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How to Use Windows XP
Well, we all have been there. We
turn on our computer (boot up) getting ready to type
that school report, or business presentation and guess
what, our computer just does not want to work today.
Whether it's the word processor, spreadsheet, or financial
package that isn't working, most people do not know
that Microsoft Windows XP has a built in feature that
just may come and save the day. That feature is called
"System Restore."
Basically, System Restore is like a
little hound that runs behind the scenes taking "snapshots"
of various parts of the Microsoft Windows XP operating
system. So, if a part of Microsoft Windows XP stops
working one day, the System Restore utility is able
to reference one of the "snapshots" it took
and restore your system from a previous day (a day when
your computer worked). It's kind of like going back
in time to a day when your computer worked. All your
current data (Microsoft Word files, etc.) are still
retained, so you don't have to worry about losing any
present day files.
In order to restore your computer just
follow these simple steps:
1. Close any open programs.
2. Click on the Windows "Start" button (normally
located on the bottom of your computer desktop)
3. Click on "All Programs"
4. Click on "Accessories"
5. Click on "System Tools"
6. Then click on "System Restore"
7. At this point the System Restore wizard will launch.
You will have two options:
a. "Restore my system from an earlier
date"
b. "Create a system restore point"
If you just need to restore your system
and get it working correctly again, just select option
"a" and click "Next."
8. On this screen you can select a date
from the calendar that you would like to try and restore
from. So, if you knew that your computer worked fine
two days ago, just pick that date on the calendar and
click "Next."
9. The next screen is the confirmation window. Just
verify the information on the screen and click "Next."
Windows XP will then reboot and try to restore your
system with the settings from the date you selected.
The System Restore process can take
anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes depending on how much
reconfiguration Windows XP needs to do and how fast
of a PC you have. When System Restore is done, a screen
will popup with the results of the restore. If it was
successful, you can then log into the system and start
using the computer again. Any quirky issues that you
were having are now hopefully gone.
Now, on step 7b above, I mentioned the
"Create a system restore point" option. This
option is for when you want to force Windows XP to take
a snapshot of your system just before you install a
program or alter any system settings that you are not
sure of. It is like a safety net for when you install
any internet programs (sometimes riddled with spyware)
or system drivers (video, audio, etc). If you want to
revert back to a virgin state just create a restore
point "before" installing any software. This
way, if your machine starts acting weird, you can just
restore your settings from the selected point.
With a little practice, the System Restore
utility is easy to use and a great way to help ensure
the safety of your computer.
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