subject: System Restore In Windows [print this page] System Restore is a component of Microsoft's Windows Me, Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7 operating systems that allows for the rolling back of system files, registry keys, and installed programs, etc., to a previous state in the event of malfunctioning or failure. In System Restore, the user may create a new restore point manually, roll back to an existing restore point, or change the System Restore configuration. Moreover, the restore itself can be undone. Old restore points are discarded in order to keep the volume's usage within the specified amount. For many users, this can provide restore points covering the past several weeks. Users concerned with performance or space usage may also opt to disable System Restore entirely. Files stored on volumes not monitored by System Restore are never backed up or restored so for data recovery this is not an ideal solution. For this type of tech support, one can get in touch with a help desk specialist. System Restore backs up system files of certain extensions (.exe, .dll, etc.) and saves them for later recovery and use. It also backs up the registry and most drivers. System Restore points are also created automatically when software is installed using the Windows Installer, Package Installer or other installers which are aware of System Restore.
Sometimes, When Windows Update installs new updates to Windows then also Restore Points are created or when the user installs a driver that is not digitally signed by Windows Hardware Quality Labs. Every 24 hours of computer use (10 hours in Windows Me), or every 24 hours of calendar time, whichever happens first. This setting is configurable through the registry or using the deployment tools. Such a restore point is known as a system checkpoint. System Restore requires Task Scheduler to create system checkpoints. Moreover, system checkpoints are only created if the system is idle for a certain amount of time. When the operating system starts after being off for more than 24 hours or when the user requests it. On Windows Vista, shadow copies created during File Backup and Complete PC Backup can also be used as restore points. Older restore points are deleted as per the configured space constraint on a First In, First Out basis. In order to perform a system restore you need to:
Click start
Click my computer
Right click properties
A pop up opens up
Click system restore tab
Click to select the Turn off/on System Restore check box.
Or click to select the Turn off/on System Restore on all drives check box.
