Rolling back to a restore point

If you ever want to manually restore your computer to a previous state, follow these steps:

1. Save your work and then close all running programs.
   System Restore doesn't muck with any data files, documents, pictures, or anything like that. It only works on system files. Your data is safe. But it can mess up settings, so if you recently installed a new program, for example, you may have to install it again.
2. Choose Start → All Programs → Accessories → System Tools → System Restore.
   Windows 7 recommends that you restore to a recent system-generated restore point.
3. If you're willing to accept System Restore's recommendation, click Next. But if you want to take a look around and see what options are available, select Choose a Different Restore Point and click Next.
   System Restore presents a list of recent available restore points.
4. Before you roll your PC back to a restore point, click it once and then click the Scan for Affected Programs button.
   System Restore tells you which programs and drivers have system entries (typically in the Registry) that will be altered and which programs will be deleted if you select that specific restore point.
5. If you don't see any major problems with the restore point - it doesn't wipe out something you need - click Next.
   System Restore asks you to confirm your restore point. You're also warned that rolling back to a restore point requires a restart of the computer, and that you should close all open programs before continuing.
6. Click Finish.
   True to its word, System Restore reverts to the selected restore point and restarts your computer.

System Restore is a nifty feature that works very well.