Windows XP - System Restore.
Do you have Windows XP as your operating system (OS)? The majority of all PC’s around the world are happily using Windows XP.
For the most part, XP is an excellent OS, but there are some things that you could tweak to customize it so that your PC runs faster and is more secure. In this post, we will be focusing on…
The System Restore.
Whether you are aware of it or not, your XP OS has an automatic/manual process called the System Restore. What the System Restore does is periodically take a snap shot of your entire computer and make a backup of sorts. With this backup, you are able to go back in time and restore your entire computer to the way it was. This can be a God send or a nightmare. Depending on the situation and circumstances.
The following is an example of a nightmare situation…
Think of it this way! You did a virus scan with your trusty AntiVirus a couple of days ago. You found some viruses or worms which you destroyed. Today you have run into some problems and you remember “Hey! Why don’t I just Restore! That will fix it!”.
Well, remember that virus you had! Well, IT’S BACK!
You can leave the Windows XP System Restore on if you’re a fan. Perhaps it makes you feel good, like it would make everything right again if you had it around. But, it won’t save you from a serious problem EVERY time. Backups and safe computer practices are the only TRUE way to make sure that you have all your ‘t’s crossed and ‘I’s dotted.
You need to learn enough about your PC to run a functional backup and restoration of your critical data. If you can’t do this, you’re leaving too much to chance. The other option is to hire someone to do it for you.
Don’t be afraid to find out more about your PC. Just because I suggest that you turn some of these services off it’s not a guarantee that I address every concern for every user. I cannot possibly know everyone’s personal situation and computer configuration or needs. If you have a specific problem, please feel free to leave a comment below and I will try to give you a solution to your problem.
With a few hours here and there of learning now, you’ll save yourself a lot of frustration later. The things I learned about computers over the past 20 years has made it easier for me to understand most operating system functions.
Remember! Preventative medicine is the first line of defence against bad software and broken PCs.
I have a broadband connection but the computer is still slow. But the main thing is that i can not play any sounds because i get an error message that says i have no sound device installed ,but i do and when i pull up the information on it it says that these devices are enabled and working properly. I have tried everything to get the sound back with no luck, and i have even installed the factory disc that came with the computer but still no sound. Can you please help me.
Hello Misty:
As for speeding up your computer, it could very well be all the services and settings in your computer and inside XP that are slowing down your computer. I have written 2 FREE e-books that you can easily download HERE.
And regarding the sound problem, this could have a few possible causes:
Cause #1:
Check your Audio Control Panel to make sure the settings are correct.
- Go to Start>Control Panel>Sound and Audio Devices
- A pop up window will appear. Make sure your volume is at max and the mute box is NOT checked.
- Then go to advanced and make sure that all sliders are at max as well. Also note if any of the mute boxes are checked. If so, uncheck them.
Cause #2:
It might be the service for XP that is not set right. Try this first, it is easier to check and quicker to fix if this is the problem.
- Go to Start> Control Panel> Administrative Tools> Component Services.
- A new window will open. On the left of this window click “services (local)” from the tree.
- Go down to “Windows Audio” service and note its setting.
- You want this setting to be on “Automatic”. If it is on “Manual” or “Off” then right click on it then select “Properties” under the “Startup Type” and change the setting to “Automatic”
- Then click “Apply” Close window and reboot your computer.
Cause #3:
If in your “Sounds and Audio Devices” it says that there is “No Audio Device” but in your “Device Manager” it says your “Audio Device” is “Working Properly” then you could try the following:
- Copy C:\WINDOWS\inf\machine.inf to a temporary location
- Edit your copy of machine.inf in Notepad
- Remove line 20 (ExcludeFromSelect=*)
- Right-click “Plug and Play Software Device Enumerator” and click “Update Driver”
- Choose “Install from a list or specific location (Advanced)” and click Next
- Choose “Don’t search. I will choose the driver to install” and click Next
- Click “Have Disk”
- Browse to the location of your copy of machine.inf and click OK
- Select the “Plug and Play Software Device Enumerator” and click Next
- Wait for the software to install and then click Finish
I hope this helps. If it doesn’t (even if it does) I would love to hear back from you.
Please do check out my FREE e-books to help you with your PC speed problem.
If you have any other questions, please feel free to get back to me.
Kelvin