2 of 4

Write now Article Tools

Since Windows ME, the "System Restore" tool has been bailing us out of those mysterious situations where our computers just seem to stop working properly. Not because of a hardware problem, or because we've thrown our computer out the window or spilled coffee down its keyboard, but because of some other mysterious occurrence that we just can't seem to get to the bottom of. System Restore is an important and well-loved tool that allows you to restore your computer's state back to a point where it did work properly, without losing your data. System Restore has been kept around in Windows Vista, and in this article I will discuss how to use it to restore your operating system to an earlier point, as well as how to set restore points yourself.

"Restore Points" are created when your operating system is updated, when software is installed or un-installed, when a new driver is installed, when these points are manually created, or at certain intervals when your operating system decides to create one. In Vista, these points are allowed to take up to 15% of the available hard drive space, with older points being deleted to make room for newer ones. There also must be 300MB of hard drive space free for its use, and you must be logged in as a user with Admin. rights in order to use the tool (3).

In Windows Vista, there is more than one way to access System Restore in order to perform a restore. One method is to navigate to it using Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, System Restore. If you see a "user account control" window, click Continue and you will arrive at the System Restore screen (3). There will be an option there for a recommended restore point, or you can choose to select a different restore point. Make your choice and click Next. If you have chosen to select a different restore point, you will see a list of available ones to choose from. Click Next after doing this and you will see a window showing the restore point you have chosen, and you can click Finish to begin the restore process (or "Back" to choose a different restore point).

After clicking Finish, you will see a window asking you whether you are sure you would like to perform the system restore. Click Yes to begin the restore - it may take a few minutes and your computer will reboot once it has finished. A message will come up telling you that your system has been restored to an earlier point and showing you the details. If you are unsatisfied with the results, you can go back into the

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Using Windows Vista System Restore?
We want to hear your view. Write now!