IT Professionals

Use Windows Vista’s System Restore Part II

Posted by on Mar 19, 2009 | 4 Comments

Windows Vista’s System Restore tool lets you to return your computer to a previous state. For example, if I install a new application that my computer does not agree with, I can easily restore my computer to the state it was in before the application was installed, without having to reinstall Windows Vista.

The System Restore tool does not affect folders or files. You can restore your system without losing your documents, email, personalized settings, etc. The only thing that is not protected is the desktop. If you have any important files on your desktop you should move them to the Documents folder before running the tool.

Assuming that you have manually created a restore point (as described in Part I) or let Vista create them automatically, you can use System Restore to fix your computer. The tool is simple to use as a wizard walks you through the entire process, making it a tool that even novice users can do.

You can find the System Restore utility by clicking Start | All Programs | Accessories | System Tools | System Restore. The System Restore wizard appears to walk you through the restore process. Click Next. Confirm the restore point and click Finish. Windows Vista restore your computer using the most recent restore point (or using the restore point you select).

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  • David

    I must say I admire your confidence in system restore. It invariably doesn’t work for me, usually coming up with: “Your computer cannot be restored to xxxxxx. No changes have been made”. In fact, I’m really taken aback when it DOES work. Am I alone in this?

  • Anonymous

    Call of duty comes out every 12 months, not 6.

    • http://twitter.com/MattRyan Matt Ryan

      Full releases, yes. Thanks for pointing that out. The overprices expansion packs and other extras are what they expect people to spend more money on every 3-6 months.

  • http://twitter.com/MattRyan Matt Ryan

    Minecraft has an unusual release system. There are beta releases prior to official updates leading up to what’s considered an official release. If I’m mistaken, thanks for pointing that out. Still, there’s something strange about calling a program unofficially released when more people are playing it (and paying money for it) than most major brand releases.