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Most new computers come with a disk or a set of disks labeled “System Restore”. Computer manufactures started including these disks with computer systems to make it easier for computer users to get out of trouble. No matter how long you have been using your computer, the System Restore disks will revert your computer to the state that it was in when you first received it.
When you encounter a computer problem that the technical support person is unable to solve, he or she often takes an easy solution. They advise you to take out the System Restore disk(s) and install them on the computer. What they often don’t tell you is that using these disks will wipe out all the data and programs that you have installed and/or created on your computer.
So before you reach for those System Restore disks you must take certain precautions to ensure that you can restore your computer not only to its original state, but also to the state that it was in before you had the problem.
First of all backup all of you computer data. If you have a CD-writer, backing up on CDs is the easiest way to go. Make sure that you backup all of your documents, photographs, and other user files. Don’t forget to back up your e-mail data. You will also want to back up your Internet Explorer Favorites or Netscape Bookmarks.
After you have a back up copy of everything you need, make sure that you have the disks for the programs that you have installed on your computer. Windows, Internet Explorer, and all other programs that came with your computer will be reinstalled with the restore, but if you have added any other programs you will have to reinstall them yourself. If you have purchased and downloaded programs online make sure that you have the Internet address to go to for reinstallation and be sure to have your user name and password handy. Also if you have changed any of the preferences in any programs you will have to reset them after the restore.
Also remember that you will probably have to set up your Internet connection again. Be sure that you have your user name and password handy. Also have the telephone number of your Internet Service Provider available in case you have to call them to help you re-establishing your Internet connection.
Yes, getting ready to use the System Restore disks and moving back your data after you restore is a lot of work. The good news is that you will be rewarded with a clean, speedy, junk-free computer.
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