Use System Restore and undo changes if problems occur

warning: fopen(local_112747.xml) [function.fopen]: failed to open stream: Permission denied in E:\sites\windvis.com\includes\common.inc(1342) : eval()'d code on line 40.
warning: fopen(local_112747.xml) [function.fopen]: failed to open stream: Permission denied in E:\sites\windvis.com\includes\common.inc(1342) : eval()'d code on line 47.

Has your system become unstable and is behaving weird because of that last application you installed? Wish you could restore your computer prior to that installation? Your wish just came true.

What is System Restore

System Restore is a method of keeping a working copy of your system files, restoring them to an earlier point in time. System Restore uses a feature called System Protection, which creates restore points on your computer once per day.

Restore points contain information about registry and system settings that Windows uses. System Protection will also create restore points whenever changes occur, like the installation or removal of a hotfix, service pack, application or drivers. You can also create restore points manually.

How to use System Restore

You can start System Restore from the Start menu -> All Programs -> Accessories -> System Tools -> System Restore.

You can let System Restore recommend a restore point for you or you can manually browse a list of different ones. Click on Choose a different restore point and select what you think will be the best restore point for your computer. Note that the computer will need to reboot, so save your work before.

When restoring to an older point, a new restore point will be created just before proceeding, so if something goes wrong with the process you can undo any changes done.

To manually create a restore point, click on the "To create a restore point, open System Protectionâ€ link. Note that in order to store restore points you will need at least 300 megabytes of free space on each partition that has System Protection activated. 15% of the amount of space on each disk may be used, and if the space is filled, older restore points will be deleted so new ones can be created.

In the System Protection tab, click on the Create button. You will be prompted to enter a description in order to help you identify the restore point and the reason you created it. After you press Create, allow some time for the new restore point to be created.

In the System Protection tab you can also choose what partitions you want System Restore to be active on. The feature is turned on by default on all drives. Use this cautiously, because itâ€™s in your best interest to let it enabled.