Windows 7: Recovery

The Windows 7 System Restore application is accessed from the Recovery page, and can be used to resolve many system problems. Microsoft recommends it as the best recovery method to try first in the event of an Operating System malfunction.

System Restore enables you to undo recent system changes while leaving files such as documents, pictures and music unchanged. It does this by restoring your computer's system files to an earlier point in time. The process may remove recently installed programs and drivers.

The application works on the principle that sometimes, the installation of a program or a driver can cause an unexpected change to your computer or cause Windows to behave unpredictably, and that uninstalling the program or driver will usually correct the problem.

If uninstalling doesn't fix the problem, you may then try restoring your computer's system to an earlier date when everything worked correctly.

System Restore uses its system protection feature to regularly create and save restore points on your computer. Restore points are created automatically every week, and just before significant system events, such as the installation of a program or device driver.

These restore points contain information about registry settings and other system information that Windows uses. You can also create restore points manually.

System image backups stored on hard disks can also be used for System Restore, just like the restore points created by system protection. Even though system image backups contain both your system files and personal data, your data files will not be affected by System Restore.

System Restore isn't meant for backing up personal files, so it cannot help you recover a personal file that has been deleted or damaged. You should regularly back up your personal files to avoid data loss.