System Restore is one of the handiest features in Windows. It lets you roll your machine back to an earlier point in time. Your data is not affected, just your Windows configuration. It can be a lifesaver when dealing with a computer problem.
I have a tip on my site that covers XP's System Restore . If you're using Vista, keep reading!
To access System Restore, click Start>>All Programs>>Accessories>> System Tools>>System Restore.
System Restore will present you with a few options. First, you can select the recommended restore point. This is the last restore point created on the machine. For it, select "Recommended restore."
You can also use an earlier restore point. Select "Choose a different restore point." This screen also lets you create restore points. I'll have more on that in a minute.
Once you've made your selection, click Next. You'll see a list of available restore points. The list that appears by default is limited to five days of restore points. But, you can see more, if you choose. Click "Show restore points older than 5 days."
You don't need to select blindly. A brief description appears next to each restore point. You should see the event that triggered each. Select one and click Next.
On the next screen, click Finish. This will restart your computer. So, make sure all your programs are closed before proceeding.
Windows creates restore points periodically. For example, it creates them when you boot your machine or install new software. They're also created before updates and hardware drivers are installed.
You can also create a restore point on your own, if you wish. To do this, click Start>>All Programs>>Accessories>>System Tools>>System Restore.
Click "open System Protection." In the dialog box that opens, click Create on the system Protection tab. Click Apply and OK. Your restore point is created.
Now, Windows only provides a limited amount of space for restore points. Once the limit is reached, it starts deleting them, oldest ones first.
By default, System Restore can use 15 percent of hard drive space. You can alter this via the Command Prompt. However, I discourage this. You should be fine with the allotted space. And you can create problems if you misuse the command prompt.
If you run out of room, you can easily free up space. Disable and re-enable system restore. This wipes out the restore points.
To disable system restore, click Start>>All Programs>>Accessories>> System Tools>>System Restore. On the screen that opens, click "open System Protection."
In the list of available discs, deselect your hard drive. Click Apply. Then, reselect it, and click Apply>>OK.