System Restore

• System Restore is a valuable utility built into the Microsoft Windows Operating System. This utility allows you to revert your computer back to a previous working state. This can be useful in the event of a problem like a virus infecting your computer. If you are unable to fix the problem, simply use System Restore to change your computer back to the way it was working before the problem ever found its way onto your system. These previous states are called "restore points."
  
  

Time

• In general, a System Restore should only take about as long as it normally takes to restart your computer. If you are attempting to restore to a specific date and the restore information is corrupt, it can take quite a bit longer than that for your computer to figure out there is a problem. If you are attempting a System Restore and find that the process has not responded within a few minutes, it is likely that there is some kind of problem.
  
  

Variables

• A number of factors will affect how long it takes to perform a System Restore. The biggest factor is which version of the Windows Operating System you're running. Older versions of Windows can perform System Restores in less time than newer, more complex versions. The restore point you've chosen will also affect the overall time it takes to perform the task. If the restore point is recent, fewer changes will have to be undone. If the restore point is less recent, the System Restore utility will have to undo more settings.