System Restore Article Index for
System
Shopping
Restore
Website Links For
System
 

Information About

System Restore




In Windows Vista , System Restore has been renamed to System Protection, and features an improved interface.


OVERVIEW

.]]
System Restore is accessed via the Start Menu , in Start -> All Programs -> Accessories -> System Tools -> System Restore. From there, the user may either create a new restore point manually, roll back to an existing restore point, or change the System Restore configuration.

System Restore does not affect any of the user's files. Files with certain executable extensions are restored and new folders removed, but items in the My Documents folders are always left untouched. Microsoft recommends that if a user is unsure as to whether their files will be affected by System Restore, that they should keep those files under My Documents.

New Restore points are automatically created:
  • when a piece of software is installed

  • when Windows Update installs new updates to Windows

  • 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

  • when the computer boots after being off for more than 24 hours

  • when the user requests it


System Restore can be configured to use up to a maximum of 12% of Hard Drive space. Old restore points are discarded in order to keep drive 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 can also opt to disable System Restore entirely.


TRIVIA

As part of Microsoft's description of the then-new System Restore feature in Windows ME, Microsoft's online help files made a joking reference to famous theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking :
::''Theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking writes that each of us carries a personal measure of time dependent on our speed and position in the universe. When you find that your computer isn't working the way it should, you may also find that your personal measure of time has come to a complete stop, and that your productivity has disappeared into a black hole.'' {Link without Title}


REFERENCES

  • Roll back the clock with System Restore

  • Microsoft Corporation, (2001). Use system restore to undo changes if problems occur. Retrieved Jun. 12, 2005, from Microsoft Corporation Web site: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/learnmore/systemrestore.mspx.