Have you ever been using your computer, and become aware that things aren't quite right? Perhaps your web browser like Internet Explorer isn't working quite right, or perhaps it's your email. Maybe your computer starts freezing up or crashing and you're not sure why. Or worse, perhaps you now obviously have a virus; this could be manifested by male enhancement or pornographic ads appearing all over your computer (yes, it can happen). There's an easy solution.

From your start menu on Windows XP (hopefully it's a similar process on Vista and Windows 7), go to "Help and Support," then choose "Undo changes to your computer with System Restore." You can also get to this from the Start Menu >> Programs >> Accessories >> System Tools >> System Restore. Select "Restore my computer to an earlier time" and follow the directions from there out. I usually select a restore date about a week earlier if possible. Before running this you'll want to save any open work and close down all your open applications. Have patience while it restores and reboots, it takes several minutes.

Restoring your system will not affect any of your data (at least it's not supposed to, and never has for me). Your email, your pictures, music and movies you've downloaded, documents, presentations, etc. - that will all remain untouched. However if you have installed any applications since the restore date you selected, you will need to reinstall that software. This is a handy way to quickly recover your computer from virus attacks, or even periodically Windows updates that don't work as they're supposed to.