About System Restore

System Restore is Windows software that creates restore points, a "memory" of the system files and settings on the computer at a particular point in time. System Restore creates restore points automatically and you can create a restore point as needed.

When System Restore is used to restore the system, it replaces currently used files and settings with files and settings from another time. For example, after a new computer is started for the first time, a restore point is created. Two days later, several system files are accidentally removed causing Interent Explorer to stop working. With System Restore, you can restore the system back to the first day, fixing the problem.

If the problems do not go away or become worse after performing a system restore, you can use System Restore again to go back.

Creating a restore point

Windows Vista automatically creates restore points at regularly scheduled intervals and before many software installations.
If you would still like to create a restore point manually, use the following steps:

1. To be safe, backup any important files before creating a restore point.
2. Click Start , right-click Computer , and select Properties .
3. From the tasks pane on the left, click System Protection .
4. Select a disk from the list, usually (C:), and then click the Create button.
   Figure 1: System Protection tab

   
5. Enter a name that describes the restore point.
   Figure 2: Window for entering the restore point description

   
6. Click Create .
7. When finished, Windows opens a window stating that the restore point was created successfully.
   Figure 3: Success message

   

Restoring Windows to a previous point

If the computer stops working correctly, you can restore it to a previous point in time. Use the following steps to restore your computer’s configuration:

Step 1: Disable Virus Scanning protection

Malware scanning software can have built-in protection systems that prevent other software programs from altering their structure - including Windows System Restore. When System Restore is unable to use the files of the scanning software, System Restore fails and gives the following message:

Restoration Incomplete. Your computer cannot be restored ...

To successfully restore your system, temporarily disable virus scanning and the built-in protection. As an example, many HP and Compaq desktop computers come with Symantec Norton software. If your computer has Norton Internet Security, you can use the steps that follow to temporarily disable its built-in protection.

1. Open Norton Internet Security.
2. Click the Settings page to open and view the settings.
3. Click Virus and Spyware Protection options under the Additional Options section.
4. Remove the selection from Turn on protection for my Symantec product .
   Figure 9: Turn on protection for my Symantec product

   
5. After you have successfully completed a System Restore, repeat this procedure, selecting Turn on protection for my Symantec product to make sure Norton is protected against threats.

Step 2: Enable System Restore

If System Restore does not work in Windows Vista, make sure that it is enabled and active. Use the following steps to make sure System Restore is enabled and active:

1. Click Start , right-click Computer , and select Properties .
2. From the tasks pane on the left, click System Protection .
3. Make sure that the main drive, usually (C:), is selected in the Automatic restore points section:
   Figure 10: Main drive with System Restore enabled

   

Step 3: Using System Restore from Safe Mode

Use the following steps to open and use System Restore in Windows Vista safe mode:

1. Turn on the computer and immediately press the F8 key repeatedly until a startup menu opens.
2. From the Advanced Boot Options Menu select Safe Mode and press Enter .
3. Once the Windows desktop opens, open System Restore from the Start menu.

After System Restore is finished, update computer software as follows:
Update the system virus definitions. For more information, go to the Resolving and Preventing Viruses on Your Computer page.
Get the latest critical system updates using Microsoft's Windows update