System Restore
It's always a good idea to keep software and device drivers updated. It is possible, however, that performing an update can cause problems and break something in windows.
If something goes wrong with Windows after you make a change, it's possible to restore Windows to its settings at an earlier time. This is called System Restore. System Restore is not a guaranteed fix, but it's a good bet if, for example, everything was working fine, then you update a program. After the update, Windows does not work. Performing a System Restore just because things aren't working well, though, is a shot in the dark.
Restore Points are generally created automatically when major system updates are done, or you can create one by hand. You'll notice the option to create a Restore Point in the dialogs for System restore, but I don't believe the average user needs to do this often, so I won't go into the specifics here.
NOTE: System Restore will not delete data like documents or pictures that were created after the Restore Point, but any system settings that were changed will be lost.
XP and Vista handle System Restore in basically the same way, but they look a little different, so we'll see how each is done.
1. To begin System restore in XP, go to Start>Programs>Accessories>System Tools>System Restore.
2. Select the option to restore to an earlier time.
3. Select a Restore Point from the presented calendar. If you know about when your problems started, I would choose the available Restore Point closest to that time. In other words, if you noticed that your problems started yesterday, look for a Restore Point from the day before.
4. You will be asked to confirm that you want to perform the restore. Click Next.
The computer will restart and restore to the earlier time. This may take a few minutes. When the restore process is complete, you will be advised as to whether it was successful or not.
After the Restore is complete, try to do some of the tasks that have been giving you trouble. If it works, great! If you still have problems, you can either try to go to a Restore Point further back in time, or you will need to do some other troubleshooting.
1. To begin System restore in Vista, go to Start and begin typing System Restore in the Search bar. Look for System Restore in the Search results, and click on it to start.
2. Select Recommended Restore or Choose a Different restore Point.
If you choose to select your own Restore Point, choose the available Restore Point closest to that time. In other words, if you noticed that your problems started yesterday, look for a Restore Point from the day before.
3. You will be asked to confirm that you want to perform the restore. Click Next.
The computer will restart and restore to the earlier time. This may take a few minutes. When the restore process is complete, you will be advised as to whether it was successful or not.
After the Restore is complete, try to do some of the tasks that have been giving you trouble. If it works, great! If you still have problems, you can either try to go to a Restore Point further back in time, or you will need to do some other troubleshooting.