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.
- Log on to Windows as Administrator.
- Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click 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.
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, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click 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.