The System Restore tool in Windows is one of the more helpful utilities available to you and is usually a great first step when you're trying to fix a major problem in Windows.
In a nutshell, what the Windows System Restore tool lets you do is revert to a previous software, registry, and driver configuration called a restore point. It's like 'undoing' the last major change to Windows, taking your computer back to the way it was when the restore point was created.
Since a majority of Windows problems involve issues with at least one of those aspects of your operating system, System Restore is a great tool to use early in the troubleshooting process. It also helps that it's really simple to do.
Follow these easy steps to return Windows to a previous, hopefully working, state using System Restore:
Time Required: Using the System Restore tool to undo/reverse changes in Windows usually takes anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes, at least in most cases.
How you access System Restore differs between Windows versions. Below are three separate procedures: one for Windows 10, Windows 8, or Windows 8.1, one for Windows 7 or Windows Vista, and one for Windows XP. See What Version of Windows Do I Have? if you're not sure.
How to Use System Restore in Windows 10, 8, or 8.1
If System Restore did not correct the problem, you can either a) repeat the steps above, choosing an even older restore point, assuming one is available, or b) continue troubleshooting the problem.
If this System Restore caused an additional problem, you can undo it, assuming it wasn't completed from Safe Mode (see the Important call-out in Step 10). To undo a System Restore in Windows, repeat steps 1 through 6 above and choose Undo System Restore.
How to Use System Restore in Windows 7 or Windows Vista
How to Use System Restore in Windows XP
More About System Restore & Restore Points
The Windows System Restore utility will not in any way affect your non-system files like documents, music, video, emails, etc. If you were hoping that Windows System Restore would, in fact, restore or 'undelete' any deleted non-system files, try a file recovery program instead.
Restore points don't usually need to be created manually. Assuming System Restore is enabled and working properly, Windows, as well as other programs, should regularly create restore points at critical junctures like prior to a patch being applied, before a new program is installed, etc.
See What Is a Restore Point? for a bigger discussion on restore points and how they work.
System Restore can also be started in any version of Windows by executing rstrui.exe, which might be helpful in certain situations, like when you need to run it from Safe Mode or another limited-access situation.
See How to Start System Restore From the Command Prompt if you need help doing that.
The Download Now link will download a small installer file to your desktop. Remain online and double-click the installer to proceed with the actual download.
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What do you need to know about free software?
System Restore is a Windows feature that can help fix certain types of crashes and other computer problems. Here’s how it works, how to set it up, and how to use it when things go awry.
We’re going to be using Windows 10 in this article, but System Restore has been around a long time–and works pretty much the same way in each version of Windows. The instructions here are good for Windows 7, 8, and 10, and you’ll encounter only minor differences throughout the process.
What Is System Restore?
When something goes wrong on your system as a result of a bad piece of software–maybe an app you installed, or a driver that broke something important–it can be hard to fix. System Restore lets you restore your Windows installation back to its last working state.
It does this by creating “restore points” every so often. Restore points are snapshots of your Windows system files, certain program files, registry settings, and hardware drivers. You can create a restore point at any time, though Windows automatically creates a restore point once per week. It also creates a restore point right before a major system event, like installing a new device driver, app, or running Windows update.
Then, if something goes wrong, you can run System Restore and point it to a recent restore point. It will reinstate those system settings, files, and drivers, returning your underlying Windows system to that earlier state.
This can be really useful when troubleshooting certain types of problems. For example, if you install a device driver that makes your computer unstable, you’ll want to uninstall that driver. However, in some cases, the driver may not uninstall properly, or it may damage system files when you uninstall it. If you use System Restore and select a restore point that was created before you installed the driver, this can restore your system files to the previous state before any problem occurred.
Windows Restore can also be really useful for undoing the damage caused by a misbehaving app or Windows update. Sometimes, apps and updates can cause problems with other apps or even system components and simply uninstalling the app might not reverse the damage. Restoring to a point before the app was installed, however, can often clear up the problem.
How Does Using System Restore Affect My Personal Files?
RELATED:What’s the Best Way to Back Up My Computer?
System Restore is different than making backups–it specifically works on the underlying Windows system, rather than everything on your hard drive. As such, System Restore does not save old copies of your personal files as part of its snapshot. It also will not delete or replace any of your personal files when you perform a restoration. So don’t count on System Restore as working like a backup. That isn’t what it’s intended for. You should always have a good backup procedure in place for all your personal files.
How Does Using System Restore Affect My Apps?
When you restore your PC to an earlier restore point, any apps you installed after that point will get uninstalled. Apps that were installed when that restore point was created will still be in place. Apps that you uninstalled after making that restore point will get restored, but with a very big caveat. Since System Restore only restores certain types of files, programs that get restored often won’t work–or at least, work properly until you re-run their installers.
