How to Use System Restore

Windows automatically captures system state before installing new applications or drivers. You can later use the System Restore tool to return to this system if you experience problems.

To start System Restore from within Windows (including safe mode), click Start, click All Programs, click Accessories, click System Tools, and then click System Restore.

To start System Restore when you cannot open Windows, follow these steps:

1. Start System Recovery tools, as described in the section titled "How to Start the System Recovery Tools" earlier in this tutorial.
2. Click System Restore.

The System Restore Wizard appears. Follow these steps to restore Windows to an earlier state:

1. On the Restore System Files And Settings page of the System Restore Wizard, click Next.
2. On the Choose A Restore Point page, click a restore point. Typically, you should choose the most recent restore point when the computer functioned correctly. If the computer has not functioned correctly for more than five days, select the Show More Restore Points check box and then select a restore point. Click Next.
3. On the Confirm Disks To Restore page, click Next.
4. On the Confirm Your Restore Point page, click Finish.
5. Click Yes to confirm the system restore. System Restore modifies system files and settings to return Windows to the state it was in at the time the restore point was captured.
6. When System Restore is done, click Restart. You should now attempt to start the computer and identify whether the problem was resolved.
7. When the computer restarts, Windows will display a System Restore notification. Click Close.