If your computer has a problem and you can't fix it, the best solution is to use System Restore. System Restore in Windows 7 allows you to return your computer to a time before the problem occurred on the computer. There are a number of reasons why you should use System Restore, including if there is a problem installing a new operating system, driver (aka driver), or software (aka software).
Step
Method 1 of 2: Using System Restore
Step 1. Understand what System Restore does
Whenever there are changes to the computer, Windows will create a System Restore point. It's basically a "snap" of your computer before any changes (installation or uninstallation of programs, driver updates, etc.). If something goes wrong with the changes, you can use a System Restore point to restore your system without losing all your files.
- While System Restore won't affect your personal files, it's always a good idea to back them up in case something goes wrong. Click here to learn how to back up important files.
- If the computer does not start Windows, see the troubleshooting section.
Step 2. Create a password setup disc (optional)
This is recommended if you recently changed your Windows password, as the recovery process may undo the password change.
Step 3. Click the Start menu and type "system restore"
Select System Restore from the list of search results.
Step 4. Select the restore point you want to use
Windows will suggest a restore point which is usually the most recent. If you want to select an earlier restore point, click Next >.
- Check the Show more restore points box to see all available restore points. There may not be many points to choose from, as Windows automatically deletes legacy restore points to save space.
- Each restore point has a brief description of what caused the restore point to be created.
Step 5. Click the button
Scan for affected programs after selecting a restore point. All programs and drivers that will be uninstalled or reinstalled while using that restore point will be displayed.
Any programs that were installed after the restore point was created will be uninstalled, while any programs that were uninstalled after the restore point was created will be reinstalled
Step 6. Review the restore point before restoring it
Before proceeding with System Restore, review the changes one last time. Click Finish} to start the recovery process.
Step 7. Wait for the recovery process to complete
After confirming the recovery, the computer will restart and the recovery process will begin. This may take a few minutes.
Step 8. Confirm the success message that appears
Once the restore is complete, Windows will restart and a message will appear indicating that the recovery was successful. Test your computer to see if the recovery resolves the issue. If not, you can restore to an earlier restore point.
If System Restore messed up the system, or you want to go back to the state the computer was in before it was restored, undo the most recent restore by launching System Restore again and selecting Undo System Restore
Solve the problem
Step 1. Make sure System Restore is enabled
System Restore must be enabled for it to work on your computer. If System Restore does not start, check to make sure that System Restore is enabled.
- Click the Start menu, right - click on Computer, and select Properties.
- Click the System protection link, then select the drive that is trying to run System Restore.
- Click Configure… and make sure Turn on system protection is enabled.
Step 2. Run System Restore from Command Prompt if Windows won't start
You can run System Restore from the Command Prompt if something goes wrong and you can't start Windows normally.
- Restart the computer and hold down the F8 key. This will open the Advanced Boot Options menu.
- Select Safe Mode with Command Prompt from the Advanced Boot Options menu. Windows will load all the important files and take you to the Command Prompt.
- Type rstrui.exe and press Enter. This will start the System Restore utility. Follow the instructions above to restore your computer. Please note that a system restore performed from Safe Mode cannot be undone.
Step 3. Run Check Disk to check for hard drive problems
A damaged hard disk can cause System Restore to fail. Check Disk can fix this problem.
- Click Start, right-click on Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
- Type chkdisk /r and press Enter.
- Your computer will be prompted to restart. Check Disk will run before starting Windows and scan for any errors. Check Disk will attempt to fix any errors it finds.
Step 4. Perform a virus and malicious program (malware) scan
Viruses can infect restore points or disable System Restore. The only way to restart System Restore is to remove the virus, rather than reinstalling Windows.
Click here for detailed instructions on how to remove the virus
Step 5. Consider reinstalling Windows if System Restore doesn't work
If all else fails, the only way to fix this problem is to reinstall Windows. If you've backed up all important files, the reinstallation process will likely be faster than usual, which will improve your computer's performance.
Click here for detailed instructions on reinstalling Windows 7
Method 2 of 2: Creating a System Restore Point
Step 1. Click the Start menu, right-click Computer, and then click Properties
You can create your own useful System Restore points as a backup of a healthy system.
Step 2. Click the Protection system link in the left frame
This will open the System Protection tab in the System Properties window.
Step 3. Click the button
Create…. You will be asked to enter a short description to make it easier for you to identify it.
Step 4. Wait for the restore point to finish creating
It may take a few minutes.
Restore point sizes vary, but Windows generally reserves 5% of hard drive capacity for restore points. Older restore points will be automatically deleted to make room for new points
Step 5. Delete legacy restore points manually
If you want to free up some space on your disc, or think your restore points are corrupted, you can delete them.
- Open System Protection from the System Properties window (see Step 1 in this section).
- Click Configure… then click Delete to delete all the dots. Note that any free space will be used again when creating a new restore point.
Solve the problem
Step 1. Disable the antivirus if you are unable to create a restore point
The antivirus program may conflict with the restore point creation process. If you are unable to create a restore point, disabling your antivirus is the easiest way you can try first.
You can usually disable your antivirus by right-clicking the icon in the System Tray and selecting Disable or Stop
Step 2. Create a restore point in Safe Mode mode
There is something in Windows that is preventing you from creating it, and it may be possible to solve it by creating a restore point in Safe Mode.
- To access Safe Mode, restart the computer and hold down F8. Select Safe Mode from the Boot Options Advanced menu.
- Follow the steps above to create a restore point in Safe Mode.
Step 3. Make sure the hard disk you are using has enough space to create a restore point
Otherwise, you won't be able to make it. Windows will not create restore points on hard disks that are smaller than 1 GB in size.
- Click Start and select Computer.
- Right-click the hard disk where Windows is installed (usually C:), then select Properties.
- Make sure you have at least 300 MB of free space on the disc. Ideally there should be at least 2-3 GB of free space.
Step 4. Try resetting the Windows Repository
This can help resolve system restore point creation issues.
- Restart the computer and hold down F8. Select Safe Mode from the Advanced Boot Options menu.
- Click the Start menu, right-click Command Prompt, then select Run as administrator.
- Type net stop winmgmt and press Enter.
- Click Start and select Computer. Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\wbem and rename the repository to repositoryold.
- Restart the computer to enter normally into Windows. Click the Start menu, right-click on Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
- Type net stop winmgmt and press Enter. Then type winmgmt /resetRepository and press Enter.
- Restart the computer one more time and then try to create a restore point again.
