Question (again): Is there some way to backup a computer before installing a program?

[Jedi Master Pikachu]

Is there a way to 'backup' how a computer is prior to installing a program (AdAware in this case)? Last time went on a spyware installing binge, the computer got a blue screen. This computer has Windows XP, and apparently there is a feature to go to the last session(?) that worked. Thing is, when the computer got a blue screen, the last session option did not work.

Is there something to do to initiate it?

[1rudeboy]

XP has System Restore, no? Did you manually create a restore point the first time, or did you rely on an automatically-generated one?

[Tijeras_Slim]

To start Backup, click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click Backup.

[paulcissa]

If you can get back to a usable desktop (SafeMode - F8 at boot up), you can initiate a roll-back to a restore point:

Start>All Programs>Accessories>System Tools>System Restore

Choose a restore point dated prior to your software install.

Good luck!

[Jedi Master Pikachu]

"XP has System Restore"

That's it (the 'go to the last session' thing in the post). How do you make a restore point or get the computer to automatically generate one?

[1rudeboy]

[from memory]
Use your Start Button to get to System Tools (through Accessories, maybe?). Click on System Restore. The window that appears (or one of the tabs within the window) will have a button titled, "create restore point." Don't forget to title it "pre-AdAware," or something similar. Don't worry about adding the date, as it will be added automatically. Hope this helps.

[Jedi Master Pikachu]

Have used the Control Panel, and then went to performance and then to system and then to the system restore tab. (Is there some way to get a picture of a window?)

The only options are to either:

• turn off (there is a check box). or
• Disk space to use. (there is a bar with a draggable triangle. Currently the triangle is at the max. end).

[Jedi Master Pikachu]

Another thing to add: there isn’t an accessories folder in all programs. Realize this seems strange, but didn’t set up this computer, and haven’t been able to find accessories in some other place.

[Jedi Master Pikachu]

Since didn’t see a restore point option, selected the ‘Apply’ button at the bottom. Will try to post again after installing AdAware and restarting the computer. If not, you have a clue as to why?

[Tijeras_Slim]

I provided the limit of my knowledge in my first post. Pitiful, ain’t it? :)

[1rudeboy]

I’m sorry. I just don’t have access to an XP computer at this time. I know that there’s an option to manually-create a restore point, I just don’t know how. Maybe through the System Restore icon in the Control Panel (if there is one)?

[1rudeboy]

I’m sorry. I just don’t have access to a XP computer at this time. I know that there’s an option to manually-create a restore point, I just don’t know how. Maybe through the System Restore icon in the Control Panel (if there is one)?

[Billthedrill]

Try Start/Run and type NTBACKUP. This brings up the backup utility. There will be a box under the tree on the left hand side that is labeled “System State”. Check it and hit Start Backup. You can restore it the same way.

[ShadowAce]

Tech Support Ping!

[martin_fierro]

I think this calls for a North America Ping.

[TChris]

In Windows XP:

1. Click Start
2. Select All Programs...
3. Select Accessories...
4. Select System Tools...
5. Click System Restore
6. In the System Restore window, select the "Create Restore Point" radio button.
7. Click Next...

That should get you where you need to go.

[N3WBI3]

Where will you be backing up to? Do you have a second disk drive in the system? dvd burner?

[NathanR]

I assume you have System Restore turned on. If so, you go to Safe Mode using F8. Eventually it will ask you to log in. Log into Administrator or an account with administrator privileges.

Eventually you will get a splash screen that says that you are going into Safe Mode and has Yes or No options. No will take you to system restore. Follow the prompts and eventually you will get to a calendar with dates bolded. Those dates are system restore points.

Pick one. You may have to try several, but one will work.

[1rudeboy]

That looks perfect to me.

[Jedi Master Pikachu]

Appreciated (even martin_fierro).

Installed the program and restarted the computer and the screen didn't turn blue upon restart, so it seems to have worked.