How to start the System Restore tool at a command prompt in Windows XP (304449)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional
  • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
This article was previously published under Q304449

IN THIS TASK

INTRODUCTION

Windows XP includes the System Restore tool, but you cannot start the System Restore tool from a Recovery Console prompt. Therefore, you may want to start the System Restore tool when you cannot start your Windows XP-based computer normally or in Safe mode.

This article describes how to start the System Restore tool in Safe mode by using Command Prompt.

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MORE INFORMATION

Start the System Restore tool at a command prompt

  1. Restart your computer, and then press F8 during the initial startup to start your computer in Safe Mode with a command prompt.

    For additional information about the Safe mode with a command prompt, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

    315222 A description of the Safe mode boot options in Windows XP

  2. Log on to your computer with an administrator account or with an account that has administrator credentials.
  3. Type the following command at a command prompt, and then press ENTER:

    %systemroot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe

  4. Follow the instructions that appear on the screen to restore your computer to an earlier state.
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REFERENCES

For additional information about the System Restore tool, click the following article numbers to view the articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

302796 Troubleshooting System Restore in Windows XP

306084 How to restore Windows XP to a previous state

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Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:6/1/2004
Keywords:kbenv kbHOWTOmaster KB304449 kbAudITPro kbAudEndUser
©2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.