System Restore

This is a terribly underused function inside Windows XP which would solve a whole lot of problems if only people would learn a little bit more about it!

Commonly, problems arise from changes to the system. Be it hardware or software, if you change something in the system, there is a strong chance of it malfunctioning. System Restore (SR) is an easy-to-use program that would actually solve most of your software issues.

In a nutshell, SR remembers what it was like to be working in a nice comfortable environment. It remembers what the environment used to contain, and how the computer used to function with all its existing programs. Think of it as the good old days.

However, you are bound to install new programs into your computer. New stuff without proper testing could wreak havoc onto your system! And what happens after that? Weeks of tears and pain while you frantically try and reverse what you've done.

With SR, all you need to do to prepare for a scenario like this is to run the System Restore Utility. Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore.

Just create a system restore point (on a day when the computer actually works!). Name it something meaningful like "November 1st, it still works!". If you were to run a program that messes up your system, at least all you would have to do is to return it back to its original state in November.

Remember: SR remembers System Settings. Your files and email are still safely up-to-date. Nothing to worry about!