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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 YOUR 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.
Tips:
Never turn off System Restore.
You will NOT lose any documents or that sort of information when restoring your system.
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.
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