Windows does let you see exactly what programs will be affected when you go through the process, but it’s a good idea to restore to the most recent restore point possible to minimize problems with apps. It’s also a good idea to create manual restore points before you undertake big installations or settings changes so that you know you can revert to a very recent restore point if you need to.
Can System Restore Remove Viruses or Other Malware?![]()
RELATED:What’s the Best Antivirus for Windows 10? (Is Windows Defender Good Enough?)
System Restore is not a good solution for removing viruses or other malware. Since malicious software is typically buried within all kinds of places on a system, you can’t rely on System Restore being able to root out all parts of the malware. Instead, you should rely on a quality virus scanner that you keep up to date.
How to Enable System Restore
For many people, System Restore protection is turned on by default for your main system drive (C:) and not other drives on your PC. For others, System Restore is not enabled by default for any drives. Right now, there’s no consensus for why this happens. It does not appear related to whether Windows was installed fresh or upgraded, how much disk space you have available, what type of drives you have, or anything else we can figure out.
If you want to be protected by System Restore, you should absolutely turn it on for at least your system drive. In most cases, that’s all you need, since all the things System Restore protects tend to be located on the system drive anyway. If you want to turn on System Restore protection for other drives–say, for example, you install some programs to a different drive–you can do that too.
To make sure System Restore is turned on–and to enable it for specific drives–hit Start, type “restore,” and then click “Create a restore point.” Don’t worry. This doesn’t actually create a restore point; it just opens the dialog where you can get to all the System Restore options.
On the “System Protection” tab, in the “Protection Settings” section, you’ll see the available drives on your PC and whether protection is enabled for each drive. To turn on protection, select a drive on the list and click the “Configure” button.
(In our case, System Restore was already enabled for our C: drive. If it isn’t on your system, that’s the first drive you’ll probably want to enable it for.)
In the “System Protection” dialog that opens, click the “Turn on system protection” option, adjust the “Max Usage” slider to the amount of hard drive space you want System Restore to be able to use, and then click “OK.”
You can then click “OK” again to exit the System Properties dialog. Just be aware that when Windows creates a restore point (or you create one manually), System Restore will create a restore point on all the drives that have system protection enabled.
How to Create a Restore Point
As we mentioned earlier, System Restore automatically creates restore points on a week, and whenever a major event like an application or driver installation happens. You can also create a restore point yourself whenever you want. Hit Start, type “restore,” and then click “Create a restore point.” On the “System Protection” tab, click the “Create” button.
Type a description for your restore point that will help you remember why you created it and then click “Create.”
It can take 30 seconds or so to create a restore point, and System Restore will let you know when it’s done. Click “Close.”
How to Restore Your System to an Earlier Restore Point
Okay, so you have System Restore enabled, and you’ve been diligent about creating restore points whenever you mess with your system. Then, one fateful day, the inevitable happens–something goes wonky with your system, and you want to restore to an earlier restore point.
You’ll start the restore process from the same “System Protection” tab where you configure System Restore options. Hit Start, type “restore,” and then click “Create a restore point.” On the “System Protection” tab, click the “System Restore” button.
The welcome page of the System Restore wizard just gives you a brief description of the process. Click “Next” to go on.
The next page shows you the available restore points. By default, the only thing showing will probably be the automatic weekly restore point and any manual restore points you’ve created. Select the “Show more restore points” option to see any automatic restore points created before app or driver installations.
Select the restore point you want–remember, the most recent working restore point is ideal–and then click “Scan for affected programs” to have System Restore detect any programs that will be uninstalled during the process.
System Restore will present you with two lists. The top list shows you programs and drivers that will be deleted if you restore Windows to the selected restore point. The bottom list shows programs and drivers that might be restored by the process. Again, even programs and drivers that get restored might not function properly until you do a full reinstall.
When you’re ready to restore, click the restore point you want to use and then click Next. Note that you can skip the scanning step and just click Next anyway, but it’s always good to see what apps will be affected before you start the process.
Next, you’re asked to confirm the restoration. Make sure you’ve selected the right restore point and click “Finish.”
System Restore informs you that once it starts, the restore process cannot be interrupted. Click “Yes” to start.
Windows will restart your PC and begin the restore process. It can take a while for System Restore to reinstate all those files–plan for at least 15 minutes, possibly more–but when your PC comes back up, you’ll be running at your selected restore point. It’s now time to test whether it resolved whatever problems you were having. And remember that System Restore creates an additional restore point right before performing the restore process, so you can always undo your actions by performing this same process and selecting that new restore point.
Other Ways You Can Fix System Problems
If System Restore doesn’t solve your problem, there are other ways you can go about addressing some of the issues System Restore is designed to solve.
