How to restore the operating system to a previous state in Windows XP (306084)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional
  • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
This article was previously published under Q306084

IN THIS TASK

INTRODUCTION

This article describes how to use the System Restore tool to return your computer to a previous working state. System Restore takes a "snapshot" of critical system files and some program files and stores this information as restore points. You can use these restore points to return Windows XP to a previous state.

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MORE INFORMATION

How to use System Restore to restore Windows XP

If Windows XP does not start

For additional information about steps to take if Windows XP does not start, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

304449 How to start the System Restore tool from a command prompt in Windows XP

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If Windows XP starts

  1. Log on to Windows as Administrator.
  2. Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click System Restore. System Restore starts.
  3. On the Welcome to System Restore page, click Restore my computer to an earlier time (if it is not already selected), and then click Next.
  4. On the Select a Restore Point page, click the most recent system checkpoint in the On this list, click a restore point list, and then click Next. A System Restore message may appear that lists configuration changes that System Restore will make. Click OK.
  5. On the Confirm Restore Point Selection page, click Next. System Restore restores the previous Windows XP configuration, and then restarts the computer.
  6. Log on to the computer as Administrator. The System Restore Restoration Complete page appears.
  7. Click OK.
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Troubleshooting

You may inadvertently restore Windows XP to a previous configuration that you do not want. To undo the restoration:
  1. Log on to Windows as Administrator.
  2. Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click System Restore. System Restore starts.
  3. On the Welcome to System Restore page, click Undo my last restoration, and then click Next. A System Restore message may appear that lists configuration changes that System Restore will make. Click OK.
  4. On the Confirm Restoration Undo page, click Next. System Restore restores the original Windows XP configuration, and then restarts the computer.
  5. Log on to the computer as Administrator. The System Restore Undo Complete page appears.
  6. Click OK.
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REFERENCES

For additional information about System Restore, click Start, click Help and Support, type system restore in the Search box, and then press ENTER.

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Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:5/20/2004
Keywords:kbenv kbHOWTOmaster KB306084 kbAudITPro
©2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.