Show Me Microsoft Windows XP (2nd Edition)

Windows XP is a reliable operating system, but any time you make changes to your computer, such as adding or removing software and hardware, you run the risk of causing problems with your operating system. To alleviate potential problems, you can use System Restore, a program installed with Windows XP Professional, to undo harmful changes to your computer and restore its settings. System Restore returns your computer system, but not your personal files, to an earlier time, before the changes were made to your computer, called a restore point . As you work with your computer, System Restore monitors your changes and creates restore points on a daily basis or at important system events, but you can also create your own restore point at any time. If you have recently performed a system restoration, you can use System Restore to undo your most recent restoration. System Restore is turned on by default when you install Windows XP, but you can turn it off or change System Restore options.

Change Restore System Settings

Click the Start button, and then click Control Panel.

Double-click the System icon in Classic view.

Click the System Restore tab.

To turn off System Restore, select the Turn Off System Restore check box.

Drag the slide to increase or decrease the amount of disk space for System Restore.

Click OK.

Restore the System

Close all programs and make sure no one else is logged on to the computer.

Click the Start button, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click System Restore.

Click the Restore My Computer To An Earlier Time option.

Click Next.

Select a date in bold type that contains a restore point.

Click the restore point you want to use, and then click Next.

Review the restore point information, and then click Next.

Wait for the system to be restored, and log on when prompted.

When it's done, click OK.

Create a Restore Point

Click the Start button, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click System Restore.

Click the Create A Restore Point option, and then click Next.

Type a restore point name .

Click Create.

When it's done, click Close.