If the problem was caused by a recent update, you can look at uninstalling that Windows Update or reverting to a previous “build” of Windows 10. This should fix problems that might occur due to Windows Update and issues with your specific hardware and software.
If you believe your system files are corrupted–or just want to check–you can try using the System File Checker to scan for and fix corrupt system files.
If you installed an update or hardware driver and the problem started after that, you can uninstall the driver or update and block them from being automatically installed again.
If Windows isn’t booting properly so you can’t do any of this, you can boot into Safe Mode. You can also visit the “advanced startup options” screen — these will automatically appear if Windows 10 can’t boot normally — and use the options there.
Safe Mode is also useful if for some reason System Restore is unable to restore your PC to the selected restore point. You can boot into Safe Mode and try running System Restore again from there. One big caveat though, as reader Straspey was good enough to point out. When you revert to a restore point from Safe Mode, System Restore does not create a new restore point during the process, meaning that you don’t have a way to undo the restore.
RELATED:Everything You Need to Know About “Reset This PC” in Windows 8 and 10
Windows 10 also has two recovery tools that you can use if all else fails. The “Reset Your PC” feature can restore Windows to its factory default condition, or perform a clean installation of Windows while keeping your personal files intact.
System Restore isn’t a cure-all, but it can fix a surprising number of problems and unfortunately has been downplayed somewhat in recent years amidst all of Windows’ other recovery tools. System Restore is almost always worth trying before you result to more drastic measures, though.
Message 1 of 7
01-25-201408:54 PM
I had a poster on this site put up a link to solve a problem with a Pavillion A1310n throwing an error message: There was a problem initializingg Directx 9, and the site was called Driver Restore. I do not want to waste money or cause more problems to my computer, is this site legit and are there any other alternatives from reputable sites.
6 REPLIES 6
Message 2 of 7
02-27-201403:55 PM
lHad the seemingly common problem of my fairly new Lenovo A520 no longer recognizing my HP 5940, despite all other devices in the household working great with our Apple Air Extreme router...worked fine hardwired. I downloaded the HP drivers on my own, unistalled and reinstalled Airport/Bonjour, etc. with no change. Gave up and contacted (paid the ransom) Driver Restore. In huge font, they say to call this 800 number to get rolling (despite the program seemingly to start without the call). Anyway, got a technician who remotely accessed my PC, showed me a bunch of error messages (logically since everything I tried to test print didn't work) and proceeded to claim my new McAfee anti virus software first: 'isn't virus protection', then later stated, well it is, but it doesn't block malware...using the error messages as proof?????You can guess where this was going: he offered to clean everything up and was leading toward selling another product. I told him to just download the applicable driver, which he claimed he did. Then manually, despite me watching, he checked off as A-ok every driver the program suggested had an update..all without downloading a single thing. Upon rebooting and running their program, nothing had been changed and all the theoretical driver updates were still pending. ps: my printer still won't work without the USB cable..defeating the reason I bought the router and paid these guys.
Message 3 of 7
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02-01-201503:46 PM
Had the same problem with these guys . I really think that they are scammers . gonna report them to pay pal . I went thru the same thing with them .
Message 4 of 7
04-29-201512:05 AM - edited 04-29-201512:14 AM
my computer is new it may be a month old now then in two days my kaspersky popped up trojan all red and everything ok told it what to do it did everything kool now right??? Then all these popups and recording from my internet company and a lot of others all at the same time scared the crap out of me.. I couldn't get them off they just kept coming so I turn the computer off thinking that will get them off and I can see what the problem was.. I turned it back on and there they were all flashing red and voices telling me my computer was at risk.. Now like I said this is a BRAND NEW COMPUTER Levono Y50-50 Touch Screen something I had to wait and save to get.. How could this be happening??? Well I used task manager to close everything and went to my Advantage Driver Restore they went into my laptop and did what I thought was fixing it they showed a lot of malwear, all the different tabs that I don't know how they got on there.. Now I already paid for a 2 year contract with them.. But when they finish finding the problems then they told me I'd have to pay $199.00 for them to fix it and I did so they act like they were fixing it and I believed them.. A little over a week later a pop up and another one and another one it got so I couldn't look up anything, go to my bank account online, everytime I got on my laptop pop ups. Then they started calling me telling me I need to let them help me again they wouldn't take know for an answer I would just hang up.. By now I'm pissed they called again and I went off told them I know this is a scam and I WAS NOT GIVING THEM ANYTHING LOSE MY NUMBER!!! They tried again but this time I told them I had reported them to the ACCC'S Infocenter they hung up.. My computer is working find now It's new so I didn't have a lot on it so I set it back to factory restore.. This will never happen again if I can help it I'm not trusting anyone now when it comes to my laptop I check it or them out first..
