XP Hack: Hacking Precautions

Although all of the hacks and tips mentioned here have been tested, if a step is accidentally
missed or a typo made, your computer could experience severe problems.To make sure
that your computer is protected, I highly recommend that you use the Windows XP system
restore feature.

SYSTEM RESTORE
Windows XP system restore is a great program that monitors all of the changes to your
computer. If you make a change to the system registry as one of the hacks in this book
requires you to do, you can always undo the change by reverting to an earlier system
restore point.

By default,Windows XP creates a restore point once per day. But if you are
making a lot of changes to your computer, it is a good idea to create a restore point before
every computer modification. The following two sections will show you how to use system
restore to create a restore point, and how to restore your computer to an earlier
checkpoint.

CREATING A SYSTEM RESTORE POINT

1. Click the Start button, expand All Programs, Accessories, and System Tools, and select
System Restore.
2. When System Restore loads, select Create a Restore Point and click Next.
3. Type in a short description for the checkpoint in the box and click Create.
4. Once the restore point is created, just hit Close.

RESTORING YOUR COMPUTER TO AN EARLIER RESTORE POINT

1. Click the Start button, expand All Programs, Accessories, and System Tools, and select
System Restore.
2. When System Restore loads, select Restore My Computer To An Earlier Time and click
Next.
3. Browse through the calendar and select the restore point that you want your computer to
revert to and click Next.
4. The Confirm Restore Point Selection screen will be displayed. Click Next to proceed.


Keep in mind that you may lose any files that were created when you revert to an earlier
restore point. Make backup copies of important documents and files on a floppy or network
drive of important documents just in case.
Once you click Next, your computer will reboot and revert to the earlier restore point.