If your system crashes, you can restore the system to the last known working condition by selecting the snapshot taken at that time. System Restore is enabled by default on your Windows XP system if more than 200 MB of space is available to it to save snapshots. The utility takes snapshot of your system on a daily basis, especially before you make major system configuration changes or install\uninstall a large application.

To use System Restore, perform the following steps:

   1. Open the Start menu, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and select System Restore.
   2. On the Select a Restore Point page, select the Restore my computer to an earlier time option, and click Next.
   3. Select the date to which you want to restore your system, and select the Next button.
   4. On the Confirm Restore Point Selection page, verify your selection and then select the Next button to start the restoration process.

Now, your system will revert your registry, operating system files, and system configuration to the time when the snapshot you chose to restore was taken.