650 Computer Service and Repair
or installing software. If something is done to the system that results in improper
operation, the System Restore feature can be used to return the system to its
previous state. This is done by selecting
Restore my computer to an earlier time
from the opening screen. System Restore displays a calendar of restore points
from which the user can choose, Figure 15-7.
Microsoft Windows XP and Vista make an automatic backup of all registry
files when you create a system restore point. You can create a system restore point
by following the path
Start | All Programs |Accessories | System Tools | System
Restore. The path is the same for Windows XP and Windows Vista.
Recovery Console
The Recovery Console is a last resort recovery utility available in Windows 2000
and XP. Recovery Console is also referred to as “command console” and “repair
console.” The Recovery Console is used when the problem is so severe, you
cannot access the safe mode startup option. Recovery Console is not a GUI utility.
It is a text-based command line utility. Commands are issued at the Recovery
Console command line prompt. The commands are very similar to the old style
DOS commands issued at the DOS prompt. Many of the commands you are
probably already familiar with, but there are some new ones. Look at the chart
in Figure 15-8. The chart is a partial listing of the many commands available in
Recovery Console.
Figure 15-6.
System Restore gives
the option to restore
the computer’s
system settings and
performance to a
previous point in
time or to create a
restore point.