Microsoft System Restore

Microsoft Windows Vista includes a feature that enables you to restore your computer configuration to that of a previous time when the current software problem did not exist. The feature does this by creating a restore point where it records the computer settings at that time and date.

When a new program is installed, the operating system automatically creates a restore point before it adds the new software. You can also set restore points manually.

If you experience a problem that you think may be due to software on your computer, use System Restore to return the computer to a previous restore point.

NOTE: Always use this System Restore procedure before you use the System Recovery program.

To start a System Restore:

1Close all open programs.

2Click the Windows Vista start button, All Programs, and then click Accessories.

3Choose System Tools, System Restore, and then click Next.

4Follow the onscreen instructions.

To manually add restore points:

1Close all open programs.

2Click the Windows Vista start button, and then Control Panel.3Click System and Maintenance, and then System.4Click System protection.

5Under Automatic Restore Points, select the disk for which you want to create a restore point.

6Click Create.

7Follow the onscreen instructions.

For more information about software restore points:

1Click the Windows Vista start button, and then click Help and Support.

2Type system restore in the Search box, and then click Search.

Software Program and Hardware Driver Reinstallation

If an individual factory-installed software program or hardware driver is damaged, you can reinstall it by using the Recovery Manager program (select models only).

NOTE: Do not use the Recovery Manager program to reinstall software programs that came on CDs or DVDs included in the computer box. Reinstall these programs directly from the CDs or DVDs.

Before you uninstall a program, be sure you have a way to reinstall it. Check that it is still available from where you initially installed it (for example, discs or the Internet). Or check that the program is in the list of programs you can reinstall from the Recovery Manager.

To check the list of installable programs in the Recovery Manager:

1Click the Windows Vista start button, All Programs, PC Help & Tools, and then click Recovery Manager.

2Click Advanced Options, Reinstall software programs that came with your computer, and then click Next.

3Click Next at the Welcome screen.

A list of programs opens. Check whether your program is there.

Repairing Software Problems

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