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Use System Restore!
Basically, System Restore is like a little paparazzi 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
(paparazzo) 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.
In order to restore your computer just follow these simple steps:
1. Close any open programs.
2. Click on the Windows "Start" button (normally located on the
bottom of your computer desktop)
3. Click on "All Programs"
4. Click on "Accessories"
5. Click on "System Tools"
6. Then click on "System Restore"
7. At this point the System Restore wizard will launch. You will
have two options:
a. "Restore my system from an earlier date"
b. "Create a system restore point"
If you want to create a restore point choose "b."
If you do in fact need to restore your system and get it working correctly
again, select option "a" and click "Next."
8. On this screen you can select a date from the calendar that
you would like to try and restore from. So, if you knew that your
computer worked fine two days ago, just pick that date on the
calendar and click "Next."
9. The next screen is the confirmation window. Just verify the
information on the screen and click "Next." Windows XP will then
reboot and try to restore your system with the settings from the
date you selected.
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. If that didn't work then you should call your favorite
geek, what's that you don't have one? Unbelievable!
Now, on step 7b above, 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're 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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