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Restore Points: How to Create

Windows Me and XP both have a built-in utility, called System Restore, that allows you to turn back the clock to a point in time when birds were singing, the sun was shining, and your computer was running smoothly. System Restore is invaluable if you have ever had the experience of fiddling with your computer's settings or becoming overly adventuresome and installing a new software program, only to discover that your computer just doesn’t work the same thereafter.

So if you've ever been in the position of saying, "Heaven's to Betsy, I wish I hadn't done that," – or even something stronger than that -- welcome to the club! The System Restore utility was created specifically with people like you and me in mind.


How System Restore Works

System Restore takes a snapshot of your computer's configurations, files, settings, and data. It then compresses this snapshot and stores it on your hard drive, creating a "restore point" that you can turn to in times of computer trouble. The restore point is, essentially, an exact copy of all of your important System files at a specific point in time to which you can return at any time. Oh, if only we had the opportunity to create restore points in life. But I digress…


Creating Restore Points in Windows ME: (XP instructions appear below)

1. Click Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore.

2. Select Create a Restore Point, then click Next.

3. In the Restore Point Description box, type in a name for your restore point such as JULY4_2PM or 070403_1400. Be creative!

4. Click Next > OK.


Returning to a Restore Point in Windows ME

Once you have restore points (you can have more than one) configured, it's easy to use to them. And don't worry about losing data, documents or e-mail messages because System Restore does NOT alter your personal files. Plus, you also have the option of reversing any changes that System Restore makes to your computer. It's more safety than wearing a belt and suspenders!

1. Click Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore.

2. Select Restore My Computer to an Earlier Time, then click Next.

3. In the calendar, any date in boldface has a restore point associated with it. Click the date to which you want to restore.

4. Click the restore point description, followed by Next.

5. Make sure you have closed all open files and running programs on your computer, then click OK > Next close and exit.

Your system will then travel back in time to its configuration at the time of the Restore Point you established. Enjoy the sunshine and the singing birds.



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Creating Restore Points in Windows XP:

1. Click Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore.

2. Select Create a Restore Point, then click Next.

3. In the Restore Point Description box, type in a name for your restore point such as JULY4_2PM or 070403_1400. Be creative!

4. Click the Create button.

The date and time of the restore point, as well as your description, will appear on screen. Click the Close button.

Returning to a Restore Point in Windows XP

1. Click Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore.

2. Select Restore My Computer to an Earlier Time, then click Next.

3. In the calendar, any date in boldface has a restore point associated with it. Click the date to which you want to restore.

4. In the list of available restore points (if there are multiple restore points available), click the desired restore point, followed by Next.

5. Follow the instructions that appear on-screen.

In the unlikely event the restoration doesn't help, you can run System Restore again, then either undo the last restoration or return the system to an even earlier date.

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