Windows 7 / Getting Started

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System Restore

Windows includes a nifty utility called System Restore that can help you return your PC's settings to an earlier time when everything was working properly. System Restore monitors your PC, and when you install a program or a new peripheral device or component, it creates a restore point and saves the current settings to your PC's hard drive. System Restore also creates a weekly restore point, just in case something goes wrong that's not a result of something you installed. If you install a program or change a setting in Windows that causes problems, you can run System Restore and pick the desired restore point.

Tip
When you return to a restore point, you don't lose any of the work you've done since that restore point. For example, if you made changes to a Word document, those are safe. However, if you installed a device or a program after Windows created the restore point, you'll probably need to reinstall it after you complete the restoration.

Restore System Using a Restore Point

To return Windows to a previous state using one of the restore points it created, take the following steps:

1. Click Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, System Restore. The System Restore window appears.
2. Click Next. System Restore displays available restore points. A list of recent restore points appears.
3. Click the desired restore point, click Next, and follow the onscreen instructions to complete the operation. Windows restarts your PC as part of the restoration process.

After System Restore restarts your PC, it displays a message indicating that you can undo the restoration. Cancel out of this window and test a few of the applications you normally use, to be sure the restoration didn't mess up your system. If the restoration made things worse instead of better, you can run System Restore again and undo the restoration.

Create a Restore Point

If you plan to change any system settings in Windows, delete device drivers, or install applications, run System Restore and create your own restore point before you begin. If something goes wrong, you can immediately return your PC to its previous condition.

1. Click Start, Control Panel, System and Security, System.
2. Click System protection (left column). The System Properties dialog box appears.
3. Click Create (near the bottom of the dialog box).
4. Type a name for the restore point and click Create.