Restoring From a System Image
Step 1
Find your system image file, which is likely stored on removable media such as a group of CD-ROMs, a DVD or an external hard drive.
Step 2
If you are restoring to a new computer, make sure the new hard drive has enough space to store all of your backup data. If your new hard drive is larger than your old computer's hard drive, you should have no problems.
Step 3
Insert the system image CD-ROM or DVD into your CD-ROM or DVD drive. If you have the system image on an external hard drive, connect it to your computer using the appropriate cables.
Step 4
Click the "Start" button at the bottom left of your screen.
Step 5
Select "Control Panel" and then select the "Recovery" program.
Step 6
Click the blue link to "Advanced recovery methods" on the page. Choose "Use a system image you created earlier to recover your computer." At that point, Windows will give you instructions on what to do next.
Step 7
Once Windows completes the restore, you will have to restart your computer. The process of restoring the computer can take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the speed of your computer and size of your hard drive. Any files you added to your computer after creating the system image will be lost unless you have them backed up elsewhere.
Restoring From a System Repair Disc or Windows Disc
Step 1
Insert your system repair disc or your original Windows installation disc into your computer's disc drive.
Step 2
Restart the computer so it will boot up from the disc. You will most likely see a screen prompt asking if you want the computer to load from your CD-ROM drive. Press any key to make this happen.
Step 3
Choose your language settings and select "Next."
Step 4
If you're using the Windows disc, click "Repair your computer" and select your recovery options, then click "Next." Other system repair discs should follow a similar procedure; check the manufacturer's instructions if needed.
Step 5
Once Windows finishes repairing your computer, you will have to restart. The whole process can take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the speed of your computer and size of your hard drive. You will not be able to restore any data unless you have backed it up separately.
