(About 660 words)
Back to the Future with System Restore
By Marjorie Tucker, Member of the Mountain Computer Users Group, Young Harris, GA
tucker780( at )verizon.net
http://mcug.org/
Did you know that your computer has the ability to go back in time - just like the movie, Back to the Future? Well, it does, using a Windows XP program named System Restore. This built-in Windows program periodically makes an image of your hard drive, much like a backup copy. Then, when you have one of those annoying problems, like losing all of your desktop icons, you can restore that image to get your computer back in good working order.
You can find System Restore under Start - All Programs - Accessories - System Tools - System Restore. The screen that initially comes up gives you some basic information about this program. It will restore your settings to an earlier point in time, but leave your data completely intact. And, there is no fear of using it since the program is completely reversible.
To begin, you merely click the Next button on the right side of the screen. The next page shows a calendar, open to the current month, with bold numbers indicating the dates when an image was created on your computer. You can also use the arrows at the top of the calendar to go farther back in time, if necessary. You merely choose one of these dates and click again on Next.
The following screen reviews your choice and advises you to close all open programs since System Restore will be restarting your computer. Verify that you want to take this step and then click on the Next button again to start the process.
Be patient because it will take several minutes to perform this action; but eventually your computer will restart itself and it will be back to the restoration time point. If this didn't solve your problem you can run the program again and go even further back in time.
Create Your Own Restore Point
There are times when it would be very nice to know that you have a backup all ready to use - such as just before you start to install that monstrous new program that may destroy your entire computer setup. Well, System Restore will let you create an additional restore point anytime it would be convenient. To do this, merely click on the second choice of the initial System Restore screen, Create a Restore Point. The program will make an instant backup that you can use when that new program fails.
There are Some Cautions
System Restore is very useful tool and you will probably need to use it before long. However, this handy feature can cause problems when your computer catches a virus or gains an unwanted trojan. Every time your computer creates a new restore backup point, it is also backing up that virus or trojan. That means that although you get rid of the problem, it has the ability to sneak back into your computer from that backup. For this reason Symantec and other antivirus software companies suggest that you turn off the System Restore feature before you de-virus your computer.
To turn off System Restore click the Start button, right-click My Computer and left-click Properties. Click the System Restore tab and then check the box labelled "Turn off system restore." You will be asked if you are certain you want to turn it off; click on OK. System Restore is now turned off. You are now free to get rid of any viruses or trojans without fear that they will immediately return. Just remember to turn System Restore on when you have finished.
There is no restriction against any non-profit group using this article as long as it is kept in context with proper credit given the author. The Editorial Committee of the Association of Personal Computer User Groups (APCUG), an international organization of which this group is a member, brings this article to you.