System Restore - Part 1

Every so often a casual conversation with a Good Booter will remind me I should nag “a bit beyond novices” as enthusiastically as I nag novices.

During a “I have a quick question” encounter at CompUSA, a Good Booter mentioned how disappointed he was with Windows 7 when, because it failed to prevent him from installing a program that was not Windows 7 compatible, the installation corrupted his system.

Unfortunately because it was the last of many programs he installed, when the program corrupted his system and he tried to recover using a System Restore Point all his previously installed programs were expunged.

It goes without saying I should be chastised for not editing a System Restore nag when Windows 7 was released.

However!!!

The person with whom I was chatting was a bit beyond novice and should’ve known better.

I relate to the “get’er done and see what it’ll do” enthusiasm most have when upgrading to a new Windows system. But since the days of Windows 98 this enthusiasm has resulted in
all too many novices forgetting or ignoring my Good Boot rules for successful software installations.

1. Go to the software vendor’s Web site and determine if the software is Windows 7 compatible or if not, is there an upgrade download. Be sure to read the instructions for upgrading and any disclaimers.
2. Download the software’s upgrade “before” beginning its installation.
3. Create a System Restore Point before each installation. By doing so if you have a problem with a software’s installation and must revert to a System Restore Point to purge it from your system, you’ll not purge all your previously installed software.
4. During an installation select only the features you want installed.
5. Even though you may not be asked to reboot your system after an installation I suggest you do so. Keep in mind that most changes (good and bad) to your Registry take effect only after a reboot.
6. Immediately after the reboot turn off unwanted “start when Windows starts” and “run in the background” programs.
7. Give the newly installed program a significant test run e.g., print a copy of a document, scan a photo, import an e-mail before creating a new Restore Point and installing an additional program.

Putting software through its paces before installing another program is all too often ignored by impatient users.

Next week I’ll discuss Window’s 7 System Restore feature. A significant improvement over XP’s and Vista’s System Restore.


Here’s wishing you a Good Boot