Create a System Restore Point in Windows 7

You can back up your system files, which creates a restore point you can later use to return your computer to earlier settings if you begin to experience problems.

1. Choose Start >> Control Panel >> System and Security and in the resulting System and Security dialog box, click the System link.

2. In the System dialog box, click the System Protection link in the left panel. In the System Properties dialog box that appears, on the System Protection tab, click the Create button.

3. In the Create a Restore Point dialog box that appears, enter a name to identify the restore point, such as the current date or the name of a program you're about to install, and click Create.

4. Windows displays a progress window. When the restore point is created, a message appears. Click Close to close the message box, and click Close to close the System Protection dialog box, and then click Close again to close the Control Panel.

Every once in a while, when you install some software, make some new settings in Windows, and things seem to be running just fine, create a system restore point. It's good computer practice, just like backing up your files, only you're backing up your settings. Once a month or once every couple months works for most people, but if you frequently make changes, create a system restore point more often.

System Restore doesn't always solve the problem. Your very best bet is to be sure you create a set of backup discs for your computer when you buy it. If you didn't do that and you can't get things running right again, contact your computer manufacturer. They may be able to send you a set of recovery discs, though they may charge a small fee.