Recipe 3.7. Using System Restore to Recover from a Hardware-Induced Problem

Problem

You cannot start Windows normally or even in Safe Mode.

Solution

Using a graphical user interface

Log on to Windows using an account with administrator rights.
Navigate Start All Programs Accessories System Tools, and then click System Restore.
On the Select a Restore Point Page, click the most recent or a specific checkpoint in the On This List, click a Restore Point list, then click Next.
Click OK to accept the changes listed.
Click Next on the Confirm Restore Point Selection page.
After the system restarts, log on using an account with administrator rights.
Click OK to acknowledge the System Restore Restoration Complete page.

Using a command-line interface

Restart your computer, and then press F8 during the initial startup to start your computer in Safe Mode with a command prompt.
Log on using an account with administrator rights.
Enter the following command at the command prompt:
```
> %systemroot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe
```
Press the Enter key and follow the instructions to restore your computer to a previous state.

Discussion

The Windows System Restore feature saves entire System and User Registry databases on a daily basis (if configured to do so), when new devices are installed, or on demand. These saved databases can be recalled as necessary or desired to return your entire system to a previously known state. Because System Restore takes your entire system back to a prior time and state, all devices and applications changed since a prior restore may not function correctly after restoration, so you should use it with caution. If you know you've only made one or a few configuration changes, then the Last Known Good Configuration is a less aggressive means to go back to a working condition than going back in time. Safe Mode is a better option if you are able to isolate a single change in the system and undo it or remove a device or driver that caused a problem.