Windows 7: How To Create a System Restore Point

If you’re installing new software or messing with the registry or anything else in Microsoft Windows 7, you absolutely must create a restore point. This is best practice — and you’ll be so happy you did.

The next time something goes awry, Windows 7 lets you return your system and settings right back to the restore point you set, when it was working well.

First click Start. Then in the search box type: restore point

Hit Enter.

The System Properties window opens to the System Protection tab. Click Create.

Now it’s time to type a description. Some folks like to type in the state of their computer or a user name or note. Don’t worry about the date or time, the system automatically fills that in.

Click Create.

Now wait while Windows 7 creates your new Restore Point.

When it’s finished, a message is displayed telling you the restore point was created successfully. Click Close.

To verify Windows saved the Restore Point, click System Restore.

On the next screen, you’ll see the latest Restore Point that you created under Recommended Restore. To double check, select Choose a Different Restore Point. Click Next.

There you’ll see a list of previous Restore Points that you or someone set up on this Windows 7 machine over time.

Notice the first one of the list is the one you just created.

Increasingly, new programs automatically create a Restore Point before you uninstall them. So you don’t have to worry about those — and that’s a great trend.

Nonetheless, whenever you’re making a major system change — like swapping memory, updating a BIOS, or adding a video card — stop. Create your own restore point. I promise one day you will thank me. And I won’t gloat one bit.