Search Results for: create system image

Create a desktop shortcut to the System Restore utility

Posted on March 6, 2013

I download, test and review a lot of software and I always create a new System Restore Point before I install every new program just in case something goes wrong. System Restore has saved my bacon on several occasions, and chances are it has also saved yours at least once in the past.

If you use the System Restore utility as much as I do, I recommend creating a shortcut to it and keeping it on your Desktop. Here are instructions for creating a shortcut to System Restore in Windows XP, Vista, 7 and 8 (just skip to the section that’s applicable to you): [Read more…]

How to use System Restore in Windows 7

Posted on December 22, 2012

system-restore-screenshot

The System Restore utility included with the latest versions of Microsoft Windows is one of the most wonderful tools Windows users have at their disposal. It works somewhat like a time machine, allowing you to restore your Windows installation and software back to the state they were in at any point in time at which a Restore Point was created. If you make a change to your system that renders it unbootable or if a virus or other problem causes issues with Windows performing the way it should, a System Restore can almost always save the day.

If System Restore is turned on, the system creates Restore Points automatically from time to time. Restore Points are also created before updates are installed or other major changes are made to your Windows installation. What’s more, you can create a Restore Point manually should you feel the need to do so for any reason. [Read more…]

Q&A: Are SSDs just as reliable as hard drives?

Posted on February 26, 2024

Note: The links in this post are affiliate links.

Question from Wesley: Hi, Rick. I hope you’re doing well.

I recently read your post about speeding up a computer by replacing the hard drive with a much faster solid state drive (SSD).

I’m leaning towards doing this but I have one concern that’s holding me back.

I’m worried that an SSD might not be as reliable as a hard drive, and I really can’t afford to lose my files if it were to crash on me.

What’s your opinion on this? Are SSDs as reliable as hard drives? [Read more…]

Q&A: Will an SSD go bad just sitting on a shelf?

Posted on December 3, 2023

Note: The links in this post are affiliate links.

Question from Glen: A while back I read your post about replacing a computer’s hard drive with an SSD and it sounded like a pretty good idea.

I finally ended up buying a Crucial MX500 1TB SSD to replace the hard drive in my old Acer laptop, but the laptop’s screen went bad before I had a chance to make the switch.

I really didn’t want to spend a lot of money to have the Acer fixed so I just replaced it with a new Dell laptop.

The new Dell has a 1TB hard drive so I don’t really need the SSD at this time. Can I put the SSD on a shelf and keep it for a backup in case the hard drive ever fails, or will it go bad after a while if I don’t use it? [Read more…]

3 reasons why you need an external USB hard drive

Posted on August 14, 2023

Note: The links in this post are affiliate links.

External hard drives used to be expensive luxuries that transferred data between the PC and the drive at a relative snail’s pace.

But thankfully, that has all changed thanks to the proliferation of incredibly fast, yet very inexpensive external USB hard drives.

In fact, prices have now dropped to where you can pick one up starting at around $50.

I now believe that every computer user should own at least one external USB hard drive, for the following reasons: [Read more…]

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