Using System Restore in Windows XP to return to a previous configuration

Whenever you install a program, feature or upgrade within Windows XP you change the configuration of the operating system. Most of this configuration is held within a file called the system registry - for this document, you do not need to know much about the registry, but you do need to understand that it exists and is core to Windows being able to operate.

The registry is really a database that contains all the information about Windows and all the installed programs. It includes information like what files should be executed when a program is run, what files are needed for a program to run, and lots more. This is why programs are installed in Windows and not just copied onto your Hard Drive - installation not only copies the files but sets necessary information in the registry.

This is also why you cannot uninstall programs by deleting the program's files. Doing so will cause problems in Windows because the registry (and hence Windows) will think that the program is still installed on your computer.

Very occasionally, you might install a program and find that the computer stops working properly. Usually uninstalling the program will fix the problem, but sometimes the problem will persist, or you will be unable to uninstall the program (it may be a feature that was installed unknowingly) - in these situations System Restore can be a really useful tool.

Essentially System Restore allows you to return the configuration of Windows (including the registry) to a specific point in the past.

To run this tool click Start, All Programs, Accessories and System Tools to display the sub-menu containing the System Restore utility.

When you run the tool you will see a window similar to the following diagram.

From this window you can restore the system to a previous point or manually set a restore point of the current configuration.

To restore to an earlier point make sure this option is selected and click Next >.

The window will now look like the following picture.

Select a bold date in the calendar and a restore point in the list on the right, click Next > and follow the instructions, which will include rebooting the computer.