| Before attempting any system optimization, whether | | | | to click 'Programs' and then 'Installed Programs'). |
| it's memory upgrades or software configuration, it | | | | If your system is not booting properly you can also try |
| would be a good idea to create a System Restore | | | | using the boot menu that is available during the system |
| Point. Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7 | | | | startup process. To access it press F8 while the |
| all create restore points automatically but it doesn't hurt | | | | system tries to reboot (you may have to tap the key |
| to manually create one just prior to installing or | | | | multiple times as the system powers back up) and |
| uninstalling hardware or software, or before making | | | | then use your arrow keys to select 'Last Known |
| changes to any system configuration settings. | | | | Good Configuration', this works in many cases. |
| Basically a restore point allows you to do exactly what | | | | Manually Creating a Restore Point (Windows XP) |
| the name implies. Using the restore point you can | | | | - Click on Start-> All Programs-> Accessories-> |
| 'restore' or revert your computer back to a specific | | | | System Tools-> System Restore. |
| date and time. Thus, if something goes horribly wrong | | | | - The System Restore Menu should open and appear |
| during the installation of a new software application | | | | on your screen. |
| let's say, and your system is now not functioning | | | | - Select 'Create a restore point', and press 'Next'. |
| properly, you can attempt to restore back to the good | | | | - Be sure to create a name for the restore point that |
| state that existed just prior to the software installation. | | | | is descriptive and that you will remember, and/or make |
| This is of course assuming that a restore point exists | | | | a note to yourself. |
| for that date and time. Windows is supposed to | | | | - The current date and time will be added to the |
| automatically create one before all hardware and | | | | description automatically by the system.Manually |
| software installations. I never like to take chances | | | | Creating a Restore Point (Windows Vista & Windows |
| however so my belief is that it does not hurt to create | | | | 7) |
| one manually before installing any new software or | | | | - Click Start and then right-click on 'My Computer' and |
| hardware. | | | | select 'properties' from the menu. |
| Having a restore point is great insurance however | | | | - The 'System' menu will open. Click 'System |
| using the restore point can sometimes create | | | | Protection', which will be listed on the left side of the |
| unintended consequences. Reverting the entire system | | | | menu. |
| back to a earlier date and time requires quite | | | | - This brings up the 'System Properties' menu. Click on |
| extensive changes to the registry settings as well as | | | | the tab labeled 'System Protection' at the top of the |
| significant modification of stored data files. I point this | | | | menu. |
| out only as a cautionary note. Use this feature as a | | | | - You are now at the 'System Restore' menu. Press |
| last resort. | | | | the 'Create' button you will find near the bottom right |
| The most basic yet many times overlooked technique | | | | corner of the menu. |
| to address either software installation problems or | | | | - Be sure to create a name for the restore point that |
| hardware installation problems is simply rebooting the | | | | is descriptive and that you will remember, and/or make |
| system. Sometimes more than once. Also if you are | | | | a note to yourself. |
| experiencing a software installation error try uninstalling | | | | - The current date and time will be added to the |
| the software before you use a system restore. The | | | | description automatically by the system.Now that you |
| Add or Remove Programs tool is located in the control | | | | have completed this process you can add new |
| panel (in Windows Vista and Windows 7 you will need | | | | software or hardware with a little more confidence. |