Safe Mode System Restore

 System Restore is a very useful tool if you need to restore your system to an earlier time when it was working as expected!  There are many reasons why you may want to restore; for instance, a failed Windows update or an updated driver that causes your video card to stop working.  Whatever the reason, follow these steps and keep your fingers crossed. 

1)      Turn on the PC

2)    IMMEDIATELY, continually TAP the <F8> Key until you are presented with the Windows Advanced Options Menu

3)      Use your arrow key to select "Safe Mode" and press <Enter>

4)      Logon to the Administrator account or the main user account

5)      Press "Yes" when presented with the Warning screen

6)      Click <Start>, then <All Programs>, then <Accessories>, followed by <System Tools>, and finally <System Restore>.

7)      On the Welcome screen, click the radio button next to "Restore my computer to an earlier time", and then click <Next>

8)      On the Select a Restore Point page, select the date from the calendar that shows the point you'd like to restore to and then click <Next>

9)      On the Confirm Restore Point Selection page, verify that the correct restore point is chosen, and then close any open programs.

10)  Click <Next> if you are ready to proceed or click Back to change the restore point.  Make sure that you want to move forward with the restore as there is always a risk of losing a setting that you want.  You SHOULD not lose any data.

11)  The computer will shut down automatically and reboot. On reboot, you'll see the Restoration Complete page, and then click <OK>

If everything worked correctly, you should now be back to a stable, usable state.  If not, you may need to repeat the process and restore to an earlier date.  Always remember that while you may not lose data, you will have to reinstall any applications that were installed after the restore date.

Dana Hanson