System Restore
"Help! I downloaded a program that was supposed to remove spyware from my computer. But now I'm getting even MORE popups and my system freezes at random intervals. I tried to uninstall but can't find a way to get rid of this thing. What do you recommend?"
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Time Travel with System Restore
I feel your pain... unless you are very careful, you can download a new program or software update, then find that it makes your system unstable. Wouldn't it be nice if you could go back to a point in time when your computer was working? With System Restore, you can.
Think of System Restore as the Undo command for Windows. While your computer is on, System Restore takes regular snapshots of your Windows configuration, settings, and program files. These snapshots (known as "restore points") are stored on your hard disk so you can revert back to that point in the event of a computer emergency. Restore points are automatically created when new software is installed, when Windows Update applies changes, on a daily basis, and when you request a manual restore point. If you can remember the most recent time when your computer was working correctly, System Restore will roll back all system changes to that point.
Will I Lose Personal Files?
So what exactly does System Restore do? Let's start with what it doesn't do... System Restore WILL NOT remove or modify any personal data files such as word processor documents, spreadsheets, music & photos, web favorites, emails, etc. More specifically, files in the My Documents folder will never be touched. If you are unsure as to whether a file will be affected by System Restore, keep it in that folder. System Restore WILL affect your Windows system settings (the Windows Registry), protected system files, and recently installed software.
While System Restore can be a wonderful tool to get your computer back to a functioning state after a virus or spyware infestation, I strongly recommend that you use it only in such emergencies. If you have installed a program and suspect that it may be causing trouble, always try Add and Remove Programs in Control Panel first. I offer this caution because System Restore is a rather drastic measure. On the few occasions I've used it, System Restore did solve the problem at hand, but some minor things like fonts, wallpaper and desktop settings were altered. It also messed up my Internet Explorer toolbars, even though they were supposedly locked. Things like this (that I did notice) make me wonder if other unexpected or undesired changes were made as well.
Running System Restore
If your computer seems to be unstable, you've done a thorough anti-virus and anti-spyware scan, and you've been unable to remove any suspected software packages through Control Panel, give System Restore a try. To roll back your computer settings to a previously saved restore point:
When System Restore begins, the computer will restart, the hands on your wall clock will spin backwards, and a groovy technicolor swirl will envelope the room. You may hear an audible moan and see smoke rising from your computer as the hard drive grinds. And with a bit of luck your system will be restored to normal functioning.
Do you have experience with System Restore that you'd like to share? Post your comments below...
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Check out other articles in this category:Posted by Bob Rankin on March 29, 2006 08:26 PM
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Most recent comments on "System Restore"
(See all 85 comments for this article.)|
Posted by:
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I'm using a T2984 Emachines PC with XP(SP2) and am having problems. With the 'Vundo' or 'Virtumonde' virus-popups, emails, slowness, "oddities"(restarts, blank screens, etc.). I cannot get our computer to read the original 'factory' Restore DVD, and the virus won't come off any other way. Is there any other way to completely reset our computer to its ORIGINAL condition? EDITOR'S NOTE: What happens when you try the Restore disc? |
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When I use it, there is a sort-of grating sound. It will not open; must be corrupted. Is our only solution to buy a new one? EDITOR'S NOTE: It could be the disc or the drive. I'd try the disc in another computer to see if it can be read. |
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Posted by:
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Hi Bob, EDITOR'S NOTE: Sometimes anti-virus software will prevent System Restore from working. Try disabling it first. Also, users of Norton AntiVirus have had success after disabling the Auto Protect feature. |
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Posted by:
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when i go into system restore it displays a blank screen, I've noticed the same happends when i try to go into hotmail and also mcafee but other applications are fine. I tried to unistall mcafee but again I got a blank screen. any idea's EDITOR'S NOTE: Tell me what you mean by "blank screen"... Is the ENTIRE screen totally black, or white? Or just one window on the screen? |
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Posted by:
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Wonderful article, thanks. |
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Posted by:
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I am having problems with a blank home page and getting the pop ups regarding there being a "threat" to my system. I tried the system restore option but it says that there has been no changes to my system since that date and will not restore. Any other suggestions? Desperate EDITOR'S NOTE: Sounds like an adware or spyware problem. See http://askbobrankin.com/should_i_buy_antispyware_or_antivirus_software.html |
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Posted by:
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Plz guys i need ur help my system restore only states 1 date an its the date anfter i messed my computer up how can i make it go back if theres no other resto date? EDITOR'S NOTE: I think you're out of luck. Windows deletes restore points when hard disk space is low. |
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Posted by:
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I am having the exact same issue as myneer, some pages load fine, it seems like ones without JS - This all seems to have happened after removing mcafee - I cant run system restore as it just loads a blank screen - even in safe mode. I have also tried spyware and virus detection but no joy. Any ideas? EDITOR'S NOTE: Sounds like a Repair Install might help. Boot with the install CD, and follow prompts until you see a message asking if you want to repair your existing installation. |
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i have tried to get systen restore and all im getting is a blank white screen, needs help! EDITOR'S NOTE: You might have better luck if you try from Safe Mode. |
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Posted by:
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System Restore depends on a few Services being enabled. (In Vista, I believe Volume Shadow Copy is entailed.) If an OS is set up and subsequently modified, SysRe might simply be missing a few of its close friends. In a default setup, SysRe "always" works. System Restore is good within limitations. It can't follow partitions being modified. I think it is a real lifesaver for basic end-users. Often people who are more advanced get rid of it, because it won't help them with the kind of "advanced" mistakes they might make, anyway. Of course, NTREGOPT is one of the very best freeware programs available, and a lot of more savvy folk use it. Download the freeware ERUNT, and you'll get both dovetailing programs. These work on Vista too, although Vista will stop registry modifications unless you turn its user account control off. (Which I do; but then, that is another controversy.) If you're just not sure, use System Restore. If it doesn't work right, ask yourself if you've disabled anything in Services. If you're using Vista and SysRe takes a VERY VERY VERY LONG TIME, just let it; surprisingly, after forever, it might well do what you asked. |
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