6. Windows XP's System Restore Facility

If your Windows system has suddenly started misbehaving, for example after you perform a software installation or update, the Windows System Restore facility lets you restore the system to a previous state. System Restore automatically creates Restore Points whenever you install or update your system. You can also, if you wish, manually create additional Restore Points at any time.

Note that performing a System Restore will only affect Windows system and application files. It will not change any of your own files or documents.

If you are unable to start up your XP system normally, you can try running System Restore with Windows running in Safe Mode as described above.

To restore your system to a previous Restore Point:

  1. Log on to Windows as Administrator (or as any other administrator-level user).
  2. Click [Start] then [Help and Support] then [Performance and Maintenance] then [Using System Restore to undo changes] then [Run the System Restore Wizard].
  3. On the Welcome to System Restore screen, select Restore my computer to an earlier time (if it is not already selected), and then click Next.
  4. On the [Select a Restore Point] screen, click the most recent system checkpoint in the On this list, click a restore point list, and then click Next.
  5. A System Restore message may appear that lists the configuration changes that System Restore will make. Click OK.
  6. On the Confirm Restore Point Selection screen, click Next. System Restore restores the previous Windows XP configuration, and then restarts the computer.
  7. Log on to the computer as Administrator or other administrator-level user. The System Restore Restoration Complete screen appears.
  8. Click OK.

If performing a System Restore did not solve your problems, the you could try the Windows Repair Installation described below.

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