System Restore helps you restore your computers system files to an earlier point in time. Its a way to undo system changes to your computer without affecting your personal files, such as e-mail, documents, or photos.
Sometimes, the installation of a program or a driver can cause an unexpected change to your computer or cause Windows to behave unpredictably. Usually, uninstalling the program or driver corrects the problem. If uninstalling does not fix the problem, you can try restoring your computer's system to an earlier date when everything worked correctly.
System Restore uses a feature called System Protection to regularly create and save restore points on your computer. These restore points contain information about registry settings and other system information that Windows uses. You can also create restore points manually.
System Restore is not intended for backing up personal files, so it cannot help you recover a personal file that has been deleted or damaged. You should regularly back up your personal files and important data using a backup program.
Windows Vista System Restore FAQ
Here are answers to some common questions about System Restore.
How does System Restore work?
System Restore uses restore points to return your system files and settings to
an earlier point in time, without affecting personal files. For more
information, see What is System Restore?
Can I undo the changes System Restore makes?
Yes. Every time you use System Restore, a restore point is created before
proceeding, so you can undo the changes if they don't fix your problem. If you
use System Restore when the computer is in safe mode, you cannot undo the
restore operation. However, you can run System Restore again and choose a
different restore point if one exists.
To undo the changes System Restore makes
- Open System Restore by typing System Restore into the search box just above the start button and pressing the Enter key. If you are prompted for an administrator password
or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
- Click Undo System Restore, and then click Next.
Review your choices, and then click Finish.
What files are changed during a system restore?
System Restore affects Windows system files, programs, and registry settings. It
also can make changes to scripts, batch files, and other types of executable
files on your computer. It does not affect personal files, such as e-mail,
documents, or photos, so it cannot help you restore a deleted file. If you have
backups of your files, you can restore the files from a backup.
How do I choose a restore point?
System Restore automatically recommends the most recent restore point created
before a significant change, such as installing a program. You can also choose
from a list of restore points. Try using restore points created just before the
date and time you started noticing problems.
How often are restore points created?
Restore points are created automatically every day, and just before significant
system events, such as the installation of a program or device driver. You can
also create a restore point manually.
How do I create a restore point manually?
- Open the System screen: Click on Start then right-click on Computer then click Properties
- In the left pane, click System Protection If you are prompted for an
administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide
confirmation.
- Click the System Protection tab, and then click Create.
- In the System Protection dialog box, type a description, and then click Create.
How much hard disk space does System Restore require?
To store restore points, you need at least 300 megabytes (MB) of free space on
each hard disk that has System Protection turned on. System Restore might use up
to 15 percent of the space on each disk. As the amount of space fills up with
restore points, System Restore will delete older restore points to make room for
new ones.
System Restore will not run on hard disks smaller than 1 gigabyte (GB).
How long are restore points saved?
Restore points are saved until the hard disk space System Restore reserves is
filled up. As new restore points are created, old ones are deleted. If you turn
off System Protection (the feature that creates restore points) on a disk, all
restore points are deleted from that disk. When you turn System Protection back
on, new restore points are created.
How do I turn System Restore on or off?
System Protection, the feature that creates restore points, is on by default. We
recommend that you keep System Protection turned on for all hard disks that
contain important files so that you can use System Restore if you need to.
To turn System Restore on or off
- Open the System screen: Click on Start then right-click on Computer then click Properties
- In the left pane, click System Protection. If you are prompted for an
administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide
confirmation.
- To turn on System Protection for a hard disk, select the check box next to the disk, and then click OK.
- or -
To turn off System Protection for a hard disk, clear the check box next to the
disk, and then click OK.
I have an earlier version of Windows on my computer, but when I switch
between versions, my restore points disappear. Why?
In this version of Windows, restore points are created differently and are not
recognized by earlier versions of Windows. If you have a dual-boot configuration
and you start an earlier version of Windows, the earlier version will delete any
restore points created by this version of Windows. If you start this version of
Windows, restore points will resume being created automatically.
What if System Restore doesn't fix the problem?
If System Restore doesn't fix the problem, you can undo the restore operation or
try choosing a different restore point. If System Restore does not display any
restore points to choose from, make sure you have System Protection turned on
and that you have at least 300 MB of free space left on your hard disk.
Some information provided by Microsoft
