Post by Admin on Aug 30, 2004 1:40:30 GMT -5
If you're running Windows XP, please check to see that you have this very useful feature enabled. It has saved me several times already.
As an example, I recently installed a free antivirus program; I googled it beforehand and saw no reports of problems, so I made a system restore point and installed it. My system was completely messed up. I couldn't even access the Internet. Did I freak out? Not yet
! I simply restored my system to its status before the install and went on my merry way, although I deleted all the download files and gave up on installing that program. [I'm not mentioning the name because I'm certain it was an isolated problem and don't want to comment negatively on a program that everyone else seems to be able to use without difficulty.]
Here's how you get to System Restore:
Start Menu --> All Programs --> Accessories --> System Tools --> System Restore
[For convenience, words that appear in blue below are quoted from the System Restore Help file. I suggest you follow the above directory path to the System Restore page then click the Help button in the upper right corner so you can read all the details yourself as I'm only providing a brief summary.]
OVERVIEW
System Restore is a component of Windows XP Professional that you can use to restore your computer to a previous state, if a problem occurs, without losing your personal data files (such as Microsoft Word documents, browsing history, drawings, favorites, or e-mail). System Restore monitors changes to the system and some application files, and it automatically creates easily identified restore points. These restore points allow you to revert the system to a previous time. They are created daily and at the time of significant system events (such as when an application or driver is installed). You can also create and name your own restore points at any time.
It restores all system and application settings back to those that were in effect at a point in time you specify. Restores key application, driver, and operating system files changed since that time. As a result, any changes the program has made to your system are undone. Does not affect data files.
WHAT DOES SYSTEM RESTORE DO?
System Restore performs the following tasks:
In 35 WORDS OR LESS, WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THIS WINDOWS FEATURE?
Your system most likely came with System Restore already enabled. Navigate to the System Restore page as directed above. Click on the blue words System Restore Settings on the left side. Check to make sure the box before the words Turn off System Restore on all drives is not checked. Your computer automatically makes restore points for you daily.
After you've done that, you don't really need to think about this feature until you need it, as long as you remember to create a new restore point before changing any settings and before downloading or installing any program. When you do need it, navigate to the System Restore page and click Restore my computer to an earlier time. The Wizard will walk you through the steps you need to take. when you're done, your system should be functioning again exactly as it was before you made the fatal changes that messed it up.
WILL IT SAVE ME IF I MESS UP MY USER.ACO [EXPANDER] FILE?
Since this is a data file, no.
I've fielded desperate help emails from 2 MTs so far who have made changes to their expander files and messed them up. Doing a System Restore didn't solve their problems because it doesn't back up data files; it only controls the myriad of complex settings involved in running Windows. The first MT was able to restore her user.aco file with the help of the friendly people at 1-888-DICTATE. I don't know the fate of the second MT as she didn't write back with the outcome, but I told her to call that number. I can't emphasize this enough -- do not mess with the user.aco file unless you really, really know what you're doing. I don't know enough about it to advocate anyone making any changes to it. Always back the file up to a floppy disk or CD-ROM before doing anything to it. It's a good idea to back it up every few days anyway -- if your system crashed you would want to be able to install it on your restored or new system; while they may have a copy of your file on the online server, why take chances? Keep your own back-up copy current and know that you are doing everything sensible to protect your most valuable transcription tool.
As an example, I recently installed a free antivirus program; I googled it beforehand and saw no reports of problems, so I made a system restore point and installed it. My system was completely messed up. I couldn't even access the Internet. Did I freak out? Not yet
! I simply restored my system to its status before the install and went on my merry way, although I deleted all the download files and gave up on installing that program. [I'm not mentioning the name because I'm certain it was an isolated problem and don't want to comment negatively on a program that everyone else seems to be able to use without difficulty.]Here's how you get to System Restore:
Start Menu --> All Programs --> Accessories --> System Tools --> System Restore
[For convenience, words that appear in blue below are quoted from the System Restore Help file. I suggest you follow the above directory path to the System Restore page then click the Help button in the upper right corner so you can read all the details yourself as I'm only providing a brief summary.]
OVERVIEW
System Restore is a component of Windows XP Professional that you can use to restore your computer to a previous state, if a problem occurs, without losing your personal data files (such as Microsoft Word documents, browsing history, drawings, favorites, or e-mail). System Restore monitors changes to the system and some application files, and it automatically creates easily identified restore points. These restore points allow you to revert the system to a previous time. They are created daily and at the time of significant system events (such as when an application or driver is installed). You can also create and name your own restore points at any time.
It restores all system and application settings back to those that were in effect at a point in time you specify. Restores key application, driver, and operating system files changed since that time. As a result, any changes the program has made to your system are undone. Does not affect data files.
WHAT DOES SYSTEM RESTORE DO?
System Restore performs the following tasks:
- Restores your computer to a previous state
- Restores your computer without losing your personal files
- Stores one to three weeks of past restore points
- Locates dates associated with restore points
- Ensures that all restorations are reversible
- Provides several types of restore points
In 35 WORDS OR LESS, WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THIS WINDOWS FEATURE?
- Make sure it's on (see below)
- Read the System Restore Help files before you need them
- Make a system restore point before you change any settings, download anything, or install any new software on your computer
Your system most likely came with System Restore already enabled. Navigate to the System Restore page as directed above. Click on the blue words System Restore Settings on the left side. Check to make sure the box before the words Turn off System Restore on all drives is not checked. Your computer automatically makes restore points for you daily.
After you've done that, you don't really need to think about this feature until you need it, as long as you remember to create a new restore point before changing any settings and before downloading or installing any program. When you do need it, navigate to the System Restore page and click Restore my computer to an earlier time. The Wizard will walk you through the steps you need to take. when you're done, your system should be functioning again exactly as it was before you made the fatal changes that messed it up.
WILL IT SAVE ME IF I MESS UP MY USER.ACO [EXPANDER] FILE?
Since this is a data file, no.
I've fielded desperate help emails from 2 MTs so far who have made changes to their expander files and messed them up. Doing a System Restore didn't solve their problems because it doesn't back up data files; it only controls the myriad of complex settings involved in running Windows. The first MT was able to restore her user.aco file with the help of the friendly people at 1-888-DICTATE. I don't know the fate of the second MT as she didn't write back with the outcome, but I told her to call that number. I can't emphasize this enough -- do not mess with the user.aco file unless you really, really know what you're doing. I don't know enough about it to advocate anyone making any changes to it. Always back the file up to a floppy disk or CD-ROM before doing anything to it. It's a good idea to back it up every few days anyway -- if your system crashed you would want to be able to install it on your restored or new system; while they may have a copy of your file on the online server, why take chances? Keep your own back-up copy current and know that you are doing everything sensible to protect your most valuable transcription tool.