I often create backups of my registry files when I’m getting ready to try out new software. Lately, I’ve been setting “System Restore Points” as well. Why would I do this? Let’s ask Microsoft.
Quote from Microsoft: “Every time you download or install a new game, application, or software update, you make changes to your computer. Sometimes that change may make your system unstable. Have you ever wanted to go back to the way it was? With System Restore, you can.” (source)
What is a System Restore Point?
System Restore is a Windows feature that takes snapshots of the system files and registry at regular intervals or during important system events. The snapshots are stored as System Restore Points (SRP). If you run into a problem, you can often use a previous SRP to undo many of the changes to your system that created the problem.
It’s not fool proof. Sometimes it didn’t correct the problems I had. Most of the time, it does a good job as long as the Restore Point isn’t very old. Since it seems to be important to use a recent SRP, I often set my own SRP just before installing software. I’ll show you how to do this below.
How to Create a System Restore Point
In Windows XP, use your start menu to go to Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore.
You should see this:
Set the button on “Create a restore point” and click “Next”. At the next screen, you’ll be able to type in a name or description for your restore point.
In Vista and Win7, you can set an SRP just as easily.
Click your Start button, then type “restore”, then click the entry that says “Create a restore point”.
Next you’ll see a screen like this:
Click the “Create” button and you’ll get a window that will let you choose a description for the new SRP.
How to Use a Restore Point to Recover from a Problem
In WinXP, you can use the Start menu as shown above to find the System Restore settings.
When you get to the System Restore panel, select “Restore my computer to an earlier time”.
You’ll get a window that will let you select a restore point.
Once you have an SRP selected, hit the “Next” button to start the recovery. You’ll get a screen with some info on it and you’ll have to click “Next” one final time. The computer will restart.
In Vista and Win7, you can click the start button and type “restore”. You’ll need to click the entry labeled “Restore your computer to an earlier time”.
You’ll get a window up that let’s you start System Restore. Then you’ll be able to select an SRP to recover.
Once you have one selected, hit the “Next” button, and then the “Finish” button to confirm it. Your computer will reboot and hopefully everything will be better.
Conclusion
Now that you have the general idea, don’t forget that setting a System Restore Point could save you time and trouble when you try out new software. If you have any suggestions or questions, be sure to comment below.
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