A Partition is a section of the Hard Drive that is only accessible under certain conditions. Partitions usually have the next available drive letter in the alphabet as their designation. For example, C drive will be the main drive and D drive will be the partitioned drive, that is separated from the main C drive.
The XP Operating System has a system restore partition in the main drive which allows the restoration of the system files to any desired point. This is particularly handy in case of a virus attack which cannot be fixed by anti-virus programs. It is like going back time to correct a mistake. It can be done relatively simply by following the instructions in XP itself but the following has explained this process even more.
- Save and exit all programs that are being currently used. Ensure that you have saved any work that you are doing, for example, on Word or other programs. You do not need any programs opened on the desktop of your computer so point your mouse to the X at the right hand top corner and close them.
- Point mouse to the bottom left of the computer screen to [Start] and when the menu opens upwards slide the pointer then to [|Accessories], and another menu will open and then you should click on [System tools].
- Another menu will open and from this next menu select [Restore my computer to an earlier time]. Then click [Next]
- When you have clicked on [Next] another window opens and you should Select the day from the next menu, a calendar, to which to restore your system. Then click [Next]
- The computer will ask you to confirm that this is the Restore point (in red), confirm this on the buttons supplied and ensure all programs are closed, then click [Next], and this will begin the Restoring.
Tips to ensure smooth working
- Back up all programs.
- Word Files are not affected, and if a file is saved it will not change.
- The process can be completely reversed.
- Read ALL the instructions during the System Restore.
