Windows System Restore feature

Hi Relatives,

It is time for me to pester you all about backing up your data! Yes, we need to keep in mind that things could happen that will mess up your life; like a hard drive failure. If your hard drive fails and you don't have your data backed up, you have problems.
There is also a difference between Restore and Backup.  When I read the definitions for each they seem synonymous.  In the next article we'll cover Backup.

Windows XP and Windows 7 both have what they call a "Restore Point."  This feature is primarily used to recover an operating system to an earlier time and date due to virus damage or maybe you installed a program that causes problems (even after you uninstall it).  You simply select a Restore Point (from a popup calendar)  you want to revert your system to and you're back in business, hopefully.  Hopefully: what I mean by this I will explain further down.

"System Restore" can track and reverse harmful changes to your computer"  The "Restore Point" is that data that is saved for a particular time and date.

Summary:
1. Start using Restore Point
2. Restore your computer back to a certain time/date or to create a Restore Point
3. When System Restore does not fix the problem

1. Start using Restore Point

1. Click on the Windows logo key: 
2. Select Control Panel
3. Double left-click on System
4. Click on the System Restore tab
5. Make sure that the check-box, "Turn off System Restore on all drives" is unchecked
6. That is all that is needed to start using System Restore.

2. Restore your computer back to a certain time/date or to create a Restore Point

1. Click on Start in the lower left corner
2. Click on Help and Support
3. Find and click on Undo changes to your computer with System Restore
4. The popup box will guide you through Restore my computer to an earlier time or Create a restore point
5. During a restore, the calendar dates that have Restore Points will be in bold.
   
6. Note: the popup box states:  "...returns your computer to an earlier time without causing you to lose recent work, such as saved documents, e-mail, or history and favorite lists"

3. When System Restore does not fix the problem
If you have done a System Restore to a selected Restore Point and your problems have not gone away, you might need to wipe your hard drive clean and reinstall everything.  This can be a formidable task; but it isn't too bad if you take your time and make sure that you have saved everything, which includes all of the programs installed and all of your data (pictures, multi-media, documents, etc.).  Before I do a clean install, I usually spend several days making sure that I have remembered everything.  Invariably, there is usually something I forget.  These days, almost everything can be re- downloaded from the internet quickly and easily.

1. One trick in remembering your installed programs is to take a picture of "All Programs."  Click on Start and then click on All Programs.  While All Programs are displayed, touch PrtSc (Print Screen).  Open a document program and paste the PrtSC (Print Screen) onto the page and save it to a USB memory stick (flash drive or what ever you want to call it).  When saved, you will have a picture of the programs you have installed.  You can do the same thing for your Firefox browser by clicking on Add-ons and also for Plugins.  Anything else you can think of that needs to be saved and referred to during reinstall can be done in this manner.
2. Here is a good idea: Make sure you have the installation discs for the programs you want to reinstall.
3. Back up your data, which includes pictures, documents, various computer settings and other things like your bookmarks (Favorites), downloads, etc.  In a Windows system, you need to save information that is kept in a folder named "Documents and Settings."  If you have done things, like saving your documents or bookmarks in a default way, it all goes into "Documents and Settings" and you have to careful that that folder gets backed up.  If you have created folders of your own, separate from "Documents and Settings,"  you, of course, will have to save that as well.
4. Lenovo and HP have their own software for you to use to back up your data.  Their software makes it very simple to save your data.  They have options for reinstall all or parts of your hard drive data.  For example, you can restore your computer to the way it was when it left the factory or to repair the operating system.  You can also choose to restore certain files.  If you are having trouble getting this done because some wording is confusing or whatever, please call me and we will tackle the problem together.

Next topic will be how to Backup your data and how to retrieve data after a problem.

With love and blessings,

Holiness David

Elder lavender child
alightfromwithin.org
rainbow warriors of prophecy



Welcome to the home of love, where your computer gets to know of hugs. Take the time to give it love, to ensure the spine stands, on the test of time (until you update protection files again). For only you can operate the golden rule, do unto your computer, who knows who to fool. But we do outwit the slyest fox, when we give love instead of gloves (put them up, combative forces). The greatest part of protection is clear, the smooth operation of moving in space is dear (world wide web). Protect my computer God above to bring the Angels down below. Bless and bless the common place, to be rest assured that all is grace.