Operating system configuration is special computer settings. They can be violated. Usually this becomes possible as a result of the work of one or another software or failures of the OS itself. In this case, there is a need to restore the original state of the computer.
On practice the situation with the computer settings is mainly resolved by rolling back the system to a specific date associated with any event in the functioning of the computer. This includes restore points. Their creation is available in automatic mode and manual. It is advisable to take care in advance of creating a snapshot of the system at a certain moment when it was distinguished by acceptable performance.
In any case, the question “ how to restore computer settings?"Is solved by choosing a certain point of return, which is achieved by the example of the" seven "as follows:
- Go to the start menu.
- Select the item "Control Panel" followed by clicking on the line "System and Security".
- Find the link "Restore the computer to a previous state" at the beginning of the list. Clicking on it opens a window where you should be interested in the button "Start System Restore".
- Activation of the mentioned button is the reason for the appearance of a window with two points: the recommended recovery option and an independent choice to return to the configuration for a specific date;
- Determine the point of return and click "Next", and in the next window - "Finish".
As a result of the above actions, you can restore the PC settings to the moment when the system was not working properly.
System Restore: How to enable
Your computer settings cannot be locked to a specific date if System Restore is disabled. To check the state of the PC within the framework of the proposed problem, it is necessary, using the example of the same "seven":
- go to the "Start" menu;
- make a right click on the "Computer" line;
- select the bottom line of the menu that opens - "Properties";
- in the left part of the window that opens, click on the link "Additional system parameters";
- open the "System Protection" tab;
- make sure that in the line with the name of the hard disk, the protection has the "Enabled" parameter;
- otherwise, click "Configure", select the recovery option, set the volume of the disk for recovery points and "Apply".
If you decide to clean the registry, then do not forget to create a restore point, since even in case of serious failures due to inept actions, you can use safe mode to enter the system, which is usually invoked by pressing the F8 key during boot start to fix everything.
The method is suitable if the system is stable starts up and included the function of creating points without user intervention or there is a backup collected by the system itself.
To start the process, you need to open a special software utility. To run it, follow the instructions:
In the opened window select disk protected from data loss. Usually the volume on which the OS is installed is usually selected.
After, you need to press the button "Recovery…"
The program will open to restore the previous state of the OS. We press the button " Further"And we see the menu in which select point recovery. The menu contains those that were created by the operating system itself.
To see all available rollback points, check the box “ Show other restore points»
We follow further instructions, agree with reboot system and the fact that it will be impossible to cancel the restoration in the future. System will reboot and the rollback will take place.
It should be remembered that after a rollback, a password which was in use at the time. To avoid problems with the entrance, make sure that you have utility reset password... When will happen return OS to the previous state, the previous points will disappear, but a new one will appear, created just before the reset attempt.
Returning to original settings
If items recovery are absent, or returning to previous states did not help, then it is worth trying to return the PC to factory condition.
Often, most Windows laptops have this option, regardless of the version, the instructions can be found from the manufacturer.
If you are the owner stationary A PC with Windows 7 installed, it is unlikely that the method will work, since usually in this case the OS requires a disk.
For newest Windows starting from the eighth version, you can use the following algorithm:
Open the menu " Options"- Go to the section" Updates and security» — « Reset the computer to its original state"→ Button" Begin» 
Roll back the system using a disk
This option is suitable if the operating system flatly refuses to start. A disk can be almost any external data storage, even a USB flash drive. 
For creation recovery media will need to go to control Panel and in the category " system and safety"Select the item" Archiving computer data". After that, click on the inscription " Create recovery disc". In the new window, select the drive you want to use, then click " Create disc».
Now you will always have the opportunity to fix a system problem without resorting to a complete reinstallation.
Create an image
This method is also suitable for those who have lost the ability to start the OS, it is important honors this option from the previous one is that using full image disk, absolutely all user settings, files and applications are restored. Recommended make an image at a time when all the basic drivers and programs are on the PC, but there is no extra software. 
To create an image, follow the same instructions as described in the previous method. Only at the last stage should you follow the link “ System imaging«.
In the opened window offered select the location to save the image. DVD is a typical storage location as it can be used if the hard disk is damaged, which is very convenient. The best way is to write in network storage, it would be better to use this particular item, since in this case, the probability of losing the image will be reduced to zero. 
The recovery itself starts during the restart of the computer: “ Diagnostics» — « Extra options» — « System image recovery».
In the last article, we looked at how to make a Windows restore point. Now we will learn how to restore Windows system from this point. If you have not read the previous article, then I advise you to do it. Whenever, sooner or later, we all install some unknown crap on our computer, and at our own peril and risk. Without thinking about the consequences, we stick a variety of programs on our PC in order to test their "wonderful" ability to do something incredible (as we are assured before downloading the program).
