Often after we make changes to our computer, we will be ready to do our work and find out there is a problem with the computer. These problems can make it impossible to do schoolwork, business reports, or other tasks. Often, we can use the System Restore function in Microsoft Windows XP to go back to a point when the computer was working properly.

Essentially, system restore works behind the scenes of your operating system, taking "snapshots" of different components of the computers workings. In this way, if a part of the operating system fails, the system restore utility is able to look back at the snapshots it took and restore the system from a previous day when the component was working properly. This snapshot strategy allows all your current data like documents, projects and pictures to be preserved and only changes the flawed part of the system to it's previous functional state.

If you wish to return your machine to its pristine state do the following: With the computer operating, stop any running software. Once everything is closed, go to the "start" indicator (usually in the lower left) Access "All Programs", then navigate through the menus to the "System Restore" wizard. Once chosen, the software will launch, giving you the choice of creating a new status point or returning to one of the previously saved states.

If you just need to restore your system and get it working correctly again, just select option "a" and click "Next." 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." 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 operation of returning to a previous state will take a minimum of a few minutes to a maximum of half an hour. The time needed depends upon the speed of your machine, and how much the configuration files have been altered from the native state. Once the process is completed, the machine will tell you whether it worked or failed. If all went well, your machine should reflect the previous save state, allowing you to log in and start restoring files. Ideally, the machine should now perform as mediocre as Windows will allow.

I mentioned before the "system restore point" option. This is a feature of windows XP that allows you to create virtual "snapshots" or save points of you system. Once created, you can restore the state of your computer to any of these points. This means that any changes you have made to your system (installing programs, changing drivers etc.) will be undone, and your computer will reverted to the point when you created the restore point. This allows users to change settings on their computer, without the risk of crashing and having to reinstall all of their software. With a little practice this can be an extremely useful tool to anyone concerned about the safety of their computer.