System Restore in Windows 7 (2024)

If you need to restore your system to an earlier state without losing your documents or other personal files, you can perform a System Restore on your Dell computer.

There are two ways to perform a System Restore: from the Control Panel and from the Advanced Boot Options menu.

From the Control Panel

Use this method if you can access your computer's desktop.

1. Log on to your computer as an administrator.
2. Open the Control Panel by clicking Start, and then clicking Control Panel.
3. Click System and Security, and then click System.
4. Under the Control Panel Home menu, click System protection.

   NOTE: If you are prompted for an administrator password, type your password. If you are asked for confirmation, provide confirmation.

5. Click System Restore.
6. Recommended Restore is the default choice. This restore is the most recent restore point and the best place to start.
7. To choose a different restore point, click Choose a different restore point, click Next and then click a restore point.
8. Click Next, and then click Finish to confirm your restore point.
9. To start the restore process, click Yes.
10. Once the system restore is complete, your computer will restart.

NOTE: If the most recent restore point doesn’t resolve the issue, select the next restore point. Any software installed after the restore point will be lost and you'll need to reinstall it.

From the Advanced Boot Options menu

Use this method if you can't access your computer's desktop.

1. Restart your computer.
2. As your computer restarts, press and hold the F8 key before the Windows logo appears to open the Advanced Boot Options menu.

   NOTE: If the Advanced Boot Options menu doesn't appear, restart your computer after the Windows logon prompt appears, and try again.

3. Use the Arrow keys to select Repair Your Computer, and then press Enter.
4. Select your language settings, and click Next.
5. Log on as an administrator, and click OK.
6. Click System Restore, and then click Next.
7. The most recent restore point is the default choice and the best place to start.
8. To choose a different restore point, click the Show more restore points check box, and then click a restore point.
9. Click Next, and then click Finish to confirm your restore point.
10. To start the restore process, click Yes.
11. Once the system restore is complete, click Restart to restart your computer.

NOTE: If the most recent restore point doesn’t resolve the issue, select the next restore point. Any software installed after the selected restore point will be lost and you'll need to reinstall it.