RESTORING THE WINDOWS 7, VISTA AND XP REGISTRY

To restore the system back to an earlier point follow the below steps.

1. Click Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools, System Restore
2. Select the Restore my computer to an earlier time option (as shown in the below picture) and click Next
3. Select the day and the restore point you wish to restore and click Next.

HOW TO USE SYSTEM RESTORE IN WINDOWS XP

No matter the cause, you can follow these steps to use System Restore in Windows XP:

1. Save everything.
   Save all files and close all open programs before System Restore restarts your computer.
2. From the Start button menu, choose All Programs→Accessories→System Tools→System Restore.
   The main System Restore window is displayed.
3. Choose the option Restore My Computer to an Earlier Time.
4. Click the Next button.
5. Choose a restore point from the cute calendar-like thing.
   The most recent date is chosen by default use it unless you already tried it and experienced problems.
6. Click the Next button.
7. Read the warning.
   The text warning is in Red. However, you are, good to go.
8. Click the Next button.
   It should be named Finish because it’s the last step: System Restore restarts Windows XP.

After you log in again, you need to wait a bit more. Eventually, you see a confirmation message explaining that Windows has been restored. You see a window that details what happened; click OK to close the window.
Restoring the system is also a start-up option. Choose the option Last Known Good Configuration, which is more or less the last system restore point.

You can also perform System Restore in Safe mode. That’s a good choice, especially when the computer is unusable otherwise.

HOW TO TURN OFF AND RESTART COMPUTER IN WINDOWS XP

Turn Off and Restart the Computer

When you've finished using Windows XP, be sure to turn off (or shut down) the computer correctly.

To turn off the computer:

1. Click the Start menu.
2. Click Turn Off Computer.
3. A dialog box opens. Click Turn Off.

If you're experiencing computer problems or have installed something new, you can simply restart your computer.

To restart the computer:

1. Click the Start menu.
2. Click Turn Off Computer.
3. A dialog box opens. Click Restart.

It's generally safest tor turn off or restart your computer using the methods above. However, many computers are designed to safely shut down when the power button is pressed. You should consult your manual to see the recommended shutdown procedure.

WINDOWS XP START MENU

The Start Menu

To begin exploring Windows XP, click the Start button.

When you click the Start button, the Start menu appears. The Start menu is your gateway to the applications that are on your computer. The left side of the Start menu lists programs, and the right side allows access to common Windows folders (My Documents, for example). It also provides access to Help and Support, Search, and Run.

If you select All Programs, a pop-up menu appears. Pop-up menus like this are called cascading menus. If a cascading menu is available, a small black triangle appears next to the name of the application or function.
In the example below, the Word program has been selected.

To explore the Start menu:

1. Click the Start button.
2. Move the mouse pointer to each option, and view the various cascading menus.
3. Click (or roll your mouse pointer over) All Programs.
4. Move the mouse pointer to the right and view other cascading menus.
5. To exit the menus, click outside the menu area or press Esc on your keyboard.

The Start menu remembers items you've recently opened and places the icon on the Start menu so you can easily open it next time you open the Start menu. For example, if you recently opened Microsoft Word using StartAll ProgramsMicrosoft Word, the next time you open the Start menu, simply click the Word icon on the left side of the Start menu.

WHAT IS WINDOWS XP

Introduction

Windows XP is an operating system that lets you use different types of applications or software. For example, it allows you to use a word processing application to write a letter, and a spreadsheet application to track your financial information.
Windows XP is a graphical user interface (GUI). It has pictures (graphical) that you use (user) to communicate (interface) with the computer. This type of system is popular because it's logical, fun and easy to use.
This operating system has multitasking capabilities, meaning it can run several applications at the same time. Multitasking allows you to view this lesson on the Internet at the same time that you practice using other applications with Windows XP.