Using System Restore and Restore Points

Now you understand the gestalt behind System Restore. If you take a snapshot of your PC's settings from time to time, when things are going right, it's relatively easy to go back to that "right" time.

Windows 7 automatically takes System Restore snapshots - called restore points (or, confusingly, checkpoints) - once a day. It also automatically saves a restore point every time you successfully start Windows. A restore point contains Registry entries and copies of certain critical programs including, notably, drivers and key system files - a "snapshot" of crucial system settings and programs. When you roll back (or, simply, restore) to a restore point, you replace the current settings and programs with the older versions.

When Windows 7 can tell that you're going to try to do something complicated, such as install a new network card, it sets a restore point. Unfortunately, Windows can't always tell when you're going to do something drastic - perhaps you have a new CD player and the instructions tell you to turn off your PC and install the player before you run the setup program. So it doesn't hurt one little bit to run System Restore from time to time, and set a restore point, all by yourself.