How to Perform a Windows XP System Restore

Learn how to make a system checkpoint, useful for any future need. Also, learn how to restore your system using these checkpoints. You just never know when a bad software/hardware installation or virus will permanently cripple your operating system.

Before we begin, let's make sure System Restore is turned on in order to make any future use of it. Go to Start>Settings>Control Panel. Click on the "System" icon. Click on the "System Restore" tab. Make sure that the option to "Turn off system restore on all drives" is unchecked. You can also enable/disable system monitoring on individual drives from this screen.

--== CREATING CHECKPOINT ==--

Creating a checkpoint allows your system to restore all settings to any particular date you created it. Go to Start>Programs>Accessories>system tools>System Restore. From this screen, choose the option "Create a restore point." Next, give your restore point a meaningful description for future use. Click "Create". Enjoy!

--== RESTORING SYSTEM ==--

If Windows ever gets a severe problem, you can always go back to this checkpoint when stability was at its best. Launch the System Restore utility as described above. Click on "Restore my computer to an earlier time." Click Next. You will be given the choice to choose any checkpoint manually created by you, or created by Windows itself. When ready, click Next, and eventually Windows will load the checkpoint of your choice.

Sometimes restoring your system can be nearly impossible, depending on the severity of your issue. You may not be able to even launch such a task from your normal Windows session. In case this ever occurs, restart your computer, and hit the F8 key early in the booting process. You will be shown a special troubleshooting menu. Among them, there is "Safe Mode", which launches a Windows session with minimal settings and services. This will greatly increase your chances of launching the System Restore tool successfully.

Before having to use it because of any particular issue, think backwards. Ask yourself: What did I possibly install recently that crippled my system like this? If you believe you have the answer to your problem, try uninstalling any recent program, or restoring any software/hardware changes you made to your system.

If your system is restored, any application or major changes you had made to your computer will be lost between the time of your checkpoint, and the time of the actual restore.