System Restore - How to Repair your System

Wed, 06/30/2010 - 11:22 — Maximilian

Last time I've shared what System Restore is and how to create a restore point. Now, it is time to share how to use this utility to restore your computer to a previously working state.

Restore your System to a Previous State

First off all, access System Restore as shown in What is System Restore and How to Create a Restore Point. Press Next to proceed.

NOTE: If Windows 7 won’t boot, follow the steps described in the first article of the series, System Recovery Options for Windows 7.

In the next window, you have a list of available restore points. Choose the restore point you want to use and press Next.

You also have the 'Scan for affected programs' button that enables you to view the programs and drivers which where installed after you've made the restore point.

Pressing it, generates a quick scan process, as shown below.

When the scan is complete, you can see a list of programs and drivers that will be deleted if you use that restore point. Also, you have a list of the programs that might be affected by the changes made on restoration. Write down this list and, if you need any of the programs and drivers which will get deleted after the restore process, install them manually after the restore process.

If you've done the scan, don't forget to click on Close and on Next, back in the System Restorewindow.

In the final window you will have to confirm the restore action. Press Finish to proceed.

A similar message to the one below will be displayed, which informs you about the progress of the operation.

Finally, after the restoration is successfully performed, a confirmation box is shown. Click on Closeand you are done.

The system is now restored to the version you selected. Any lost programs and drivers, will need to be installed separately, after you login with you username and password.

Conclusion

As you can see, using System Restore to make your system functional again is pretty easy. For more information about recovery options, check the articles recommended below. As always, fell free to leave a comment if you encounter any problems.