System Restore is a utility provided free in all versions of Windows XP. Microsoft provided this feature to help users deal with the day to day problems that occur with windows. The utility gives you the ability to create a ‘snapshot’ of critical system files and drivers. The snapshot is then saved so in the event of your system becoming unstable you have the option to load a previous ‘snapshot’, which should hopefully fix any problems.
Most software, including drivers, now automatically create a restore point before they install themselves. Personally I always add my own restore point before I even launch the setup for any piece of software, or update any drivers.
Just as a historical side note, it is thought that Microsoft decided to add the System Restore feature due to the way drivers are signed in Windows XP. I am sure you have all seen the STOP Installation dialog box when installing a driver. This means that the company who wrote the driver did not want to conform to Microsoft’s’ testing system for new drivers. Microsoft did not want to force companies to use their official testing routes as the third parties would have to pay for the testing, and forcing testing on this scale would result in more anti-trust actions against Microsoft.
Here is how we create a System Restore Point.
1. Go to START > ALL PROGAMS > ACCESSORIES > SYSTEM TOOLS > SYSTEM RESTORE.
2. Choose ‘Create a restore point.’ And hit Next.
3. Type a meaningful description and hit Create. It is worth taking a few seconds to make the description make sense. If you need to look back over restore points chances are you will have forgotten why you made them.
4. Success! Hit close and feel happy knowing you are just a little bit safer.
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