When your computer fails to install a recent application or driver, it is often suggested that you perform a System Restore to restore your computer to an earlier date in order to resolve the issue..
If you are not really familiar with System Restore function on Windows 10, 8, 7 then it is very normal that you have doubts, like: "Will System Restore delete my files?" Or "Can I recover my deleted files with System Restore?" ".
If you have the same questions about System Restore, then this article will help you find the answers to your question marks..
What is System Restore?
System Restore allows you to restore your Windows system to a previous status. To do this, System Restore Points should have been created on your computer, these are like screenshots of your computer's system settings.
By reverting your computer to a previous restore point, important system files along with settings (such as installed programs, registry settings, and drivers) are restored to the previous status, where you last worked..
This is a very useful function for solving system problems, as it can undo the changes that caused the error to appear on your PC. For example, if your computer starts to function strangely after a Windows update, System Restore may return your computer to the state it was in before the update.
Does System Restore recover or delete files?
Some of you might be wondering, "Since System Restore is bringing my computer back to an earlier state, is it possible that it will restore my PC to a date before my files were deleted so that I can find them? "
The answer is no. System Restore cannot recover your deleted files. System Restore only takes effect with system files and settings. It will not make any changes with your personal files (for example: Words documents, photos, etc.). This system restore function cannot recover permanently deleted files and cannot restore files to a state prior to certain changes.
How to recover deleted files from Windows 10/8/7 when System Restore cannot do it?
If you need to restore deleted files on Windows 10/8/7, then forget about System Restore and consider using a professional data recovery program for Windows instead.
FonePaw Data Recovery (opens new window) can help you recover deleted documents, photos, videos, emails and other personal files from your computer, after you perform system restore, dump recycle bin or any other action. This program can also help you recover deleted files from external hard drive, USB drive, SD card, etc.
Step 1: Install FonePaw Data Recovery on your computer. Avoid installing the program on the drive where you saved the lost files.
Step 2: When the program will be launched, select the drive containing the deleted files and then click “Scan”.
Step 3: After the quick scan is finished, you will be able to see the files that were recently deleted from your drive. If you cannot find the files you need, click “Deep Scan” to search for other files.
Step 4: Select the files you want and click “Recover” to save the found files on your computer.
Does System Restore get rid of your files?
There are other users who are also worried that System Restore will delete their files. If you are worried about losing your data after system restore your computer, relax.
As mentioned above, System Restore will not make any changes to your personal files, it also means that this function will not delete your personal files like documents, photos and videos.
Windows restore options that can delete your files are System Image Recovery and PC Reset. (Also read: How to Recover Deleted Files After Resetting Windows Computer (opens new window) ).
How to restore your computer to an earlier date?
There are many ways to use System Restore.
# Restore a computer to an earlier date from System Protection
If you can boot Windows system then follow the steps below:
Step 1: Open "Control Panel"> "System and Maintenance"> "System"> "System Protection".
Step 2: In the “Restore System” window, click “System Restore”.
Step 3: You will be recommended a default restore point, but you can click “Choose another restore point”.
Step 4: Click “Next” and confirm the restore point to start the system restore process.
A system restore takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
# Restore system from Advanced options
If the Windows system cannot be started on your computer, you can still access the System Restore feature from Advanced Options.
Step 1: Turn on your computer.
Step 2: When your computer starts up, press the start button again.
Step 3: Repeat step 1 and 2 at least two times until you see the "Automatic Repair" screen.
Step 4: Click “Advanced Options”> “Troubleshooting”> “Advanced Options”> “System Restore”.
Step 5: Select a restore point to fix the problem on your computer.
If you have any further questions about System Restore or Windows File Recovery, please leave your comments in the space below.
