System Restore

• System Restore is a safety feature that is built into Windows XP and later versions of the Windows operating system, such as Vista and Windows 7. You can use System Restore to roll back changes to your system that alter system files, drivers, registry keys and existing programs. System Restore allows you to undo changes to your computer in an effort to correct system problems that arise due to recent software installations. System Restore does not affect personal files, such as documents, photographs or email files.
  
  

System Restore Points

• System Restore has a built in System Protection feature that periodically saves a "restore point," which is comprehensive information about the current state of your system, including registry settings, drivers and software files. System Restore saves multiple restore points and the date each was created; you can select which restore point to use in troubleshooting your system.
  
  

Manual Restore Points

• You can create a restore point on a date of your own choosing by manually running the System Restore program. For example, before uploading a new driver or installing a new software program, you can create a system restore point to allow you to return your computer to its operational state just befofore the updates.
  
  

Running System Restore

• Click the "Start" button in the lower left corner of your screen, then click "All Programs," "Accessories," "System Tools" and "System Restore" to run the program. Select the date of the restore point you want to use to undo recent changes to your system.
  
  Alternatively, you can type "system restore" in the search box that opens after clicking "Start" to display a link to the System Restore feature.