The Windows operating systems make it easy to resolve problems when they occur in your system. With the availability of System Restore you can reverse any system changes that were made as long as System Restore is enabled. System Restore does not affect your personal data files such as documents, browsing history, favorites, or e–mail. Windows XP by default creates restore points automatically at regular intervals and during software installs. Restore points as well can be manually created by a user at any time. Creating a restore point can be useful any time you anticipate making changes to your system such as new software installs or installing those lovely Microsoft updates.
When System Restore is run, a calendar interface is employed to help you find restore points. If you use your computer frequently, you will have restore points labeled “System Checkpoint” almost every day (some days may have multiple restore points) and the opposite would be true if you do not use your computer daily.
Creating a Restore Point
-
Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click System Restore.
-
On the Welcome page, click Create a restore point.
-
On the Create a Restore Point page, enter a descriptive name for your restore point, as shown in Figure 3, and then click Create.
The Restore Point Created page confirms that the new restore point has been created. I think it’s a good idea to manually create a restore point before you download and install any application from the Internet.
Restoring
1. Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click System Restore.
2. On the Welcome screen, click Restore my computer to an earlier time, and then click Next.
3. On the Select a Restore Point page, select the date from the calendar that shows the point you’d like to restore to, as shown in Figure 2, and then click Next.
4. On the Confirm Restore Point Selection page, verify that the correct restore point is chosen, and then close any open programs.
5. Click Next if you are ready to proceed or click Back to change the restore point.
6. The computer will shut down automatically and reboot. On reboot, you’ll see the Restoration Complete page, and then click OK.
After reviewing the stability of your system, you can choose another restore point or undo this restoration. Just open System Restore and make the appropriate choice. After you use System Restore, you’ll have an additional task, Undo my last restoration, on the System Restore Welcome page. Remember that you’ll have to reinstall any programs that were installed after the restore point.
If System Restore doesn’t work in Normal Mode, it might work in Safe Mode. To use System Restore in Safe Mode, press the F8 key during reboot and choose Safe Mode. When your computer starts in either Safe Mode or Normal Mode, System Restore can be used to capture a working previous state. System Restore can’t be opened unless the system is bootable into one of these modes.
Another way to fix the windows registry (especially if Windows Restore does not work for any reason) would be a software title I have recommended previously. That program is called PC Registry Cleaner, and it works!
The company also offers support. Not typical support for just their software, but support for any ongoing issue. Shout out to the PC Registry Cleaner. LOL! Can you tell I like their software?
