System Restore is a useful built-in Windows tool that can help fix many common computer problems and crashes. It allows you to revert your system to an earlier point in time, called a restore point, undoing changes that may have caused issues. Here is an in-depth look at using System Restore to troubleshoot computer problems:
What Is System Restore And How Does It Work?
System Restore monitors changes made to Windows system files, settings, and programs. It periodically creates restore points – snapshots of your system’s state that you can revert to later. These restore points allow you to undo problematic changes that may be causing crashes or other issues.
Some key facts about System Restore:
- It is enabled by default in Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10. You can check if it’s enabled by going to Start > Control Panel > System > System Protection.
- Restore points are created automatically – before significant system events like installing drivers or Windows updates. You can also create manual restore points.
- It does NOT affect personal files – like documents, music, photos, etc. It only monitors system files and settings.
- You can revert to any previous restore point – useful for undoing problematic changes and crashes.
So in summary, System Restore lets you restore earlier versions of system files, settings and programs as a troubleshooting tool.
When To Use System Restore
Some common situations when System Restore can help resolve problems:
- After a new software installation or driver update that causes crashes or issues.
- After a Windows update goes wrong and causes problems.
- If you’re experiencing random system crashes or blue screen errors.
- If some Windows components like internet connectivity, audio, display, etc. suddenly stop working.
- If you suspect spyware, malware or other system changes have damaged Windows.
System Restore is most useful as an immediate “undo” button for problematic changes – restoring an earlier working state.
How To Use System Restore
Using System Restore to fix problems involves 3 key steps:
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Create a restore point (optional): Before making major system changes, create a new restore point as a safe “snapshot” to revert to.
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Boot into Safe Mode: Restart your PC and boot into Safe Mode. This loads a minimal version of Windows to avoid any third-party conflicts.
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Run System Restore: In Safe Mode, access System Restore and choose a restore point to revert to, before the issues occurred.
Let’s look at these steps in more detail:
Step 1: Create A Manual Restore Point
Before making major changes like installing drivers, creating a manual restore point is a smart precaution. This creates a clean “snapshot” to revert to if issues emerge later.
To create a manual restore point:
- Go to Start > Control Panel > System > System Protection
- Click “Create” and add a description like “Before driver update”
- Click Create again
This will create a manual restore point as a safe version to revert to if needed later.
Step 2: Boot Into Safe Mode
Safe Mode loads a minimal version of Windows, avoiding third-party apps and software. This isolates System Restore from other conflicts.
To enter Safe Mode (Windows 10 example):
- Go to Start > Hold Shift and click Restart
- On the boot screen, choose “Troubleshoot” > “Advanced Options” > “Startup Settings” > “Restart”
- After your PC restarts, select Safe Mode on the startup settings screen
Booting into Safe Mode limits any third-party interference with System Restore.
Step 3: Run System Restore From Safe Mode
Finally, from within Safe Mode you can access and run System Restore:
- Click Start > Type “rstrui” > Launch System Restore
- Click “Next” and choose a restore point prior to the issues
- Click “Scan for affected programs” – this checks for impacted software
- Click “Close” > “Next” > “Finish” to confirm and restart
After your PC reboots, it will be restored to the selected restore point – undoing problematic changes.
Tips For Using System Restore
- Create manual restore points before major system changes as a precaution.
- If you have malware, run antivirus scans after restoring to check for infections.
- You can create multiple restore points – useful before each significant update.
- Limit software installations when issues emerge to simplify restore point selection.
- If a recent restore point doesn’t fix issues, try an older restore point.
- You can enable “System Protection” on secondary drives to backup their files too.
Summary
In summary, System Restore is a very handy Windows tool to quickly undo problematic OS changes that are causing crashes or issues. By reverting your system to an earlier restore point, you can swiftly resolve many common computer problems. It’s easy to use – just create restore points at key times, boot to Safe Mode, and choose a restore point to roll back to. With some basic precautions, System Restore can be your first line of defense against many Windows issues.
