How To Use System Restore to Undo System Changes in Windows 7

How To Use System Restore to Undo System Changes in Windows 7

The System Restore tool in Windows 7 is a very valuable utility when you're trying to solve a major problem.
Most serious issues in Windows 7 are caused by problems with the Windows Registry, device drivers, or DLL files. When a restore point is created, a current copy of these and other important files in Windows 7 are saved and can be restored using System Restore.
Considering the scope of protection that System Restore provides, using the tool early in your troubleshooting could save a lot of time.
Follow these steps for reverting important Windows 7 system files back to a previous state using System Restore:

Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: Using System Restore to reverse system changes in Windows 7 usually takes several minutes

Here's How:

1. Navigate to the Start -> All Programs -> Accessories -> System Tools program group.
   
2. Click on the System Restore program icon.
   
3. Click Next > on the Restore system files and settings window.
   
4. Choose the restore point that you want to use.
   Note: Check the Show more restore points checkbox to see more than the most recent restore points.
   Note: Any restore points that you created, scheduled restore points that Windows 7 created, and those created automatically during the installation of certain programs will be listed here. You can not use System Restore to undo Windows 7 changes to a date that a restore point does not exist.
   
5. Click Next >.
   
6. Click Finish on the Confirm your restore point window to begin the System Restore.
   Note: Windows 7 will shut down to complete the System Restore so be sure to save any work you might have open in other programs before continuing.
   Important: System Restore will not revert any of your non-system files like documents, email, music, etc. to a previous state. These types files are completely unaffected by System Restore. If your intention with this tool was to recover a deleted non-system file, try using a file recovery program instead of System Restore.
   
7. Click Yes to the Once started, System Restore cannot be interrupted. Do you want to continue? dialog box.
8. System Restore will now restore Windows 7 to the state that was recorded in the restore point you chose in Step 4.
   Note: The System Restore process could take several minutes as you see the "Please wait while your Windows files and settings are being restored" message. Your computer will then reboot as normal when complete.
   
9. Immediately after logging in to Windows 7 after the reboot, you should see a message that System Restore completed successfully.
10. Click Close.
11. Check to see if whatever Windows 7 problem you were troubleshooting has been corrected by this System Restore.
    If the problem still persists, you can repeat the steps above and choose another restore point if one is available.
    If this restoration caused a problem, you can always undo this particular System Restore.
    

Tips:

1. Not a Windows 7 user? See How do I Use the Windows System Restore Utility? for specific instructions for your version of Windows.
   
2. Having trouble using System Restore in Windows 7? Let a community of PC experts help out! Post your question in the PC Support Forum.