In some cases, the installation of a program or driver in Windows can generate certain errors in the computer. Normally, to solve the problem, it is enough to uninstall the software that is causing the problem. However, in many cases the error persists.
Problems may arise from updates which are not compatible with Windows operating system, because the drivers do not work properly, or due to the presence of computer malware that corrupts important files on computers.
To avoid headaches, and a malfunction of Windows, it is necessary to perform a system restore. However, if the situation is very serious, and the computer is slow, the best will be a full format. Here we explain how to do it in Windows 7.
Index:
What are the main differences between doing system restore and formatting it?
Users often confuse restoring with formatting, and they come to believe that it is the same. However, in the computing world, both terms refer to completely different functions. In simple terms, the restoration is a reboot, Meanwhile he formatting is a total clean. Although, to understand their differences, you have to define the functionality of each one.
The system restore allows you to go back to an earlier time to recover the proper functioning of the files that have the fault. It is used to get rid of changes made on the computer, without affecting your personal files such as documents, photos and emails.
It is also possible to create restoration points, which fulfill the function of storing the registry configuration information and other data necessary for Windows. In this way, the system returns to a state prior to the problem.
On the other hand, the formatting It refers to the total hard drive cleanup. In other words, it involves deleting the files and programs contained in the storage drive. The purpose of formatting is to bring the computer to its factory state.
On certain occasions, based on user requirements, it is necessary to create a backup of the information to avoid his lost. The process may take some time, and it is recommended that it be done by a computer professional. Although the work is very simple, if you have the necessary knowledge.
When is restoration convenient?
Restoration is convenient for troubleshoot performance, performance and compatibility. Periodically and automatically, Windows is responsible for creating restore points, so it stores important information about the system.
For this reason, when a problem occurs when installing a hardware driver, or after installing a faulty program, it is necessary to restore the operating system to a previous version.
When is formatting convenient?
Formatting, meanwhile, only it is recommended when the system takes a long time to run, due to the massive presence of temporary, residual files and installed programs, which generates slowness and saturation of the RAM.
Similarly, it is necessary to format the computer when there is little space available on the hard disk, or to eliminate the presence of viruses (Trojans) that have infected system files, and that the antivirus cannot eliminate in a simple way, since it could harm the operation.
Steps to restore Windows 7 to avoid losing important programs or files
Before restore Windows 7 operating system, it is necessary to save the open files and close the programs that have been executed, since the restoration will take care of restarting the computer.
Although restoration does not affect personal files such as multimedia content and other documents, it does affect the configuration of system files, Windows registries, scripts and installed programs. For added security, back up the software that is important.
To restore to a previous version of Windows 7, there are two ways to get there:
- First, click on the start button (Windows logo).
- Accede to “All the programs”.
- Choose “Accessories”.
- Press “System tools”.
- Click on “System Restore”. You will likely be prompted for a confirmation or password from your administrator in order to perform the restore.
Another route available to access this function is as follows:
- Press the start button.
- Choose “Control Panel”.
- Click on “Security system”. Then select “System”.
- From the menu on the left, press “System Protection”. It may require administrator permissions to continue.
- Press the button “System Restore”. By default, it is set to “Recommended restoration”. It means that it will take as its starting point the last restoration point created.
- Click on “Following” and then in “Finalize”. The system will issue a notification. To start the restoration, press “Yes”. When the process is complete, the computer will restart.
Of fabric
In case you want to return to the factory version on your computer, you need to follow these steps:
- Accede to “Control Panel” and select “Security system”. Then click on “Backup and restoration”.
- Make sure that backups are set up on the computer. Press “Recover system or computer configuration”. Then press “Advanced recovery methods”.
- Click on “Reinstall Windows”. You need to have the installation disc to carry out the task. The system will give you the option of backing up your important files. In case you already did, press “skip” and then “restart”.
- After the restart, the system recovery options will appear on the screen. In the list of recovery tools, you must select Restory management.
- Finally, click “Restore operating system to factory default settings”. Follow the steps provided to complete the installation of Windows 7.
From a restoration point
The restore points are created from automatically by the system, just before the installation of any driver or program. These are responsible for gathering information prior to that moment.
They are stored in a space of the hard disk and as new ones are created, old restore points are removed. These can be created manually. To do this, access the search bar on the start button.
Then follow the steps below:
- Enter the term “Create” in the program and file search engine.
- In the list, select the option “Create a restore point”. A window will open “System Protection”.
- At the bottom, click “Create”.
- After the new restore point has been created, tap “To accept” and then close the window.
- To restore a different version than the one recommended by the system, you must manually select the restore point. To do this, go back to the “System Protection”.
- Click on “System Restore”. In the new window, click “following”. Select the restore point you want to return to.
- If none appears, check the box “Show more restoration points”. Make your selection and press “Following”.
- Finally, click “Finalize” for the computer to restart.
Windows 7 is no longer supported by Microsoft. What am I risking if I continue to use it?
On January 14, 2022, Microsoft stopped supporting Windows 7. This has a series of implications that could affect the performance of your computer. Although the operating system will continue to work, Microsoft will not be able to offer you:
- Technical support to solve problems, failures or system errors.
- Updates regular software.
- Updates of security.
Therefore, by not receiving free security and software updates, your computer will be left unprotected, increasing the vulnerability against malware and virus.
Also, having no protection, Windows 7 will be more prone to cyber attackers. Furthermore, the operating system will gradually lose more functions and applications. Thus, it is necessary that you take the following precautions:
- Make a backup of all your files. In this way, in case of any technical problem or failure caused by viruses, you will not lose your important information.
- You can also create a cloud compartment. Either Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, or any other tool, to protect your photos and other multimedia content.
- Some old computers are compatible with versions of Windows 10. In the case of counting a past model, you can try to install the latest operating system. On the other hand, you can choose to use Linux.
- It may be necessary buy a new computer. Take some time to review the many modern computer options that are available in the market. These come with the latest version of Windows 10. The operating system provides free software and security updates.
- Keep your antivirus and performs frequent checks to detect possible threats that could compromise the security of the equipment. Likewise, avoid using the Internet Explorer browser, since its performance will be considerably lower.
- As a last fact, make sure you have your updated network devices to continue working on your computer.