If you are experiencing problems with your computer and are using Windows XP, you may choose to restore your system in order to attempt to fix these problems. Oftentimes, new software installations or viruses can cause your Window XP system to become unstable or to operate improperly. When these issues strike, you can correct most of them by simply restoring your computer system. The good news is that this entire process is very simple and that you do not need to have any special skills in order to carry out the task.
Behind the Scenes with Windows XP
Windows XP actually creates “restore points” on your computer according to predetermined times or when certain events take place. For instance, most Windows XP computers will create a “restore point” every time you add new software to your computer or every time you update your existing software.
If you want to set up different restore points, you can even go into your settings and can set up specific times or days for your computer to set these restore points.
When you begin to experience issues with your computer, you just need to go back to these restore points and can choose a day and time prior to the time that you began to experience these issues. You can then restore Window XP completely to this chosen time to correct your current computer issues.
This is how you restore Windows XP:
Step #1 – You will need to first log in as the System Administrator. If you have not set up different individual accounts on your computer system, then you would automatically be the default System Administrator.
Step #2 - Shut down all programs on your computer.
Step #3 - Go to START? All Programs ? Accessories? System Tools? System Restore.
Step #4 - The System Restore module will open and you will be presented with various options. On the first screen choose the option that reads: Restore My Computer To An Earlier Time. You will then need to click the NEXT button.
Step #5 - You will then be taken to a screen that asks you to choose a “restore point.” Simply click on any day that is in BOLD wherein you did not experience the issues that you are experiencing now. Then click NEXT.
Step #6 – The system will then ask you to confirm that you wish to restore your computer to this date and time. You can then click the NEXT button through the rest of these options.
Your computer will then begin to restore itself. It will also restart. Once the system has booted back up, it will tell you if your system restore was successful or if it failed. If it was successful, you can simply start using your computer again without being plagued by earlier issues.
If the system restore failed, simply click on the HOME button and choose another restore date to attempt to restore the system again.
If you continue to experience problems beyond this point when it comes to restoring Windows XP, you will have to contact Microsoft Support in order to rectify your issues. You should know however that System Restore generally works 95% of the time for restoring Windows XP back to a previous functional state.
