Restoring Computer Settings
Windows Vista is a reliable operating system, but any time you make changes to your computer, such as adding or removing software and hardware, you run the risk of causing problems with your operating system. To alleviate potential problems, you can use System Restore, a program installed with Windows Vista, to undo harmful changes to your computer and restore its settings. System Restore returns your computer system, but not your personal files, to an earlier time, before the changes were made to your computer, called a restore point. As you work with your computer, System Restore monitors your changes and creates restore points on a daily basis or at important system events, but you can also create your own restore point at any time. If you have recently performed a system restoration, you can use System Restore to undo your most recent restoration. System Restore is turned on by default when you install Windows Vista, but you can turn it off or change System Restore options. However, you need at least 300 MB of free space on each hard disk.
Set System Protection
Click the Start button, and click the Control Panel.
Double-click the System icon in Classic view.
In the left pane, click the System Protection.
Select the check box next to the disk you want to protect and restore.
Click OK.
Click the Close button.
Did You Know?You can start System Restore from a command prompt. At the command prompt, type rstrui.exe, and then press Enter. |
Restore the System
Close all programs and make sure no one else is logged on to the computer.
Click the Start button, point to All Programs, click Accessories, click System Tools, and then click System Restore.
Click the Recommended restore or Choose a different restore point option.
Click Next to continue.
If you are choosing a restore point, select it, and then click Next to continue.
Review the restore point information, and then click Finish.
Wait for the system to be restored, and log on when prompted.
When it’s done, click OK, and then click the Close button.
Click the 
Double-click the 
In the left pane, click the 
Click 
Type a restore point name.
Click 
When it’s done, click