Setting the Restore Point (XP)

Windows XP Restore Point

When you set up a new computer the first thing to do prior to running all the required updates to the security suite, programs, and operating system you need to create a restore point. What is a restore point?

System Restore is designed to automatically monitor and record changes made to the core Windows system files and to the registry. System Restore can then allow you to undo (or "roll back") a change that caused instability in your system. This is accomplished by periodically recording a "Restore Point" (or System CheckPoint) that gives you the ability to roll your system back to the point in time when your computer was known to function properly.

System Restore is not intended to be an "uninstaller" or a backup program. If Windows does not function properly after installing software or drivers, you should use the Add/Remove Programs tool in Control Panel (or use the program's uninstaller) to remove the software before using System Restore.

Now that we have that answered, how to create a system restore point in Windows XP:

Click the "Start" button, navigate to "Programs" , "Accessories", "System Tools", and click on "System Restore".

Check the radio button next to "Create a restore point" and then click "Next".

Enter a restore point description and click the "Create" button.

This shows the restore point has been created, click the "Close" button to finish.