What is System Restore?
Accidents happen. You may not know what changed, but suddenly your computer no longer runs correctly. The desktop is a mess or a program no longer runs or another severe symptom appeared.
Perhaps you just installed a new program and it's not compatible with Windows Vista.
Perhaps you installed new hardware and it's not compatible.
Or, although it is rare, updates can cause problems.
If this happens to you, run System Restore to return to the last known good configuration.
1. Run System Restore.
Follow the start menu: Start → All Programs → Accessories → System Tools → System Restore
- or -
Use search: Type 'system restore' - you can search right on the start menu.
2. User Account Control will ask your permission to continue. Click the Continue button.
3. You will be presented with multiple restore points including the one just created when you updated.
In this example, updates were performed at 9:36. A new problem appeared after that. We don't want that one.
The previous restore point, 8:55, was created during an automatic update. All was well after that so it's a good choice.
4. Pick the best restore point with a single-click to highlight it.
5. Click the Next button and follow the remaining prompts.
6. After the restart, restoration may need a couple of minutes to finish. This may not be visible.
Therefore, after restarting and logging in, be patient. Give Windows a couple of minutes to settle down.
Maintained by Brien G. Muller
IT Help Desk, Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, NY
Updated: 03/20/2007