March 2, 2005

Having problems with your computer?  Sometimes you may add a program or an update and afterward, the computer freezes up or won't function properly, what options do you have other than reinstalling everything? 

Well, ever since Windows ME, there has been a feature called system restore which may be exactly what you're looking for.  Windows tries to keep track of all the important system files, so if a program or virus tries to modify an important file, Windows will not allow it.  It also tries to keep a record of the files and configuration.  Windows automatically keeps track and at set intervals makes a restore point, or you can manually set a restore point whenever you want.

Let's say, for example, that you want to install a new program.  You can go to the Start button, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, System Restore, then set a restore point and give it a name like Before installing whatever.   If, after installing the program, the computer won't work properly,  go back to System Restore, click on Restore My Computer To An Earlier Time.   When you pick a restore point, Windows will look into the area on the hard drive where the restore information is held and put the computer files back to where they were when the restore point was created.

NOTE: It will not change data files.  It only changes program and Windows files.  The drawback to the system restore feature is it requires a lot of disk space to keep a record of the files.  It will almost double the amount of disk space required if you don't use it.

Sometimes things can happen which will keep system restore from being able to restore to a previous date.  Some of the Windows updates seem to affect it and other various system changes.  Most of the time, it will work OK. 

I think it's best to use system restore as a first means of restoring to an earlier date, then if that doesn't work, I use a disk imaging program, such as Norton Ghost, or my preference, Acronis True Image.  I've had a few customers who installed the Windows Service Pack 2 update and then their computers would not function properly.  I had them start the computers in Safe Mode then restore back to before they did the update.  It's best to get into the habit of setting a restore point before you do any updates or install new software.

Another problem with system restore is that Windows will not allow antivirus programs or spyware repair programs to access the restore area, therefore if you have a virus or spyware, you should turn off system restore before you attempt the clean process.  Also keep in mind, when you turn off system restore, you delete all the previous restore points.

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