Windows XP, Vista and 7's Safe mode&system restore

[Traveller]

Since many performance problems in Windows XP and Vista can be traced to a particular program, you may need to enter Safe Mode (which runs only essential programs) to diagnose the problem or remove a recalcitrant application. To see instructions for accessing Safe Mode in XP, http://pcsupport.about.com/od/fixtheproblem/ss/safemodexp.htm
For instructions to do the same in Vista, http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/tutorial61.html#vista

Another common troubleshooting technique is to use System Restore, which, as you might guess, restores your system configuration to a given point. It doesn't affect your actual files, but if you're concerned about losing data it wouldn't be a bad idea to back up those files first. There's a walkthrough here http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306084 for WinXP, and here http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/tutorial143.html for vista

Posted by dmcheckers

Windows 7 also is equipped with a system restore and a safe mode. This is how you enter Window's 7 safe mode
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Start-your-computer-in-safe-mode
And this is how you can use system restore
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/What-is-System-Restore

[JOY]

we had an issue with the kid's computer - running XP - where we needed to do a system restore and the computer wouldn't allow it to use any of the restore points. We had to go into safe mode and do a system restore from there. It took care of the issue, thankfully!

[vicki]

Glad to know this! Thanks!

[MaryEllen]

I am a big fan of "System Restore" on XP!

We are now on Patrick's computer (our other computer's previous owner reclaimed it)
It runs Vista. I've never seen it before now, so I'm still figuring it out.