How to use System Restore tool in Windows XP?

System Restore helps in restoring a computer to an earlier state. It often comes handy in solving  various problems, specially the ones which appear right after install or uninstall of a software or driver. Want to use System Restore tool in your Windows XP computer? Need some help? Read on for more details and step by step instructions.

How to use System Restore in Windows XP?

Steps to perform System Restore when you are able to access desktop:

This is the normal method of using System Restore in Windows XP. Note: you need to login as administrator or an user with administrator rights.

1. Click Start, go to All Programs and select Accessories. From the Accessories menu select System Tools and click System Restore link.
2. Windows System Restore page will appear. Select “Restore my computer to an earlier time” option and press Next button.
3. Next window will display a calendar. Select a specific date to which you want to restore your computer. The bold dates mean restore points available. For help, read descriptions for restore points (example: software install/uninstall).
4. Press Next and confirm that you picked the correct restore point.
5. System Restore process will start. It may take several minutes. When restoration finishes your computer will boot normally. A confirmation message will appear. Click Close.

Steps to perform System Restore when desktop is not accessible:

Sometimes an Windows XP system may fail to boot normally. In such situation, desktop remains inaccessible and System Restore is not possible by using the above method. You need to use System Restore in Safe Mode. Find detailed steps below.

1. Press the power button of your computer and start pressing F8 key on your keyboard.
2. Windows Advanced Options window appears. By using up or down arrow keys select Safe Mode with Command Prompt.
3. Press Enter key on your keyboard.
4. Windows will start in Safe Mode. Login as administrator.
5. On the Command Prompt window, type C:\Windows\system32\restore\rstrui.exe and press Enter.
6. Follow the instructions on System Restore window and restore your computer an earlier restore point.

Note: The path mentioned on step 5 is for example only. It is for a computer with Windows XP installed on C drive. If your XP install location is different, it won’t work unless you use the correct path.