Like most bundled Windows utilities, System Restore supports only the most basic features—but it does come with Windows XP. One important drawback is that you can't get to System Restore when your system will not boot. There is a "Last known good configuration" option, but this is feeble at best and can't help with corrupted files that prevent your system booting.

System Restore does not change your data files when you revert to a restore point; it simply rolls back critical system files and the Registry. You can let System Restore automatically create restore points, or you can create them manually. Because System Restore does not track file changes, it has no impact on performance.

Used with Windows XP's Automated System Recovery, System Restore is part of a fairly comprehensive rescue package, but it is user-intensive: You have to remember to make recovery discs and store them.