At some point, you may install a program or make other changes to your computer that cause problems or interfere with its functionality. Using a restore point removes any changes that took place after the restore point was created. Your personal files, such as saved text documents and favorites or bookmarks in your Internet browser, will not be affected by using a restore point. Windows creates restore points automatically when certain events take place, such as installing a new program or driver. You can also make your own restore points at any time you wish.

Windows XP


1. Log into Windows under an account marked as an administrator. If the computer only has one account, that account probably has administrative privileges. If you are trying to use a restore point on a computer with multiple accounts, such as a work computer, you may need to talk to the person in charge of the office technology to gain access to an administrator account.


2. Click the Windows "Start" button. Move your mouse cursor over "All Programs," then over "Accessories." Move your cursor over "System Tools" and click "System Restore." This opens the "Welcome to System Restore" page.


3. Click on "Restore My Computer to an Earlier Time." Click the "Next" button. This takes you to the "Select a Restore Point" page.

4. Choose a restore point from the list titled "On this list, click a restore point." Most of the time, you'll want the most recent restore point. Click the "Next" button. If a message pops up that lists the changes using the restore point will make, click "OK."

5. Review the "Confirm Restore Point Selection" page to make sure you chose the correct restore point and wish to proceed. Click "Next." Windows will automatically restart your computer.

6. Log into Windows on an account with administrator privileges. Once Windows loads, you will see a "Restoration Complete" page confirming that the computer has been restored to its status as of the date and time of the restore point you selected. Click "OK."



Windows Vista or Windows 7



1. Type "restore" without the quotation marks into the Start menu search box. Select "System Restore" by double-clicking it in the "Programs" list.

2. Click the small circle next to "Recommended Restore" if you want to restore your computer back to the last restore point.

3. Click "OK" to confirm your restore point choice. The computer will automatically restart and undo any changes made after the date and time of the restore point

4. Click the small circle next to "Choose a Different Restore Point" if you want to use a restore point other than the most recent one.

5. Choose the restore point you want by double-clicking on it from the list of restore points. Click "OK" to confirm your selection. The computer will automatically restart and restore the computer to the state it was in as of the date and time of the restore point you selected.