Before we begin?

Windows System Restore is a feature in the Windows operating system that enables users to revert system files and settings on their computer to a previous state. It creates "restore points" either at regular intervals or before significant system changes, such as installing new software or drivers.

System Restore is a useful tool for addressing issues with the operating system, such as errors, crashes, or malfunctions. It enables users to quickly and easily revert the system to a previous state when it was functioning properly, without the need for extensive troubleshooting or reinstalling the operating system.

In this tutorial, we will walk you through performing a System Restore in Windows 7 in Safe Mode, which requires that you can successfully boot your computer.

Recommended reading: Solved: PC Won't Boot to BIOS

However, there may be times when you can't restart your computer due to system issues or hard disk failure. Therefore, in addition to performing System Restore in Safe Mode, we've also considered the situation where you can't boot up a frozen PC, which requires creating a bootable media for system recovery. Refer to the chart below for the efficiency and difficulty of each solution, and get started on your System Restore now.

Comparison Situations Apply Effect Difficulty
Recover System in Safe Mode on Windows 7 PC can start Moderate - Rolls back Windows 7 to the state when it could boot successfully. ⭐⭐⭐
?Create a Windows 7 Bootable USB to Recover System Unable to start PC High - Recovers Windows 7 to normal by creating a bootable USB with simple steps. ⭐⭐

Perform a Windows 7 System Restore in Safe Mode [Steps]

If your computer boots up normally, you can perform a System Restore in Windows 7 without much hassle, even in Safe Mode. Follow the steps below to return your system to a previous state.

Step one: Turn your computer completely off, and then back on again. Before the Windows logo appears, repeatedly tap the F8 key until you see the “Advanced Boot Options” screen.

F8 key

2. In the Windows Advanced Options menu, select Safe Mode and press Enter.

Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt

Step 3. Wait for Safe Mode to load, select your account, and then close the What is Safe Mode? pop-up.

Step 4: You should now see the normal Windows 7 startup screen. Click on the Windows 7 Start Menu, and then choose All Programs – Accessories folder – System Tools folder – System Restore.

Start System Restore

Step 5: Choose either Recommended restore point or Select a different restore point, as needed, and then click Next.

    If your Windows 7 computer is working well and has the data you need, choose the Recommended Restore. Otherwise, create a custom restore point.

Perform System Restore

You can also watch this video tutorial on how to recover your system in Safe Mode.

Key points from the video

    • 0:00 - Introduction
    • 0:14 - Setting the Scene
    • 0:38 - What is System Restore?
    • 1:14 - An Overview of System Restore

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Create a Bootable Windows 7 Recovery System on USB

As mentioned, computers fail to boot in many cases. In such situations, to restore a Windows device to a working state, you first need to create a bootable media to boot the PC and then run a system restore.

is an excellent tool for creating a WinPE bootable disk or CD/DVD. It allows Windows users to recover from a failed boot or OS crash error on Windows 11/10/8/7 without losing any data using a system image.

With this reliable and professional utility, you can do the following even if Windows fails to start:

    • Restore System Image
    • Backup files, folders, disks, partitions, and systems
    • Backup game saves and email data, such as Outlook
    • Disk cloning and system cloning
    • Create bootable USB/CD/DVD

Now download the Todo Backup tool and start creating your bootable USB drive.

First, create a bootable USB using the Todo Backup tool.

What You'll Need
Another working Windows computer
A USB flash drive with enough space and write permissions
A USB cable
The Todo Backup tool downloaded and installed on the working computer

Step 1: Have a USB drive that you can write to and read from.

Create Emergency Boot Disk

Step 2. Launch and install Todo Backup on computer B.

Step 3: Click on Tools, then select Create Emergency Disk.

Create Emergency Disk Create Emergency Disk

Step 4. Choose the boot disk location. You can create an ISO file, a bootable USB, or a CD/DVD.

Create Emergency Boot Disk Step 2

Step 5: Click Create to get started.

Related Articles

How to Perform System Restore from BIOS in Windows 7

If your computer fails to start, another way to save your data is by running System Restore from BIOS. Read this article for a step-by-step guide.

System Restore from BIOS in Windows 7

In short

In conclusion, running System Restore in Safe Mode can be a valuable tool for addressing various computer issues. By following our step-by-step guide, you can quickly revert your system to a previous state and get it running smoothly again.

However, if your computer fails to boot successfully, we highly recommend using Todo Backup as an alternative solution. It is a reliable and user-friendly software that allows you to easily create a system image. With its help, you can quickly restore your system to its previous state, preventing data loss. Whether you opt for the Windows 7 System Restore or the Todo Backup tool, ensuring the safety of your data should always be a top priority.

Frequently Asked Questions About Using System Restore in Windows 7 in Safe Mode

How do I force a Windows 7 system restore?

To perform a System Restore in Windows 7, follow these steps:

    1. Log in to your computer as an administrator.
    2. Click Start > Control Panel > System and Security > System.
    3. Click System Protection on the Control Panel Home page.
    4. Then select a recommended restore point.

How can I recover without starting Windows 7?

If your computer won't start up properly, you'll need to create a bootable recovery media to perform the system restore, or use the Windows 7 installation disc to perform the system restore from the BIOS.

How can I perform a system restore without logging in?

Unfortunately, System Restore cannot be performed without logging in. However, you can perform a factory reset on your computer without logging in. This will erase all data stored on the device, and you'll need to set up your configurations and relevant information from scratch.