Probably one of the most important features is
System Restore. If problems arise System Restore will remove any system changes that were made since
the last time you created a
restore point ... otherwise knowns as the last time you remember your computer working correctly!

System Restore does not affect your personal data files such as Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, IE history, drawings, favorites, or email...etc...etc...
Windows XP creates restore points (everyday) on its own but you too can create your own restore points anytime! This is an important feature is you are making changes to your computer that might be risky or you're unsure. If after making the change, something goes wrong, you need only select the restore point and Windows XP reverses any system changes made since that time.
When you run System Restore, a calendar is displayed to help you find restore points. If you don't use your computer every day, some days might not have any restore points. If you use your computer frequently, you might have restore points almost every day, and some days might have several estore points.
To create a Restore Point... - Click the following... Start --> Help--> Support --> Performance --> Maintenance --> System Restore --> and then click --> Run the System Restore Wizard.
- Click Create a Restore Point, and then click Next.
- In the Restore Point Description chose a name to identify this restore point. You don't have to use the date and time in the name because System Restore will automaticlly add it to the name you've chosen.
- Once you're restore point is named, click Create.
You can cancel a restore point creation just by clicking
Back. You can exit the System Restore Wizard completely by clicking
Cancel.
To view restore points or restore your system to a restore point follow the directions above to get to the "Welcome to System Restore." You can then select
"Restore my computer to an earlier time." From here you will be presented with a calander from which you can choose the date when the restore point was created. All the restore points that were created (yes, there can be more than one) on the date you selected will be listed in the box to the right of the calendar.