How to restore the computer to an earlier time using the System Restore feature

IMPORTANT:

• This procedure must be performed while logged in as Administrator or to an account with Administrator rights.
• The System Restore procedure will restore the Registry and other settings back to the date and time selected. No data will be lost. Saved documents and e-mail will not be affected by performing a System Restore.
• Any hardware or software that has been installed after the date of the restore point will need to be reinstalled.
• 200MB of free hard drive space is required to perform a system restore.

NOTES:

• If the operating system will not start in Normal Mode, restart the computer in Safe Mode.
• If the operating system will not start in Safe Mode, perform a system restore after booting to the Advanced Boot Options screen.
• If the operating system will not start in Normal Mode or Safe Mode, restart the computer in Safe Mode using the Command Prompt. At the Command Prompt, type C:\Windows\System32\Rstrui.exe and then on the keyboard, press the ENTER key to start the System Restore.
• If the mouse is not available, use the TAB key, or ARROW keys to make the selection.

1. Click the Start button, click All Programs, click Accessories, click System Tools, and then click System Restore.

   NOTES:

   • If prompted for an administrator password or a User Account Control prompt is displayed, type the appropriate password or click Continue.
   • If System Restore is not listed in the System Tools menu, click the Start button and type System Restore in the Start Search box.
2. In the System Restore window, depending on how System Restore is configured, choose the appropriate option.
   • If the System Restore window indicates System Protection is turned off, the feature cannot be used at this time. To use the System Restore feature in the future, turn on System Protection.
   • If the System Restore window indicates that no restore points have been created, the feature cannot be used at this time. To use the System Restore feature in the future, create a restore point.
   • If the System Restore window recommends a restore point and the date is acceptable, click the Next button.
   • If the System Restore window recommends a restore point but the date is not acceptable, click the radio button next to Choose a different restore point, click the Next button, and then click to select the desired restore point.
   • If the System Restore window indicates it can be used to fix a problem, click the Next button.

   NOTES:

   • When choosing a restore point, pick a date prior to when the issue you are trying to resolve started.
   • To see a list of the programs and driver that will be affected by returning the computer to the configuration it was in on the chosen restore point date, click the Scan for affected programs button. The computer will display a window with the scan results. Once you are finished viewing this window, click the Close button.
3. Click the Next button.
4. In the Confirm your restore point window, click the Finish button.

   NOTE: The operating system will be restored to the date and time selected and the computer will restart.