Using Microsoft® Windows® System Restore

The Microsoft Windows XP operating system provides a System Restore feature that allows you to return your computer to an earlier operating state if changes to the computer's hardware, software (including new hardware or program installations), or system settings have left the computer in an undesirable operating state. You can also undo the last system restore.

System Restore automatically creates system checkpoints. You can also manually create your own checkpoints by creating restore points. To limit the amount of hard disk space used, older restore points will be automatically purged.

To resolve an operating system problem, you can use System Restore from Safe Mode or Normal Mode to return your computer to an earlier operating state.

System Restore does not cause you to lose personal files stored in the My Documents folder, data files, or e-mail messages after restoring the computer to an earlier time. If you restore the computer to an operating state that existed before you installed a program, the program's data files are not lost, but you must reinstall the actual program again.

NOTICE: It is important to make regular backups of your data files. System Restore does not monitor changes to or recover your data files. If the original data on the hard disk is accidentally erased or overwritten, or if it becomes inaccessible because of a hard disk malfunction, use your backup files to recover the lost or damaged data.

System Restore is enabled on your new computer. However, if you reinstall Windows XP with less than 200 MB of free hard-disk space available, System Restore is automatically disabled. Before you use System Restore, confirm that it is enabled:

1.Click the Start button and click Control Panel.

2.Click the Performance and Maintenance.

3.Click System.

4.Click the System Restore tab.

5.Ensure that Turn off System Restore is not checked.

Creating a Restore Point

In Windows XP, you can either use the System Restore Wizard or manually create a restore point.

Using the System Restore Wizard

To use the System Restore Wizard, click the Start button, click Help and Support, click System Restore, and then follow the instructions in the System Restore Wizard window. You can also create and name a restore point if you are logged on as the computer administrator or a user with administrator rights.

Manually Creating a Restore Point

1.Click the Start button, point to All Programs

AccessoriesSystem Tools, and then click System Restore.

2.Click Create a restore point.

3.Click Next.

4.Type a name for the new restore point in the Restore point description field.

The present date and time are automatically added to the description of the new restore point.

5.Click Create.

6.Click OK.

Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State

If problems occur after installing a device driver, first try using Device Driver Rollback. If Device Driver Rollback does not resolve the problem, then use System Restore.

NOTICE: Before restoring the computer to an earlier operating state, save and close all open files and exit all open programs. Do not alter, open, or delete any files or programs until the system restoration is complete.

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Dell D600 Using Microsoft Windows System Restore, Creating a Restore Point, Click the Performance and Maintenance