ITWorks was started in 1989 and has a wealth of practical experience in all things IT. Originally, we focused on software development, specializing in database applications. This is still an important part of what we do, but since those early days, we have extended our services to include network installations and are now responsible for the daily maintenance of many Companies networks.

Windows XP problem

Launch System Restore from a command prompt in Windows XP.

It's straightforward to use System Restore to try to fix Windows problems - go: Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools, System Restore, but what if your system is so damaged you can't get to this stage ? Then,
Launch System Restore from a command prompt.

Restart your computer and press [F8] during the initial startup.
When you see the Windows Advanced Options Menu, select the Safe Mode with a Command Prompt option.
Select the Windows XP operating system.
Log on to your computer with an administrator account or with an account that has administrator credentials.
Type the following command at a command prompt:
C:\windows\system32\restore\rstrui.exe

Being that you're running in Safe Mode, the graphics will display differently to normal but you can still follow the onscreen instructions to restore your computer to an earlier state.

This applies to both Windows XP Home and Windows XP Professional.
Your data will be unaffected by the System Restore

see: Microsoft Knowledge Base for more info on System Restore:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/getstarted/ballew_03may19.mspx