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How do I restore the system?

Depending on the extent of the damage, you have a couple of different options for restoring it. Among the more common system restoration strategies are: System Restore, running the System File Checker Utility, and an operating system repair.

System Restore

Both Windows XP and Windows Vista come with a built-in utility called System Restore. In order for System Restore to do any good, System Protection must be turned on. If it is turned on, then your computer will automatically take snapshots (called restore points) of its current configuration and settings. Should something (such as damaged system files, missing device drivers, or strange computer errors) go awry, System Restore allows you to pick a restore point and restore your system to its operating condition at that point in time.

System Restore is located in the System Tools folder (Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore).

The System File Checker Utility

Windows also comes with a lesser known utility, the System File Checker utility. This utility may require your Windows installation CD if it finds any corrupt files though it often retrieves fresh copies of files in a system folder. The SFC utility scans your operating system files to make sure that they are in place and properly working. If it comes across a damaged or missing file, it replaces it with a clean copy from the Windows CD or the System32\dllcache folder. If your operating system is acting up, it could be due to a damaged component that SFC can find and replace.

To run this utility, go to the Start button and access Run. Type in: sfc /scannow

Repairing the Operating System

If System Restore and the System File Checker don’t solve the problem, repairing the operating system may do it. This step requires your Windows installation CD. You must insert the disc into your CD drive and temporarily change your BIOS so that Windows boots from CD. To change BIOS, boot your computer and press the key that the onscreen display indicates must be pressed to enter BIOS or Setup. Look for a “boot order” option and change the order so that the CD drive is the first place that BIOS checks for boot instructions. Once your computer is prepared, reboot it with the Windows CD in the drive.

This will launch the Windows Setup program. You will need to press Enter and agree to the license agreement. (Note: despite its name, don’t select the Recovery Console). Once you’ve agreed to the terms, you should see a screen prompting you to select your operating system and an option “Press ‘R’ to repair Windows.” Select your operating system and press ‘R.’ From there, follow any onscreen prompts. While it will look like an installation is taking place, don’t worry. The operating system is being repaired, not reinstalled. Your data will be fine.

My computer has a nasty virus and I want to do a restore. I have done this twice in the past with no problems; however this time the computer does not recognize the restore disc. Other CDs work but it won’t start the restore upon startup or if I try explore after it starts.

Since you’ve completed this task twice before, it sounds as though you know what you are doing. The best tip that I can offer might very well be to tell you to find a replacement restore disc for the computer. In the meantime, you should make run a good virus cleaner to rid your computer of the infection. One question I might ask is whether or not you checked to make sure the computer is set to boot from the CD, because if it hasn’t been set to do so, it won’t be able to do so. Another option that you have is to run an anti-spyware/anti-virus application to get rid of any bugs your computer might have that could be preventing you from restoring the computer.

Computer Recovery

In general, the best way to protect your computer is to run a virus scan on a regular basis so that you can remove any infections before they create too much damage. If any residual damage occurs, then you can use a registry cleaner or utilize the chkdsk utility to clean up the damage and double check the health of the hard drive. If you can complete a startup repair, it will fix your computer so that it works properly.

Restore Computer

If your computer is experiencing another type of problem, it could be interfering with the recovery CD. Try disconnecting any unnecessary peripherals from the computer and attempt to use your recovery CD again. It’s a long shot, but worth a try.

If your computer came with a preinstalled version of Windows, the manufacturer might have included system recovery options on your hard disc. It’s worth checking it out just in case they are there.

Replace Recovery Disc

It sounds as though the recovery disc might have become corrupt, making it unreadable. This does happen with discs. Is the disc readable on other computers? Depending on the operating system/computer system that you are using, you should be able to replace the recovery disc by contacting the manufacturer. If your computer is still under warranty, you can contact the company that you purchased it from. Since I don’t know what version you are using, the best I can do is to offer you this link for Microsoft. It provides specific contact information for a wide variety of locations and items.