This document applies to HP and Compaq desktop computers with Windows XP or Me.

This document explains how to use and troubleshoot the Microsoft System Restore feature.

  note:

Microsoft's System Restore program is not the same program as the HP or Compaq System Recovery process. The HP System Recovery restores your computer to its original state with its original software.

System Restore is Windows software that creates restore points, a "memory" of the system files and settings on the computer at a particular point in time. System Restore creates restore points automatically and you can create a restore point as needed.

When System Restore is used to restore the system, it replaces currently used files and settings with files and settings from another time. For example, after a new computer is started for the first time, a restore point is created. Two days later, several system files are accidentally removed causing Internet Explorer to stop working. With System Restore, you can restore the system back to the first day, fixing the problem.

If the problems do not go away or become worse after performing a system restore, you can use System Restore again to go back.

A restore point represents the computer’s configuration at a given moment in time. Making a restore point allows you to reset the computer back to this same configuration at some time in the future. Use the following steps to create a restore point:

1. Click Start, Programs or All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, and then System Restore. The Welcome to System Restore window appears.
2. Select Create a Restore Point, and click Next.
   Figure : Create a restore point

   
3. In the Restore point description field, type anything you want that describes the current computer configuration change. What you type here will help identify the restore point later. For example, "installed racing game", or "added a new video card".
4. Click Create.
   Figure : Restore point description

   
   A new screen opens stating that a new restore point has been successfully created. The name of the restore point, the time, and the date appear in red.
   Figure : Restore point created

   
5. Click Close to exit or click Home to return to the main System Restore window.

If your computer stops working correctly, you can restore it to a previous point in time. Use the following steps to restore your computer’s configuration:

1. Click Start, Programs or All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, and then System Restore. The Welcome to System Restore window opens.
2. Select Restore my computer to an earlier time, and click Next. The Select a Restore Point window opens.
3. Select a bolded date and a restore point, and then click Next.
   Figure : Selecting a restore point

   
4. Click OK if a pop-up window about closing programs appears. The Confirm Restore Point Selection window opens.
5. Click Next. The computer should shut down and turn back on automatically after the restoration completes. The Restoration Complete window appears.
6. Click OK. The computer has now been restored to a previous time when it worked correctly.
   If an error message appears saying that the computer cannot be restored to the point you selected, try a different restore point
7. After the System Restore is complete, and the computer starts successfully, update the computer software as follows:
   1. Update the system virus definitions. For more information, go to the Resolving and Preventing Viruses on Your Computer page.
   2. Get the latest critical system updates using Microsoft's Windows update. For more information, go to the Updating Drivers and Software with Windows Update page.
   3. Update the software on the computer from the HP Website. For more information, go to the Obtaining Software and Drivers page.

Use one of the two sections that follow to restore Windows XP to a previous time when you are unable to get to the Windows XP desktop:

If restore points are missing, verify there is enough space reserved on the hard drive for System Restore.

1. Click Start, and then right-click the My Computer icon.
2. Click Properties, and then click the System Restore tab.
3. Under Disk space to use, move the slide bar to the right. This increases the amount of disk space reserved for System Restore and decreases the amount for other programs.

If System Restore does not work in Windows XP, use the following steps to ensure System Restore is enabled and active:

If System Restore is not working, you need to verify that the Statemgr and PCHealth programs are starting with Windows Me. Use the following steps to verify that these programs open:

Microsoft Support Article Q306084 - How to: Restore Windows XP to a Previous State (in English)