Everyone has experienced this. We switch on the computer in order to write that important report or presentation, but unfortunately the computer is not in the mood to function properly today. However, regardless of the problem, whether it is the word processor, spreadsheet or other type of software that won’t work, Microsoft Windows XP has a utility specially designed to help fix this issue. This utility is called “System Restore”.
System Restore acts very much like a photographer, constantly poking around behind the scenes of your computer and taking “snapshots” of the current state of the operating system and critical Windows files. If Windows XP starts to experience problems, the System Restore features is able to look up one of these snapshots and return your computer to a previous working state. It’s almost like a time machine that lets you undo any problems which may have occurred. None of your personal documents or files are affected — just the critical Windows files themselves.
If you want to bring your computer back (restore it), follow some relatively simple steps. First, you need to close down any open programs you are working on. Choose the Windows “Start” button (located near the bottom of your computer screen). Choose “Accessories,” then “System Tools.” Next, choose “System Restore.” Now, your System Restore wizard will pop up. You will be given two options: “Restore my system” or “Create a system.”
To restore your system to proper working order, first select option A and then click on “next.” This will bring you to a screen with a calendar on it, which will allow you to select the date of the backup file you want to restore your system from. If your computer worked OK two days ago, for example, choose that date on the calendar and click “next.” The next screen allows you to confirm the information you have supplied, so verify that data and then click “next” again. That will allow Windows XP to reboot and attempt to restore your system with the selected backup file.
The System Restore process takes about 10 to 30 minutes which mostly depends on how much reconfiguration Windows XP needs to do and the speed of your PC. When System Resore is complete, a ‘result’ page will be displayed. If the operation is a success then you can start working with the computer system. All the problems that you were having with the system would now probably be gone.
I mentioned before the “system restore point” option. This is a feature of windows XP that allows you to create virtual “snapshots” or save points of you system. Once created, you can restore the state of your computer to any of these points. This means that any changes you have made to your system (installing programs, changing drivers etc.) will be undone, and your computer will reverted to the point when you created the restore point. This allows users to change settings on their computer, without the risk of crashing and having to reinstall all of their software. With a little practice this can be an extremely useful tool to anyone concerned about the safety of their computer.
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- Andrea Dilea
