System restore utility resets all the configurations related to Windows Operating System like the registry. It doesn’t create any backup for your files for example if you have deleted some files you cannot recover it using the system restore option. I advice to you use system restore as the last option when troubleshooting your computer. If any problem occurs restart the computer because most problems disappear when you reboot your computer or start your computer in Safe Mode or remove any recently installed hardware/software and last but not the least you can Google the problem, you will definitely find a solution there, if you recently updated your hardware drivers roll them back.

I’m not saying that you should not use system restore option; it surely is a plus point but there are some facts you should be aware of before using this option. If you have installed any antivirus, spy ware removing software or windows updates they will also be rolled back to the previous time. Then there’s also a possibility that you won’t get the desired results in first restore you may have to restore the system two or three times to get the desired results. Therefore system restore should be the last option in your troubleshooting arsenal.

Though system restore and backup options provided in Windows OS are OK but they still lack some features that you can only find in a commercial backup creating software. The first software I am going to tell you about is Norton’s Ghost. Symantec’s Norton Ghost provides advanced backup and recovery for your PC, protects your data by making a backup of your hard drive’s contents. Norton Ghost is a comprehensive disk imaging solution for home and small office users. You can even schedule backups to run automatically. You can restore individual files, selected folders, or the entire hard drive.

The software I recommend for creating backups of your PC is Acronis True Image Home. Acronis True Image allows to create an exact disk image for complete system backup and disk cloning providing the most comprehensive data protection. The disk backup file contains the exact copy of a hard disk, including all the computer data, operating system, and programs. After a system crash you can restore the entire system or simply replace lost files and folders from your disk backup. True Image is intended for all levels of PC users who seek data safety, and for small and mid-size enterprises that require quick and effective information backup copying and restoration capabilities. muug.