How do I use system restore before XP boots up?

My computer is acting very strange...different symptoms and I would like to restore to a previous setting before XP boots up. Is there a way I can do this right from the beginning when I power up the computer?

 

You can access system restore from safe mode, if that helps.

 

That means BEFORE windows boots. Not after.

I think it would be nice if we did have a system restore that could be done from a FLOPPY boot up like we could in 98.

BillyBob

 

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;304449&sd=tech

Start the System Restore tool at a command prompt
1. Restart your computer, and then press F8 during the initial startup to start your computer in Safe Mode with a command prompt.
2. Log on to your computer with an administrator account or with an account that has administrator credentials.
3. Type the following command at a command prompt, and then press ENTER:
%systemroot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe
4. Follow the instructions that appear on the screen to restore your computer to an earlier state.

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Not very descriptive:

Depending on your problem and any recent changes you've made, (added, deleted, installed, uninstalled, patched, updated) "system restore" may not be your best solution.

 

True, and here it is as Anne referenced - there is one for WinME BTW, but in this case I think it doesn't make any difference, SR from Safe Mode or normal mode for that matter would accomplish the same thing.

Where it matters is when booting itself is a problem.

Regard - Charles

 

Post now printed and on it way to storage in a safe place ( I hope LOL )

Thanks
BillyBob

 

If I boot and tap F8 I get a screen asking if I want the menu of choices, or to restore my comp to an earlier time. I would assume that is before Windows loads all the way?

Johanna

 

Yep, I believe that. If no splash screen, you have not handed the process off to the ntoskrnl.exe and Windows is not loaded. The splash screen is an integral part of the ntoskrnl.exe file and it is the last element of the bootloading process. The pass off to ntoskrnl.exe starts the loading of the Shell and other Startups along with your personal settings found in the Registry.