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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Posted by Bob Rankin on March 29, 2006 08:26 PM
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Article information: AskBobRankin -- System Restore (Posted: March 29, 2006 08:26 PM)
Printed from: http://askbobrankin.com/system_restore.html
Copyright © 2005 - Bob Rankin - All Rights Reserved
Most recent comments on "System Restore"
(See all 107 comments for this article.)Posted by:
Shane
17 Feb 2009
Hello, I recently did a system restore for my computer, and I noticed that I seem to have less space on my hard drive then I did before. I have so much less that I am unable to install one of my favorite games anymore. I've already gone through and deleted all my restore points to start anew with a new point, but there's still not enough memory. I'm wondering where the rest of that memory could have gone (other than the applications and program files I have on there already)?
EDITOR'S NOTE: See http://askbobrankin.com/clean_hard_drive.html and look for the link to JdiskReport.
Posted by:
user
05 May 2009
Will system restore restore back the deleted User Account in WinXP?
EDITOR'S NOTE: I would think so, try and report back here!
Posted by:
melissa
06 May 2009
Ok here is my issue. I did a registary cleaner and now my pc freezes up on me. I tried to do a system restore to the previous day but when i click the next button to actually get the restore to perform nothing happens. It just will not work. HELP wut can i do to fix this my hubby is starting to get annoyed with my pc issues.
Posted by:
leon jenkins
24 Jul 2009
Restore points are great, but I found this software called Returnil Virtual System which actually let's you install a program to test whether it works fine or not. If not, you can just restart your machine and the program is gone. How cool is that? :)
Posted by:
Jazz
12 Aug 2009
Hi Bob....I don't have any restore points. I don't see the calendar, so I can't go back! What has happened? I was looking in "Services" earlier today (from your newsletter)and clicked on a header. I saw everything change...clicked on it again, and it was reversed. I also have one program that the shortcut won't recognize after a reboot. I wonder if an entry has been disabled. I would prefer to do a restore, but I can't. Any suggestions? Thanks!
Posted by:
Joseph
21 Sep 2009
Hi Bob, How can I restore my computer to early date (about 3 months back)? As the date of my system restore can only back to August 2009. Thanks!
EDITOR'S NOTE: If the date doesn't show up in the System Restore calendar, then you're out of luck. Older restore points are deleted to make room for new ones.
Posted by:
Ann K
23 Sep 2009
I downloaded Registry Patrol an it messed my computer all up. I could not use the internet and could not use System Restore because it will not open. We fixed the problem of the internet but cannot open System Restore. What can I do???? HELP
Posted by:
David K
24 Sep 2009
Hi Bob: I've tried system restore several times and it always lets me choose the restore point, shows a progress bar like something is happening, re-boots, but then gives me a message window that says the restore failed and "no changes have been made to your computer..." What's happening??
EDITOR'S NOTE: I'm not sure what causes that. Are you very tight on hard drive space?
Posted by:
Snert
24 Sep 2009
System Restore stinks on ice, twice.
Take the freebie Erunt for a whirl.
I did and I will never go back to System Restore.
Posted by:
Ronald
29 Oct 2009
Hi Bob: Since I am using AVG restoring is impossible
Why?