Computer Hardware:
     • Tools, Static & Cleaning
     • Form Factor
     • PC Case & Fans
     • Motherboard
     • Processor (CPU)
     • Power Supply Unit
     • RAM
     • Hard Drive
     • Solid State Drive
     • Optical Drive
     • Floppy Disk Drive
     • Graphics Card
     • Sound Card
     • Network Card
     • Computer Monitor
     • Keyboard & Mouse
     • Laptop / Netbook
     • Building a Computer
     • Overclocking

Operating System & Backup:
     • Operating System
     • Drivers
     • Windows Tools
     • User Accounts
     • Backup
     • Windows 10

Internet & Network:
     • Internet
     • Wi-fi or Cable
     • Improve Broadband Speed
     • Network Computers

Computer Peripherals:
     • Printer
     • Scanner
     • External Hard Drive
     • USB Flash Drive

Computer Security:
     • Anti-virus
     • Anti-Spyware
     • Phishing
     • Firewall

Common PC Problems:
     • Slow Computer
     • Hardware Failure
     • Software Failure
     • Printing Problems

Miscellaneous:
     • Windows Shortcuts
     • Glossary of Terms
     • HTML Colour Picker
     • Number Base Converter

System Restore

'System Restore' allows you to restore your Computer's system files to an earlier point in time.

This is useful if your Windows Operating System has a problem, as you can use 'System Restore' by selecting an earlier 'Restore Point' which restores the Operating System to how it was before you encountered the problem. This is also useful if you have installed some malware as it will restore your computer to an earlier point thus removing all the malware and fixing your computer.

System Restore on Windows 7.

You can get to 'System Restore' by using one of the following methods:
1. Click 'Start', then 'All Programs', then 'Accessories', then 'System Tools', and then select 'System Restore'.
2. Click 'Start', then click 'Control panel', then click 'System', then select 'System protection' (select 'System protection' tab).
3. Press the 'Windows logo key' and the 'Pause' key together on the keyboard, then select 'System protection' (select 'System protection' tab).
4. Click 'Start', then type 'System Restore' into the search box and then press 'Enter' on the keyboard.

Creating a Restore Point
The Windows Operating System will automatically create 'Restore Points' but you can also manually add your own.

To create your own 'Restore Point' then use one of the above methods (2, or 3 for Windows 7) to open 'System Restore', then select 'create' and it will ask you for a description so that you can identify your 'Restore Point', and then will create it.

Using 'System Restore'
Use one of the above methods to open 'System Restore' then select the 'System Restore' button. Select 'next', then choose a 'Restore Point' from the list to restore your computer to an earlier point in time.

While the computer restores your computer it is important that you do not interrupt the process. It will reboot your computer and may take several minutes to complete.

Note that 'System Restore' does not affect any of your documents, pictures, or other personal data although recently installed programs and drivers might be uninstalled.

If you are unable to fully get Windows to load properly due to a problem or you have tried 'System Restore' but it was unsuccessful then you should boot your computer into 'Safe Mode' and then use 'System Restore'.

Using 'System Restore' from a Command Prompt
If may be useful to run 'System Restore' from a 'Command Prompt', especially if Windows will not fully work but you can get to a 'Command prompt' from using 'Safe Mode'.

From a 'Command Prompt' type rstrui.exe and press 'Enter' on the keyboard and it should run 'System Restore'.

Configure 'System Restore'
'System Restore' is turned on by default on the hard disk partition that Windows is installed on but you do have the option to turn it off. You might want to temporary disable 'System Restore', which deletes all the 'Restore Points', because your computer was infected by a virus, and malware can hide in the System Restore area. You might also want to disable 'System Restore' to free up hard drive space however it is recommended that you keep it enabled in case you encounter any future problems.

On the 'System Protection' tab you will find a button called 'Configure' which lets you see all your drives and if protection is on or off. From here you can select a drive and switch system protection on or off and also select the disk space usage for the 'Restore Points'. Note that only the drive and partition used by the Operating System should be turned on. You also have the option to just delete all the 'Restore Points'.

System Repair Disk (Windows 7 & 8)
A System repair Disk can be created which can be used to boot up your computer. It contains Windows system recovery tools that can help you recover Windows from a serious error.

To create a System Repair Disk then click 'Start', then type 'backup' in the search box, and select 'Backup and Restore' and press 'Enter' on your keyboard. From here you can select 'create a System Image' or 'Create a System Repair Disk'.

To create a System Repair Disk you need a blank disk to be inserted into the Optical Drive (CD/DVD) and to follow the on-screen instructions. Keep this disk in a safe place in case of future problems.

The System Repair Disk is very useful if you cannot boot your computer into Windows or even get into Safe Mode. You just insert your System Repair Disk into the Optical Drive and boot your computer and it will give you a list of recovery tools including 'System Restore'.