Also, if we want, we can create a manual restore point at any time. For example, before carrying out a specific task in the system that could cause problems. Thus we reach a time when these restore points become basic elements when it comes to solving serious Windows problems in the future. It is best to automate the process and that it is the operating system itself that creates them when there is a big change such as an update.
Many are the users who, due to lack of space, have deactivated this useful Windows function. We must bear in mind that if we deactivate this function of Windows, the computer will not make automatic restore points of our computer, so we will not have the possibility of returning to a previous state in which the computer works without problems. If we do not want these backup copies to take up a lot of space on our PC, what we can do is deactivate them so that they are done automatically, rather than manually, that is, we are the ones who must remember to make a copy before doing a backup. Major change to your computer, whether it’s changing the registry, installing or removing an application or update.
Another option we can consider is limit space that these backup copies can occupy on the computer so that they do not take up so much space on the computer and thus be able to enjoy this function automatically without having to remember to use it periodically. We can also consider installing a second hard drive on our PC and intended for storing restore points in order to free up a large amount of space on the drive that Windows manages.
We must remember that the process of restoring a restore point only affects programs, libraries and system settings. Personal data will never be deleted in the process, although for security it is recommended save a copy on another driveto prevent.
Of course, this is something that makes many happy, because even though we find ourselves with an operating system that we cannot start or work with, we can restore it without losing personal data. Here we are referring to elements as important as our text documents, photos, videos, or any other personal file that we have created over time.
Restore system from MS-DOS or CMD
Before seeing how to restore the system in each of the versions of Windows, we are going to see a little trick that can be useful in certain circumstances. Let’s say, for example, that the desktop doesn’t work and we have to launch this tool without being able to find it in the start menu. Or that we can only open safe mode with command prompt.
To do this, all we have to do is open a CMD window, with Administrator permissions, and execute the following command:
c:/windows/system32/restore/rstrui.exe
Automatically, Windows will open the wizard window to restore the system, and we can both restore the system, and create a new restore point, from it. In case the previous command does not work (which is only guaranteed in XP) we can launch this same window by executing the following in CMD, since the directory will be part of the PATH:
rstrui.exe
How to restore system in Windows XP
To restore the system in Windows XP, what we must do is look for the restore tool in the Start menu > all programs > accessories > system tools.
We click on “system restore”, and we can see a window like the following.
From it we can choose between restoring a restore point already created, or creating a new one. We are interested in returning to the previous state, so we continue. In the next step we will see a calendar where all the points that we have created will appear. We look for the day we want, and we choose the point we want to restore.
We will see a new notice that will summarize the process. During this process, Windows will be inaccessible.
We accept and the process will begin. This may take more or less time depending on our PC and the changes that have to be made.
When it finishes, and we go back into Windows, we can see if it has been successful, and a summary of what has been done. We accept, and everything should work normally again.
Return to a previous state in Windows Vista
Again, this tool is in the same section as in Windows XP, that is, in Start > all programs > accessories > system tools. We click on the tool to start the restoration wizard.
The first thing we will see will be a UAC window in which it will ask us for administrator permissions to be able to run this tool. We grant them.
Now we can see the restoration wizard. This wizard is no longer used to create a PC restore point, but we can only restore previously created points.
We click on “continue” and we can see the list with the points already existing in our system. These are restore points that we have either manually created ourselves, or have created automatically over the months or years.
We select the restore point that we want to restore to the PC, and continue with the wizard. Now we only have to see the summary to make sure that everything is correct.
We click on “Finish”. We will see a window that will warn us that the process cannot be cancelled, and that while the corresponding changes are being made we will not be able to use the PC. We accept, and Windows Vista itself will take care of the rest.
The restore process can take anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes, depending on the changes that need to be made. When finished, we will see a message that will indicate that the process has been completed successfully. And, most importantly, that our data has not been modified in the process.
Restore restore point in Windows 7
In Windows 7, the process is very similar to that of Windows Vista, although the wizard has been greatly improved. The restoration tool can be found in the same section, that is, in Start > all programs > accessories > system tools. This will greatly facilitate the process that we are going to carry out now to restore the operating system completely.
We click on “System Restore” and we can see the initial wizard. We must have administrator permissions, yes, to be able to run and use this tool.
After a brief description of what it is, we continue with the wizard. In the next step we can see a list with the most recent restore points. If we need to go back further, we can check the box “show more restore points”.
If we select a point, and press the “detect affected programs” button, we can see a list with the programs that will be affected after restoring the point. For example, programs to be deleted.
We click on “Next” and we can see a summary of the process.
We click on “Finish” and Windows will begin to perform all the tasks. During the process we will not be able to use the PC.
When it is finished, we will be able to see a message that will indicate that the system has been restored successfully and that the system documents have not been affected.