The Complete Guide to Windows 7 System Restore

One of the great features of Windows 7 is something called "System Restore." This feature has actually been available for several previous versions of Windows, but in Windows 7, some of the features have been slightly changed.

What Is System Restore

Essentially, System Restore is a utility that is built in to Windows that takes "pictures" of your computer before you make major changes to it (such as installing a program). It can then use that picture at a later date to restore your computer to the way it was when the picture was taken. This works wonderfully if you install a program on your computer, and then realize later that the program messed something up. If this is the case, you can open restore, click restore, and then watch as your computer reboots exactly as it was x number of days ago.

Will My Documents, Movies, and Music Be Lost?

No. System restore does not erase any documents on the computer that have been created in other programs. So all of your emails and photos will remain exactly as they are. It will make changes to revert the system back to the way it was. These changes include programs that have been installed or uninstalled, major settings that have been changed, and other options that have been changed.

Creating a Restore Point

Windows Restore works by saving "restore points," which are like the pictures in the analogy above. Each of these points contains the information needed to make the computer behave the way it did before a certain event occurred. The computer automatically creates these points before each program installation and uninstallation, and before major system changes and updates. However, you can create your own restore point as well.

To make your own, first, right click on the My Computer icon and choose "Properties."

Next, click "System Protection."

In the window that appears, click "Create" near the bottom.

Type a description for your restore point such as "Before Uninstalling Tons of Software." Click create, and Windows will begin creating the restore point. It may take several minutes.

Once it is finished, you can exit the windows you opened.

Restoring From a Restore Point

Let's say something happens to your computer and you need to restore to the time when you created a restore point. To do this, simply go to the Start Menu and type "System Restore." Then click System Restore under Programs.

Click "Next" in the window that appears. Then, choose the restore point that you want to revert to. If you want to revert to one you have created manually, look for the name you gave it and the word "Manual" under the "Type" column. After you select a point, click "Next."

You can now click "Finish," and your computer will reboot, restore, and probably reboot again. Once it's all finished, you can continue working as if nothing ever happened.

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