System Restore is a feature of Windows operating systems that allows you to revert your computer’s state to a previous point in time. These restore points can be automatically or manually set.
This can be helpful for corrupt files, to undo any unwanted changes or major system errors, any files that have been lost or removed, etc.
This article will go over how to run a System Restore on a Windows Vista.
- Boot Windows Vista.
- Click on Start.
- Start typing “restore” in the search bar.
- When the Backup and Restore Center item appears, click it.
- At the Restore system files and settings screen, select either to restore your computer to the recommended date (suggested by Windows Vista) or choose a different restore point.
Tip: Be sure to think back and select a date that would be before you were experiencing issues but not too far as you may lose more data on the computer than you wanted. - Click “Next”.
- At the confirmation screen, click “Yes”. Then you’ll receive a message saying, ”Once started, System Restore may not be interrupted and cannot be undone until after it has been completed. Are you sure you want to continue?” Click “Continue”.
- The device will then begin to restore your data and your computer will reboot.
- When it turns back on you should receive a confirmation message that the restore has been successful. That message will say ”System Restore completed successfully”.
- Click “Close”.
Tip: Be sure you’re ready to not use the computer for an extended amount of time as a System Restore can take a lot of time depending on how much data you’re restoring.
If you don’t receive the message that the Restore was able to successfully complete, repeat the process and try a different restore date.