RESTORING AND RETURNING WINDOWS 8 TO PUBLIC CONDITION
Before the release of the Windows 8 operating system, returning a computer to its original state was not easy and quick. But now, with new features, it can be done in minutes. Can't even believe it, right? However, this is one of the best features of Windows 8.
At work, I have to constantly test various programs, so my computer needs regular maintenance.
RESTORING A WINDOWS 7 SYSTEM
Most often, the function of restoring the operating state of the computer is required if some program was installed and after that the system began to slow down. You should also restore the system to an earlier state if the computer has been exposed to a virus attack. In most cases, the computer is so infected or littered with programs that the recovery operation can only be performed from Safe Mode.
RESTORING SYSTEM IN WINDOWS 7
Hi, I've already written an article on how to enable System Restore and how to create a restore point. Now is the time to write how to do a system restore in Windows 7. and to put it more simply, now I will write about how to roll back the system.
If you have any problem with the computer, well, for example, it has become very buggy, or even worse, it does not start at all, then the first thing to do is to try to roll back the system, thereby we will return the settings and system files from the backup that was created for example two days ago, when the computer was still working normally.
This is a good opportunity to quickly fix your computer and get it back to normal working order.
WE DO THE RESTORATION OF THE SYSTEM ON ALL VERSIONS OF WINDOWS ORDER THE MASTER BY BODY
You can return the computer settings to WindowsXP using the "System Restore" item. In order to do such a thing on your computer, you need to reboot and press the F8 key to wait for the boot menu to appear in which you need to select "Safe mode", then confirm the computer robot in this mode and follow the path "Press Start -Choose programs - click the standard ones - press service - and finally we poke on, system recovery. "
INTEGRATION XXI CENTURY
Many manufacturers of computers, laptops and netbooks install hidden partitions with the installed operating system and factory parameters (settings), programs and drivers for restoring Windows in case of a system crash, permanent blue screens of death, deletion by the user (due to inexperience) of the necessary system files, incorrect shutdown services, infecting your computer with viruses, rearranging a new OS, etc.
HOW TO RESTORE WINDOWS 8
To quickly restore Windows 8 using the Reset or Refresh functions. you need a recovery partition on your hard drive. It is usually included with the basic installation. How to check see below.
If there is no sector, then you will have to use either an installation disk or a recovery disk (disc recovery), or download and create it, or use other functions and methods without a disk.
HOW TO RESTORE A LAPTOP TO FACTORY DEFAULTS
Restoring your laptop to factory settings is useful in many situations. Many problems arise due to Windows crashing or system clutter with unnecessary programs.
Almost every laptop (except for completely old models) has a hidden system recovery. The folder named "Recovery" should never be deleted.
It stores important information about your system.
Friends, I have long promised my regular readers to write an article on system recovery. Many of us have already encountered such a situation more than once, when we install a program, make some adjustments to the operating system, accidentally delete service files and do much more, which ultimately leads to incorrect and unstable operation of the OS.
Will I tell you today? What needs to be done to return the operating system to a working state.
Friends, do not forget that there are no hopeless situations.
The algorithm discussed below will be useful to everyone. There is no one who does not make mistakes and always does everything right. As wise people say: "He does not make mistakes, only the one who does nothing." But you should also be able to correct mistakes.
And for everyone who wants to know, if necessary, and undo the last actions on the computer, I wrote a detailed algorithm.
Recovery checkpoint
So, Friends, a restore checkpoint is a copy of the operating system service files, program settings, and the system registry at a specific point in time.
The operating system, as a rule, creates restore checkpoints automatically at regular intervals, in the case of installing any software or at the direct instruction of the user.
It should be noted that when "rolling back" to an operating system restore point, the user's personal files such as music, graphic files, documents, etc. are not affected.
Attention! Returning to a restore point allows you to restore the operating system, but not the user's personal content.
1. Click on the "Start" button at the bottom right of the screen and select "Control Panel". The main window of the Control Panel of the Windows 7 operating system will open:
2. Click on the very first section "System and Security" and in the window that opens, select the subsection "Restore the previous state of the computer".
3. In the window that appears, click on the "Start System Restore" button.
4. The system will collect the necessary information and launch the System Restore Wizard. In the first window that appears, you just need to click the "Next" button.
5. Next, the second window of the Wizard will open, where you must select a restore point from the list provided. If you have just made some settings and want to cancel them, then select the topmost specified entry. You can also choose any recovery point record that suits you.
