Running System Restore allows you to set your computer's configuration to an earlier date. This is a recommended first step when troubleshooting your computer. If you have never run System Restore, you may need to create a new safe point before you try to restore the computer.

Restoring to a Safe Point

1. Open System Restore.
   • From the Microsoft® Windows® XP default Start menu, point to All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, and then click System Restore.
   • From the classic Start menu, point to Programs, Accessories, System Tools, and then click System Restore.

2. In the System Restore dialog box, click Restore my computer to an earlier time, and then click Next.
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3. In the System Restore dialog box, select a day and time from the list when the computer was working properly, and then click Next.
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4. Close any open programs, and then in the System Restore dialog box, click Next.
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5. After the computer returns to Windows, in the System Restore dialog box, click OK.
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6. Determine whether the computer is working properly. If it does not work properly, repeat the preceding steps and select an earlier time and date.

1. Open System Restore.
   • From the Microsoft® Windows® XP default Start menu, point to All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, and then click System Restore.
   • From the classic Start menu, point to Programs, Accessories, System Tools, and then click System Restore.

2. In the System Restore dialog box, click Create a restore point, and then click Next.
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3. In the System Restore dialog box, in the Restore point description text box, type a name for the restore point, and then click Create.
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4. In the System Restore dialog box, click Close.
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