get a confirmation screen.

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All done creating the restore point!

 

Restoring from a Restore Point

To restore from a previously created restore point, open System Restore the same as above, but this time we'll select "Restore my computer to an earlier time". Note that System Restore is going to reboot your computer in order to restore.

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Click the next button, and you'll be shown a calendar with bolded dates wherever there is a restore point. Click on the date, and then click a restore point in the right hand side.

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You'll get a confirmation screen asking if you really want to do this. We'll assume that there's a problem requiring you to restore, so go ahead.

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Your system will reboot and then restore your computer back to the previous configuration.

Mysticgeek is the resident IT expert at How-To Geek and a huge rock music fan. When he's not writing about Microsoft Office, he's probably writing at his personal blog. This article was written on 06/27/07 and tagged with: Windows

Comments (10)

  1. David Alan Fox

    I keep receiving this error message that states that my computer is making unauthorized copies of my systen and internet files. How can I fix this? Thank you

  2. Deadpool

    I have a problem like that to, tell me if you find an answer.

  3. Bob

    Sounds like you have a trojan. Download superantispyware.com, it should fix the smithfield trojan.

  4. Joe

    My pc keeps losing power. After I boot up, weather on-line or not, the screen goes blank, by pc shuts down and the re boots itself. I then have to sign in again. It does not do this when I am using another's sign-in, only when I am using mine.
    I have Windows Xp.

  5. snj.know

    I saw a PC that refresh each time we restart the machine, we can do what ever install, change settings,
    but after restart the machine windows comes to previous look, Including windows partition have set this feature and another partition let to save files to users.

    windows partition is like read-only CD, only little difference between it, we can save files moment we using. but after restart > previous look!

    please explain me, how to do this, and how it works,
    and i want to know is that something by using System Restore? Thank U.

  6. kathy

    keep getting a windows is not installed fully
    can't get into computer how can i by pass and restore
    I have a hp windows xp media center edition 2005 and no restoration disk can you help

  7. shanthosh

    no problem.before the windows xp loading screen press F8 key.then select the option for directory services restore mode then allow it to do the magic
    ___________shanthosh12@gmail.com

  8. shanthosh

    joe i think u have a serious virus problem in ur computer.please download an antivirus utility or update ur existing antivirus utility
    ________________shanthosh12@gmail.com

  9. smudger

    keep getting that several applications failed to start due to COMRes.dll not been found…any help please

  10. shanthosh12

    hey smudger
    ur computer had been affected by virus.i think u already removed it,but along with it u must have deleted a critical system file.
    there r 2 options available for u
    1 method
    1.start->run
    2.type cmd
    3.type sfc\scannow in the dos window
    4.insert windows xp cd
    5.dll cache wud be replaced by the original file
    OR
    2 method
    1.reinstall or repair win xp

    i think the above methods wud solve the problem.otherwise contact me
    cheers!
    _____________shanthosh12@gmail.com


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