You can also start “Search for affected programs” by clicking on the corresponding button. The operating system will scan its service records, determine which programs will be removed or restored during the rollback to a restore point, and will present the analysis results in a separate window. After reviewing the list of affected programs, click the Close button.
7. A window will appear on the screen with a warning that it will not be possible to interrupt the system restore. And once again they will ask you to confirm your intentions by clicking the "Yes" button.
After that, the system recovery process will start. Which usually takes a little time - about 2-3 minutes. After that, the system will reboot and you will see this window:
The state of your computer has been restored to the specified state. Now you can check the operation of the OS and other programs for the correctness of their work. Be sure to test the result of the system restore.
If the operating system failed to restore the system, then the window will be different. This often happens when antivirus software is running. Disable it and try again.
If you were able to successfully solve the problem "", then I congratulate you. But in some cases, the restoration of the system did not lead to an improvement in the situation, but, on the contrary, to its deterioration. The system began to freeze, some programs did not load at all, icons on the desktop disappeared, etc. In such a case, it is best to cancel System Restore.
To do this, we go through the whole algorithm, starting from point 1. When you complete step 3, you will see the following window:
Select the item "Undo System Restore" and then everything according to the algorithm presented at the top.
So, Friends, we have considered a rather important question "how to restore the system?"
It should be noted that it is possible to restore the system in this way, but only if there was no serious damage to the system files, for example, as in the case of a virus infection of the system. In case of serious disruptions in the operation of the OS, this tool is ineffective and you cannot avoid turning to one of the advanced methods of system recovery.
In one of the following articles, I will just talk about such a tool - the rescue disk.
This option will help you return the system to a state recorded at a certain point in time - a restore point. If the saving of such points is configured and enabled, then before installing updates, drivers and applications, the state of the system will be written to the hard disk.
Returning Windows to a restore point will preserve all personal files, but drivers and applications that appeared after creating a restore point will need to be reinstalled.
To start Windows Recovery, right-click on Start (Win + X) and go to Control Panel → System and Security → System → System Protection. Click "Restore" → "Next" and select the desired restore point.
Another option for the path: "Control Panel" → "All Control Panel Items" → "Recovery" → "Start System Restore".
If the restore point is not found, then system protection is disabled, and you will have to use other methods.
To avoid future troubles, enable the creation of restore points. To do this, in the same menu "System Protection" select the system drive, click "Configure" and enable the protection of the system drive.
2. Return the computer to its original state
If there are no restore points or going to them does not help, try resetting the system to its original state. You can roll back with saving files or completely delete everything and. Also, some computers - most often laptops - have an option to restore factory settings.
In Windows 8 and 10, you can start a factory reset by going to Settings → Update and Security → Reset your computer → Get started.
In Windows 7, for this you need to go to "Control Panel" → "System and Security" → "Backup and Restore" → "Restore system settings or computer" → "Advanced recovery methods" → "Return the computer to the state specified by the manufacturer."
3. Recover Windows using a disk
The recovery disc is useful, for example, to roll back to a saved point or return to its original state if Windows refuses. A regular USB flash drive, external hard drive or DVD is suitable for the role of such a disk.
The recovery disc must be burned in advance and stored in case of system failure. Under Control Panel → All Control Panel Items → Recovery, click Create Recovery Drive. In the menu that appears, check the "Back up system files to recovery drive" item, and you can use the USB drive not only to fix errors and rollback, but also to reinstall Windows.
To create a recovery DVD in Windows, go to Control Panel → System and Security → Backup and Restore → Create System Restore Disc. The same method works in newer versions of the system, only the name is different: "Backup and Restore (Windows 7)" instead of "Backup and Restore".
Boot the system from disk to fix the errors. In the recovery environment that opens, click "Troubleshoot". Run Revert to System Restore from Advanced Options → System Restore.
4. Recover Windows using a complete system image
Another option for restoring Windows is to roll back to the previously created system image. The image is written to a hard disk, DVD or network partition.
Unlike rollback or point-to-point recovery, using a full image retains all files, applications, settings, and drivers installed at the time it was created.
The most appropriate moment to create such an image may be a state when all the necessary applications are installed on the system, but there is nothing superfluous. This will allow you to continue working immediately after recovery.
To create a complete system image in the Control Panel, select Backup and Restore (Windows 7) → Create a system image. (In Windows 7: Control Panel → System and Security → Backup and Restore → Create a System Image.)
In the menu that appears, you can choose which of the available partitions and files to include in the system image and to which medium to write it.
With a complete system image at your disposal, you can quickly return Windows to the state you want. You can start image-based recovery when you restart your computer: Diagnostics → Advanced options → System image recovery.