Message 5 of 7
07-27-201501:42 PM
Had the same experience. After ten minutes of incomprehensible English coming over a static filled line, I hung up on the clown and disconnected my computer from the Internet.
Message 6 of 7
04-17-201711:18 PM
Had the some problem with my drivers and i download driver restore, but i dint have any problems these guys . I dont think that they are scammers .infact in my case i even had a conversation with their support and it was awesome they guided me thru each and every step.....fully satisfied
Message 7 of 7
09-10-201702:56 PM
Would anyone on this site with a bad review of driver restore be willing to write up a simple letter on letterhead describing their experience that this company is a sham. I also fell for it and purchased the driverrestore which they told me wouldnt work without buying their security program. My computer crashed as a result as their software is malware. i am fighting the charge on my credit card that this company is bogusjTy
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Safe Mode is a diagnostic startup mode in Windows operating systems that's used as a way to gain limited access to Windows when the operating system won't start normally.
Normal Mode, then, is the opposite of Safe Mode in that it starts Windows in its typical manner.
Safe Mode is called Safe Boot on macOS. The term Safe Mode also refers to a limited startup mode for software programs like email clients, web browsers, and others. There's more on that at the bottom of this page.
Safe Mode AvailabilityDriver Restore Reviews
Safe Mode is available in Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, and most older versions of Windows as well.
How to Tell If You're in Safe Mode
While in Safe Mode, the Desktop background is replaced with a solid black color with the words Safe Mode at all four corners. The top of the screen also shows the current Windows build and service pack level.
The picture at the top of this page shows what Safe Mode looks like in Windows 10.
How to Access Safe Mode
Safe Mode is accessed from Startup Settings in Windows 10 and Windows 8, and from Advanced Boot Options in previous versions of Windows.
If you are able to start Windows normally but would like to start in Safe Mode for some reason, a really easy way is to make changes in System Configuration.
If neither of the Safe Mode access methods mentioned above work, you can force Windows to restart in Safe Mode.
How to Use Safe Mode
For the most part, Safe Mode is used just like you use Windows normally. The only exception to using Windows in Safe Mode as you would otherwise is that certain parts of Windows may not function or may not work as quickly as you're used to.
For example, if you start Windows in Safe Mode and want to roll back a driver or update a driver, you'd do that just as you would do when using Windows normally. It's also possible to scan for malware, uninstall programs, use System Restore, etc.
Safe Mode Options
There are actually three different Safe Mode options available. Deciding which Safe Mode option to use depends on the problem you're having.
Here are descriptions of all three and when to use which:
Safe Mode
Safe Mode starts Windows with the absolute minimum drivers and services that are possible to start the operating system.
Choose Safe Mode if you can't access Windows normally and you do not expect to need access to the internet or your local network.
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Safe Mode with Networking
Safe Mode with Networking starts Windows with the same set of drivers and services as Safe Mode but also includes those necessary for the networking services to function.
Choose Safe Mode with Networking for the same reasons you'd chose Safe Mode but when you do expect to need access to your network or the internet.
This Safe Mode option is often used when Windows won't start and you suspect you'll need access to the internet to download drivers, follow a troubleshooting guide, etc.
Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Safe Mode with Command Prompt is identical to Safe Mode except that Command Prompt is loaded as the default user interface instead of Explorer.
Choose Safe Mode with Command Prompt if you've tried Safe Mode but the taskbar, Start screen, or Desktop doesn't load properly.
Other Types of Safe Mode
Like mentioned above, Safe Mode is usually the term for starting any program in a mode that uses default settings, for the purpose of diagnosing what could be causing problems. It functions much like Safe Mode in Windows.
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The idea is that when the program starts with its default settings only, it's more likely to start without issues and let you further troubleshoot the problem.
What typically happens is that once the program begins without loading custom settings, modifications, add-ons, extensions, etc., you can enable things one-by-one and then keep starting the application like that so that you can find the culprit.
Some smartphones can be started in Safe Mode, too. You should check your specific phone's manual since it's usually not obvious how to do it. Some might have you press and hold the menu button while the phone starts, or maybe both the volume up and volume down keys. Some phones make you hold down the power off option to reveal the Safe Mode switch.
macOS uses Safe Boot for the same purpose as Safe Mode in Windows, Android, and Linux operating systems. It's activated by holding down the Shift key while powering on the computer.
You can also use Microsoft Outlook in safe mode. Doing that disables Reading Pane, extensions, and some custom settings so that you can troubleshoot what's preventing Outlook from starting normally.
The Firefox web browser is another example of a program that can be started in safe mode for troubleshooting purposes. The same is true for Chrome with its Incognito Mode, and Internet Explorer's 'NoAdd-ons' mode accessible with the iexplore -extoff Run command.
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