Fixing the "Oops!" - Windows System Restore

If you've ever wanted to transport your computer back in time to when it worked, then System Restore may be just what you need! It can restore your computer settings to the way they were, while leaving your data files, e-mail, etc intact.

Here's an informative article about System Restore. Read it now and print it for when you need it.

Windows XP and Vista occasionally make restore points automatically -- typically when the system boots. You can make your own restore points if you're about to do something potentially dangerous, like install a new version of a program or device. If something goes wrong with the installation, you can easily undo it.

System Restore is not perfect, though... I've found it to work only about half the time, but maybe that's because I often am called to rescue really messed up systems. If System Restore doesn't work, it will tell you so and give you the opportunity to try another restore point.