Windows XP - Friday, October 10, 2008 23:38 - 0 Comments

Restore your computer to earlier version

Restore your computer to earlier version

You can use System Restore to return your computer to an earlier saved point in your system registry.  Your computer will automatically create restore points periodically, and valid restore points may be restored from a list, usually displayed as a calendar of valid restore points.  This can be a valuable tool if you have installed a program or made changes to your system setup, and the computer is no longer behaving properly.  Simply follow the instructions listed below, and select a restore point from a time when the computer was known to be good working condition.

1. Save any files you are working on, and close all open applications.
2. Click START >> All Programs >> Accessories >> System Tools >> System restore.
3. If you are prompted for it, enter the administrator password.
    A. Some Windows installations will only require confirmation.
4. A valid restore point will be suggested.
    A. Select the suggested point, or select another from the list.
5. The computer will be restarted using the selected restore point.

Similarly, you may create system restore points manually, before making changes to the system.  You will need to have at least 300 MB of free space on every hard disk a restore point is created for.  Also, if you are using a hard disk with a capacity of less than 1 gigabyte, system restore will not function, and will be automatically disabled.  If these conditions are met, follow the following steps to create a manual restore point:

1. Click START >> Control Panel >> System and Maintenance >> System.
2. Click “System Protection.”
3. If prompted, enter the administrator password.
   A. Some Windows installations will only ask for confirmation.
4. Click “Create.”
5. Enter a description of the restore point.
6. Click “Create.”

Restore points, by default, are saved consecutively until all available hard disk space is used, at which time older restore points will be removed as new ones are added.  Each time the computer starts, a new restore point is created.  System restore points are also automatically added for certain installations that affect the system operation.  If you aren’t sure whether a restore point is going to be created, create one manually, as shown above.

Article written by MyComputerAid.com