Windows Xp System Restoration Tips For Beginners
Often after we make changes to our computer, we will be ready to do our work and find out there is a problem with the computer. These problems can make it impossible to do schoolwork, business reports, or other tasks. Often, we can use the System Restore function in Microsoft Windows XP to go back to a point when the computer was working properly.
Basically, System Restore is like a little hound that runs behind the scenes taking "snapshots" of various parts of the Microsoft Windows XP operating system. So, if a part of Microsoft Windows XP stops working one day, the System Restore utility is able to reference one of the "snapshots" it took and restore your system from a previous day (a day when your computer worked). It's kind of like going back in time to a day when your computer worked. All your current data (Microsoft Word files, etc.) are still retained, so you don't have to worry about losing any present day files.
To restore your computer, initiate the following steps: First, close any open programs. Next, click on the Windows "Start" button, normally located on the bottom left-hand corner of your computer desktop. Click on "All Programs" at the bottom of the screen. Go to "Accessories". Now click on "System Tools" and click on "System Restore". The System Restore Wizard will appear and launch. Your two options are to "Restore my system from an earlier date" or "Create a system restore point."
To restore your system to proper working order, first select option A and then click on "next." This will bring you to a screen with a calendar on it, which will allow you to select the date of the backup file you want to restore your system from. If your computer worked OK two days ago, for example, choose that date on the calendar and click "next." The next screen allows you to confirm the information you have supplied, so verify that data and then click "next" again. That will allow Windows XP to reboot and attempt to restore your system with the selected backup file.
The System Restore process can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes depending on how much reconfiguration Windows XP needs to do and how fast of a PC you have. When System Restore is done, a screen will popup with the results of the restore. If it was successful, you can then log into the system and start using the computer again. Any quirky issues that you were having are now hopefully gone.
I mentioned the "Create a system restore point" option. This option is for when you want to force Windows XP to take a snapshot of your system just before you install a program or alter any system settings that you are not sure of. It is like a safety net for when you install any internet programs (sometimes riddled with spyware) or system drivers (video, audio, etc). If you want to revert back to a virgin state just create a restore point "before" installing any software. This way, if your machine starts acting weird, you can just restore your settings from the selected point. With a little practice, the System Restore utility is easy to use and a great way to help ensure the safety of your computer.
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