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I found this in a few different places around the 'net - hopefully it's helpful:

Restore the Operating System to a Previous State in Windows XP

This article describes how to use the System Restore tool to return your computer to a previous working state. System Restore takes a "snapshot" of critical system files and some program files and stores this information as restore points. You can use these restore points to return Windows XP to a previous state.

If Windows XP Does Not Start If Windows does not start, restart Windows by using the Last Known Good Configuration feature:

  • Start the computer and then press the F8 key when Windows begins to start. The Windows Advanced Options menu appears.
  • Use the ARROW keys to select Last Known Good Configuration (your most recent settings that worked), and then press ENTER.

If a boot menu appears, use the ARROW keys to select Microsoft Windows XP, and then press ENTER. Windows XP restores the computer to the most recent restore point. If Windows XP Does Start

  • Log on to Windows as Administrator.
  • Click Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore. System Restore starts.
  • On the Welcome to System Restore page, click Restore my computer to an earlier time (if it is not already selected), and then click Next.
  • On the Select a Restore Point page, click the most recent system checkpoint in the On this list, click a restore point list, and then click Next. A System Restore message may appear that lists configuration changes that System Restore will make.
  • Click OK.
  • On the Confirm Restore Point Selection page, click Next. System Restore restores the previous Windows XP configuration, and then restarts the computer.
  • Log on to the computer as Administrator. The System Restore Restoration Complete page appears.
  • Click OK.

Troubleshooting You may inadvertently restore Windows XP to a previous configuration that you do not want.

To undo the restoration:

  • Log on to Windows as Administrator.
  • Click Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore. System Restore starts.
  • On the Welcome to System Restore page, click Undo my last restoration, and then click Next. A System Restore message may appear that lists configuration changes that System Restore will make.
  • Click OK.
  • On the Confirm Restoration Undo page, click Next. System Restore restores the original Windows XP configuration, and then restarts the computer.
  • Log on to the computer as Administrator. The System Restore Undo Complete page appears.
  • Click OK.
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Dani AI

Generated

's post reproduces the official Microsoft walk‑through for using System Restore on XP. The steps are accurate; the notes below add practical context and troubleshooting that the original text doesn't cover.

If restore points are missing or System Restore appears disabled, common causes are Disk Cleanup/third‑party cleaners removing them, or System Restore being turned off for the affected drive. The restore data is kept in the hidden "System Volume Information" folder on each volume. If Windows won't boot to the normal desktop, try Safe Mode (or Safe Mode with Command Prompt) and run rstrui.exe to launch System Restore when the GUI shortcut is unavailable. After a successful restore, run a full malware scan — some infections can survive inside restore points and be reintroduced.

If a restore repeatedly fails, check the Event Viewer for System Restore errors, increase the disk space allocated for restore points, and disable any cleanup tools that might purge them. Remember that "Last Known Good" and System Restore serve different needs: Last Known Good only reverts registry settings from the last successful logon (useful for a bad driver/registry change), while System Restore rolls back a broader system state but does not touch personal files (documents, email, photos).

System Restore is a convenience, not a substitute for backups. Before major changes, create a manual restore point and keep separate backups or full‑disk images so user data can be recovered even if restore points are missing or corrupted. Also note that Windows XP reached end of support in 2014; when repairing XP systems, minimize network exposure during recovery and prefer offline, verified backups.

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