System Restore

Restore the Operating System to a Previous State in Windows XP

This article describes how to use the System Restore tool to return your computer to a previous working state. System Restore takes a "snapshot" of critical system files and some program files and stores this information as restore points. You can use these restore points to return Windows XP to a previous state.

If Windows does not start

If Windows does not start, restart Windows by using the Last Known Good Configuration feature:

• Start the computer and then press the F8 key when Windows begins to start. The Windows Advanced Options menu appears.
• Use the ARROW keys to select Last Known Good Configuration (your most recent settings that worked), and then press ENTER.
If a boot menu appears, use the ARROW keys to select Microsoft Windows XP, and then press ENTER. Windows XP restores the computer to the most recent restore point.

If Windows XP Does Start

• Log on to Windows as Administrator.
• Click Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore. System
Restore starts.

• 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.
• On the Select a Restore Point page, click the most recent system checkpoint in the on this list, click a restore point list, and then click Next. A System Restore message may appear that lists configuration changes that System Restore will make.
• Click OK.
• On the Confirm Restore Point Selection page, click Next. System Restore restores the previous Windows XP configuration, and then restarts the computer.
• Log on to the computer as Administrator. The System Restore Restoration Complete page appears.
• Click OK.

Troubleshooting

You may inadvertently restore Windows XP to a previous configuration that you do not want.

To undo the restoration:

• Log on to Windows as Administrator.
• Click Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore. System
Restore starts.
• On the Welcome to System Restore page, click Undo my last restoration, and then click Next. A System Restore message may appear that lists configuration changes that System Restore will make.
• Click OK.
• On the Confirm Restoration Undo page, click Next. System Restore restores the original Windows XP configuration, and then restarts the computer.
• Log on to the computer as Administrator. The System Restore Undo Complete page appears.
• Click OK.

Create Your Own Restore Points

Windows XP makes it easy for you to take a snapshot of critical system files before you make any major changes, such as installing new software, adding hardware devices, or changing the registry. (Windows XP automatically creates system restore points, called system checkpoints, but you can create your own to make it even easier to recover your system in case of a failure.) Note that using restore points doesn't affect your personal files, such as the My Documents or Favorites folders.

• Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click System Restore.
• In the System Restore dialog box, click Create a restore point, and then click Next.
• Type a description for your restore point, such as "Before Office XP", then click Create.
• If your system fails, press F8 in the boot menu, and then click Last known good configuration. Windows XP restores your system to the most recent restore point.