To help protect your system using Windows XP, you can use the System Restore Utility to create what is called a "Restore Point." A Restore Point, ideally, is a point at which your computer starts and runs without any errors or problems. If your XP computer is in such a condition right now, you should follow these steps to create a new Restore Point. XP automatically creates a Restore Point immediately after installing Windows XP. I will often create one as well as before each change to the system. For instance, if I am about to install a new application, I would first create a Restore Point, and name it "Before Application X" so that if it turns out the new application causes me problems, I can restore my system to the way it was before.
To create a new System Restore Point in Windows XP, click Start -> All Programs -> Accessories -> System Tools -> System Restore. When the System Restore Utility opens, click "Create a Restore Point" then click Next. Enter a name for this Restore Point (for instance, "Before Installing Office XP"), and click Create. The utility will then take a snapshot of your system so that you can restore to that point sometime in the future.
Windows XP automatically creates a Restore Point when any of the following occurs:
- An unsigned device driver is installed
- A new application is installed (if the installation program is compatible with System Restore Windows Update is used to update your system )
- A Restore Point from earlier is restored
- A backup using the Backup Utility is restored
You can restore to a restore point created earlier by using the same wizard described above but selecting the "restore my computer to an earlier time option".
