Using the Windows System Restore feature, you can restore your computer system to a state prior to the occurrence of a problem. System Restore monitors changes to certain system and application files, ikncluding the Windows registry. System Restore functions like an "undo" feature for Windows XP configuration changes, allowing you to recover from problems caused by such things as incorrect system settings, faulty drivers, incompatible applications and so on, without risk to personal files, such as documents or e-mail.

You must be logged on as an administrator or as a member of the Administrators group to use System Restore.

Before changing registry settings, create a restore point. If a problem occurs, you can easily undo the effects of the registry settings by reverting to a previous state.

To create a restore point:

1. Click Start, then click Help and Support, and under Pick a task, click Undo changes to your computer with System Restore.  
   
   
2. On the Welcome to System Restore screen, click Create a restore point, and then click Next. 
   
   
3. At the Create a Restore Point screen, type a brief description for the restore point in the Restore point description line.
   
   
4. Click the Create button.
   

1.  Click Help and Support Center, and under Pick a task, click Undo changes to your computer with System Restore .
   
   
2. On the Welcome to System Restore screen, click Restore my computer to an earlier time, and then click Next . 
   
   
3. Select a restore point on the Select a Restore Point screen, and then click Next .
   
   
4. At the Confirm Restore Point screen, click Next .
   

Information in this Support Bulletin adapted from Windows XP Resource Kit

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