With many self-installing applications coming with hidden spyware and malware, your data can easily become compromised and as your system stability is lost. Fortunately, the Windows OS has provided a preventive measure that can help stop the damaging attacks of worms and trojans. System restore is a powerful utility that will literally turn back time and help erase damage if utilized correctly.
1. In Windows Vista or Windows 7, click the Start icon, then type “System Restore” in the query box. In Windows XP, navigate to Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools and choose System Restore.
2. Windows will suggest a restore point automatically. Unless you have changed System Restore to a manual process, an automatic restore point will be created under the following conditions:
A device driver is installed without a Windows signature.
An application is installed.
A Windows Update is applied.
A backup point is restored.
A restore point is restored.
If you wish to use this restore point, simply click the “Next” button and then “Finish.” Windows will restart your computer to complete the process.
3. If you need a restore point from an earlier time, select “Choose a different restore point,” then click “Next.” Choose the restore point you want from the list and click “Finish” to restart your computer.
4. It’s a good idea to create restore points independent of the automatic updates initiated by Windows. To do this in Windows XP, simply click “Create New Restore Point.” In Windows Vista and Windows 7, click the “open System Protection” link, then click “Create.”
If you are restoring due to potential harm caused by a virus, it is advised that you enter Safe Mode as your computer reboots and run a full virus scan before proceeding. Should you wish to rollback the restore once your scan is complete, you can do so in the System Restore options panel.