Restoring XP to factory setting?

I just bought my new CPU w/XP. Before I start to mess with it, how do I or what can I do, do make it that if things go south, I can just either click something or put in a disk, and the reg and anything else affected would be back to factor settings or atleast back to where I want to leave off at. Thanks for the time.


Mike

 

Hi Mike, welcome to WindowsBBS.

In response to your question XP comes with a utility called System Restore. Though this won't allow you to put things back to factory settings, it will allow you to put some things back the way they were at an earlier point in time.

The following is from XP's help file;

System Restore Overview

System Restore is a component of Windows XP Home Edition that you can use to restore your computer to a previous state, if a problem occurs, without losing your personal data files (such as Microsoft Word documents, browsing history, drawings, favorites, or e-mail). System Restore monitors changes to the system and some application files, and it automatically creates easily identified restore points. These restore points allow you to revert the system to a previous time. They are created daily and at the time of significant system events (such as when an application or driver is installed). You can also create and name your own restore points at any time.

Notes:

Restoring your computer does not affect or change your personal data files. It is a good idea to back up your data files periodically. For example, you might copy your data files to removable media, such as a writable compact disc, once a week.

You can learn about System Restore by opening Help and Support from the start menu and typing System Restore into the search box.

HTH.

 

not to mention you should have a 'Recovery CD" with your new Computer Purchase. If things go bad, I'd try what Rod suggests, XP's System Restore. If things go worse, using your Recovry CD provided by Computer company should work great also. I've never seen a respectable company NOT include any type of recovery for their computer. Like Rod said, always always backup personal settings


XP should be able to handle a lot of stuff you throw at it. In my opinion, it's more stable then any previous versions, which makes total sense of course

 

I do not have, or have thrown out the 'Recovery CD'. How do I make one. Thanks for the help




Mike
XP Beginner

 

The company who manufactured your system will be able to tell you which of the CD's that came with your system contain these files. And each manufacturer may refer to it by a different name, for example; the Gateway XP System I purchased a few months ago contains this option, which they refer to as System Restore, on a CD entilted Applications.

You might also want to look through the written reference material that came with your system to see if there are directions on which CD this option is found. If you're unable to find your answer by looking through the reference material contact your manufacturers support line or web-site and they should be able to direct you to the correct CD.

HTH.