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Everyone has experienced this. We switch on the computer in order to write that important report or presentation, but unfortunately the computer is not in the mood to function properly today. However, regardless of the problem, whether it is the word processor, spreadsheet or other type of software that won't work, Microsoft Windows XP has a utility specially designed to help fix this issue. This utility is called "System Restore".

System Restore acts very much like a photographer, constantly poking around behind the scenes of your computer and taking "snapshots" of the current state of the operating system and critical Windows files. If Windows XP starts to experience problems, the System Restore features is able to look up one of these snapshots and return your computer to a previous working state. It's almost like a time machine that lets you undo any problems which may have occurred. None of your personal documents or files are affected -- just the critical Windows files themselves.

If you wish to return your machine to its pristine state do the following: With the computer operating, stop any running software. Once everything is closed, go to the "start" indicator (usually in the lower left) Access "All Programs", then navigate through the menus to the "System Restore" wizard. Once chosen, the software will launch, giving you the choice of creating a new status point or returning to one of the previously saved states.

If you want your computer to begin working correctly again, you need to restore your system. Select option "a" and click "Next". From this screen, select a calendar date you would like to restore from. For example, if your computer worked correctly two days ago, select that date from the calendar and then click "Next." The following screen is the confirmation window. Confirm the information on the screen and click "Next". Windows XP will reboot and restore your system to the previous settings on the calendar date you selected.

The operation of returning to a previous state will take a minimum of a few minutes to a maximum of half an hour. The time needed depends upon the speed of your machine, and how much the configuration files have been altered from the native state. Once the process is completed, the machine will tell you whether it worked or failed. If all went well, your machine should reflect the previous save state, allowing you to log in and start restoring files. Ideally, the machine should now perform as mediocre as Windows will allow.

I mentioned the "Create a system restore point" option. This option is for when you want to force Windows XP to take a snapshot of your system just before you install a program or alter any system settings that you are not sure of. It is like a safety net for when you install any internet programs (sometimes riddled with spyware) or system drivers (video, audio, etc). If you want to revert back to a virgin state just create a restore point "before" installing any software. This way, if your machine starts acting weird, you can just restore your settings from the selected point. With a little practice, the System Restore utility is easy to use and a great way to help ensure the safety of your computer.