Whether it’s the word processor, spreadsheet, or
financial package that isn’t working, most people do not know
that Microsoft Windows XP has a built in feature that just may
come and save the day. That feature is called “System Restore.”

Basically, System Restore is like a little hound that runs behind
the scenes taking “snapshots” of various parts of the Microsoft
Windows XP operating system. So, if a part of Microsoft Windows
XP stops working one day, the System Restore utility is able to
reference one of the “snapshots” it took and restore your system
from a previous day (a day when your computer worked). It’s kind
of like going back in time to a day when your computer worked.
All your current data (Microsoft Word files, etc.) are still
retained, so you don’t have to worry about losing any present day
files.

In order to restore your computer just follow these simple
steps:

1. Close any open programs.

2. Click on the Windows “Start” button (normally located on the bottom of your computer desktop)

3. Click on “All Programs”

4. Click on “Accessories”

5. Click on “System Tools”

6. Then click on “System Restore”

7. At this point the System Restore wizard will launch. You will have two options:

a. “Restore my system from an earlier date”

b. “Create a system restore point”

If you just need to restore your system and get it working
correctly again, just select option “a” and click “Next.”

8. On this screen you can select a date from the calendar that
you would like to try and restore from. So, if you knew that your
computer worked fine two days ago, just pick that date on the
calendar and click “Next.”

9. The next screen is the confirmation window. Just verify the
information on the screen and click “Next.” Windows XP will then
reboot and try to restore your system with the settings from the
date you selected.

The System Restore process can take anywhere from 10 to 30
minutes depending on how much reconfiguration Windows XP needs to
do and how fast of a PC you have. When System Restore is done, a
screen will popup with the results of the restore. If it was
successful, you can then log into the system and start using the
computer again. Any quirky issues that you were having are now
hopefully gone.

Now, on step 7b above, I mentioned the “Create a system restore
point” option. This option is for when you want to force Windows
XP to take a snapshot of your system just before you install a
program or alter any system settings that you are not sure of. It
is like a safety net for when you install any internet programs
(sometimes riddled with spyware) or system drivers (video, audio,
etc). If you want to revert back to a virgin state just create a
restore point “before” installing any software. This way, if your
machine starts acting weird, you can just restore your settings
from the selected point.

With a little practice, the System Restore utility is easy to use
and a great way to help ensure the safety of your computer.

About The Author
George Whitecraft has been writing Ebook and Articles for the last 2 years.
http://whitecraftshoppingmarketing.biz/info/l/iss

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