In Windows, how can I restore my computer to a previous configuration?
You can use a feature called System Restore to restore your Windows computer to a previous working configuration. To use System Restore, follow the appropriate steps for your operating system.
On this page:
Windows 8 and 7
- In Windows 8, press
Win-c; from the Charms Menu, chooseSearch, and thenApps. Enterrstruiand select the matching result.In Windows 7, in the
Startmenu search field, entersystem restore,rstruiorrstrui.exeand select the matching result. - In the resulting System Restore menu, click
Next. Choose a restore point that was created before your current configuration stopped working.Note: If you need to select a restore point that isn't listed, click
Show more restore points. - Click
Next, and thenFinish.
Windows Vista
- In the
Startmenu search field, entersystem restore.
- Click
Choose a different restore point, and then clickNext.
- Choose a restore point that was created before your current
configuration stopped working. Click
Next, and thenFinish.
Windows XP
- Click
Startand selectPrograms, thenAccessories, thenSystem Tools, and finallySystem Restore.Note: If this doesn't match what you see, refer to About navigation settings in Windows.
- The first time you use System Restore, two options appear on the
welcome page:
- Restore my computer to an earlier time
- Create a restore point
- Click
Restore my computer to an earlier time, and then clickNext.
- On the calendar that appears, choose the restore point to which
you would like to roll your system back. Click
Next.
- You will be prompted to close all applications before completing
the restore process, since the computer will restart.
- After the computer restarts, a confirmation screen will appear.
Click
OKto continue using your computer.
The next time you start System Restore, you'll see a third option,
Undo my last restoration. This can be helpful if the restore
point you rolled back to does not correct the original problem; you
can easily return to the configuration from which you started
troubleshooting.
Last modified on January 07, 2013.







