Dell Dimension DMC - Using Microsoft Windows XP System Restore

Advanced Troubleshooting 47
Using Microsoft Windows XP System Restore
The Microsoft Windows XP operating system provides System Restore to allow you to return your
computer to an earlier operating state (without affecting data files) if changes to the hardware,
software, or other system settings have left the computer in an undesirable operating state. See the
Windows Help and Support Center for information on using System Restore. To access help, see
page 10.
NOTICE: Make regular backups of your data files. System Restore does not monitor your data files or
recover them.
NOTE: The procedures in this document were written for the Windows default view, so they may not
work if you set your Dell™ computer to the Windows Classic view.
Creating a Restore Point
1 Click the Start button and click Help and Support .
2 Click System Restore .
3 Follow the instructions on the screen.
Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State
If problems occur after you install a device driver, use Device Driver Rollback (see page 47) to
resolve the problem. If that is unsuccessful, then use System Restore.
NOTICE: Before you restore the computer to an earlier operating state, save and close any open files
and exit any open programs. Do not alter, open, or delete any files or programs until the system
restoration is complete.
1
Click the Start button, point to All Programs → Accessories → System Tools , and then click
System Restore .
2 Ensure that Restore my computer to an earlier time is selected and click Next .
3 Click a calendar date to which you want to restore your computer.
The
Select a Restore Point screen provides a calendar that allows you to see and select restore
points. All calendar dates with available restore points appear in boldface type.
4 Select a restore point and click Next .
If a calendar date has only one restore point, then that restore point is automatically selected.
If two or more restore points are available, click the restore point that you prefer.
5 Click Next .
The
Restoration Complete screen appears after System Restore finishes collecting data and
then the computer restarts.
6 After the computer restarts, click OK .
To change the restore point, you can either repeat the steps using a different restore point, or you
can undo the restoration.