Windows System Restore

What is Windows System Restore?

WINDOWS XP SYSTEM RESTORE

System Restore is a tool that takes your computer back to a previously working state. This option is available in Windows ME, Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7. Windows takes snapshots of critical system files, program files and registry settings and stores them as “Restore Points“. If ever you should have any problem with your computer, you can “restore” your computer to one of these Restore Points, when your computer was working fine.

Please remember – System restore does NOT have any effect on your personal files such as emails, documents or photographs.

HOW TO USE SYSTEM RESTORE TO RESTORE WINDOWS XP TO A PREVIOUSLY WORKING STATE

In order to perform a System Restore, you must have administrative rights in your computer. If this is your own personal computer, then chances are that you will be having administrative rights in it, however if you are on a network computer, say for example in a computer at your workplace, then you will have to request your Network Administrator to help you.

In order to restore Windows to a previously working “Restore Point” follow the steps given below:

1. Log on to Windows with administrative rights.
2. Click Start, go to All Programs, go to Accessories, go to System Tools, and then click System Restore. System Restore starts.
3. On the Welcome to System Restore page, click Restore my computer to an earlier time (if it is not already selected), and then click Next.
4. On the Select a Restore Point page, click the most recent system restore point and then click Next.

Note: A System Restore message may appear that lists configuration changes that System Restore will make. Click OK.

5. On the Confirm Restore Point Selection page, click Next. System Restore restores the previous Windows XP configuration, and then restarts the computer.
6. Log on back to your computer. The System Restore Restoration Complete page is displayed.
7. Click OK.

If you have successfully restored your computer to a previous state, and the computer is performing as it should be, you can stop here.

But if the restore process completed successfully and the computer is still not performing as you want, you can either restore your computer to a different restore point or just undo the current System Restore. In order to undo a System Restore, please continue reading.

HOW TO RUN SYSTEM RESTORE FROM THE COMMAND PROMPT?

Many times, you may not be able to run System Restore because your computer will not start up normally. But you can still run System Restore from the command prompt.

Click on Start -> Run -> and type %systemroot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe and click OK.

OR

  • Start up the computer in Safe Mode or Safe Mode with Command Prompt.
  • At the Command Prompt type %systemroot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe.
  • You can replace %systemroot% with C:\Windows, if you like.
  • You might have to select the Operating System in your computer.
  • You might also have to enter your username and password.
  • You should have Administrator Rights in your computer to do this.

 

HOW TO UNDO A SYSTEM RESTORE:

You may have unintentionally restored Windows XP to a previous configuration that you do not want.

To undo the restoration, follow these steps:

1. Log on to Windows with administrative rights.
2. Click Start, go to All Programs, go to Accessories, go to System Tools, and then click System Restore. System Restore starts.
3. On the Welcome to System Restore page, click Undo my last restoration, and then click Next.

Note: A System Restore message may appear that lists configuration changes that System Restore will make. Click OK.

4. On the Confirm Restoration Undo page, click Next. System Restore restores the original Windows XP configuration, and then restarts the computer.
5. Log-on to the computer as Administrator. The System Restore Undo Complete page appears.
6. Click OK.

You can now run System Restore again from a different restore point.