Re: Reverting system to an earlier date

Please do not fall into the common trap of "My computer's not working right so I'll try System Restore". SR has a specific purpose.

Understand that once you go back to a restore point your computer will have a mix of old and new system files. This is not necessarily a good idea. The further back in time you reach, the more you risk the possibility that old system files will not be compatible with the state of your system as it is today.

I advise my friends and family not to use a restore point any older than they would feel comfortable wearing the same pair of underwear. If you're not using your computer for hours a day, every day, you can probably go back a few days more.

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Ted Zieglar
"Backup is a computer user's best friend."

Debsieo wrote:
Thanks so much Ted - I feel very foolish but it was just not coming to me. I appreciate your tips too, but I didn't word that part of my plea very well - I knew what it would do, and I wanted it to do just what you described.

For some reason, my printer wasn't "talking" to my computer. I did everything I knew how - re-installed the driver, ran diagnostics, etc., but no go. I figured that a System Restore might do it, but I just blanked on the name - wish me luck!

PS - thanks for the reminder - I DO need to do a copmplete backup!

"Ted Zieglar" wrote:

System Restore, Find it at Control Panel > System > System Restore tab.

Some tips: SR does not "take your system back in time". It restores a limited set of system files to the way they were at an earlier point in time. The rest of your computer is the same as it always was.

SR is very useful for what it does: If key system files that make up the essential parts of the operating system are damaged you can regain the essential functionality of the OS through SR. However, System Restore is not the same thing as a backup. And it has no effect at all on your own files (documents, spreadsheets, music files, etc.)

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Ted Zieglar
"Backup is a computer user's best friend."

Debsieo wrote:
Really embarassed because I can't remember what you call it, but there's a way to take your system back in time to an earlier date in order to go back before certain system issues cropped up. What is that called? I can't look it up because I'm having a brain hiccup on the term!

Thanks for your help!
Debsieo
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