Filter
Top Products
Event-Triggered Restore Points
Event-triggered restore points are created before key changes are made to the system. System Restore
automatically creates a restore point before the following events:
Application installations — System Restore creates a restore point before you install an application
program designed for Windows XP. You may wish to create a manual restore point before attempting to
install an older program.
AutoUpdate installation — When you choose to install the update, System Restore creates a restore
point before the actual installation of the update begins.
Restore operation — The restore operation itself also creates a restore point for undo purposes.
Microsoft Backup Utility recovery — Before Microsoft Backup Utility (only available in Windows XP
Professional) performs a backup recovery, System Restore creates a restore point.
Unsigned driver installation — The INF installer of Windows detects unsigned device-driver
installations. Drivers that are signed (electronically certified by the device manufacturer) do not
generate a restore point.
Manual Restore Points
If you are logged on to the computer as computer administrator or as a user with administrator rights, you
may create and name an on-demand restore point. (For information on types of user accounts, see "How to
Add Users.") This is useful to create a checkpoint to return to before making a particularly risky change,
before leaving a shared system to other users, or at a particular state you believe is optimal.
To create a restore point, perform the following steps:
1. Click the Start button, point to All Programs—> Accessories—> System Tools, and then
click System Restore.
2. Select Create a restore point and click Next>.
3. Type a description of the restore point and click Create.
The date and time are automatically added to the description of the new restore point.
Restore Process
As the computer is used over time, restore points are collected in the archive without any management or
intervention. If you encounter operating system problems, you can use the System Restore feature to select
any of the restore points presented through the System Restore Wizard.
If problems occur after installing a device driver, you should first attempt to use Driver Rollback. If that is
unsuccessful, then use System Restore.
To return your computer to a previous, stable condition, perform the following steps: