Mr. Modem
Turn back time with restore points
www.MrModem.comMay 8, 2009
Q. When I’m editing a document in Word and need to stop, is there an easy way to pick up where I left off the next time I open the document?
A. When you reopen your Word document, press Shift + F5 to jump to the last place you positioned your cursor while editing. That’s the high-tech method. I prefer the low-tech approach which involves typing XXXXX where I stopped editing. The next time I open the document, I just press ALT + F, search for my ex -- Mrs. Modem is never happy about that -- and pick up editing where I left off.
Q. How can I create a Restore Point that I can go back to in case problems crop up with my computer?
A. System Restore is an excellent tool for recovering from the type of "disaster" that can occur when the installation of new software doesn't go well. System Restore takes a snapshot of your system’s settings when things are running smoothly which you can then return to at a later time.
Windows automatically creates Restore Points, but it’s a good idea to manually create one before installing new software or if you’re feeling frisky and begin “fine-tuning” your system by making various creative settings changes.
The first step is to confirm that System Restore is enabled by clicking Start > Control Panel > System > System Restore tab. There should be no check mark beside “Turn off System Restore.”
To manually create a Restore Point, click Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore. In the System Restore dialog box, click "Create a Restore Point," then click Next and enter a description for your restore point, such as "Before Program X Installation," then click the Create button.
If a software program or settings change snarls your computer, click Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore. Select "Restore My Computer to an Earlier Time," then click the Next button. From the "Select a Restore Point" list, select a restore point, then click the Next button and follow the on-screen instructions.
It may take a few minutes, but after your computer restarts, a message will appear informing you of the successful restoration. In the unlikely event the restoration isn't successful, simply run System Restore again, then either repeat the last restoration or return the system to an even earlier restore point.
For fast access to System Restore in Vista, click Start and type “System Restore” in the Start Search field.
Keep in mind that System Restore does not back up your data, such as documents or spreadsheets, it only preserves system settings.
Mr. Modem's Sites of the Week:
Accomplishments
The formal name of this site is "Things Other People Accomplished When They Were Your Age." If your self-esteem has soared to unrealistic heights, enter your age and you'll be instantly humbled by the accomplishments of your chronological peers. If that's not depressing enough, type in the ages of your children or grandchildren and see how far behind the little slackers have already fallen. Albert Einstein, by age 12, had already taught himself Euclidean geometry. When I was 12, I was still trying to find my way home from school without getting lost.
http://tinyurl.com/cqclq5
Shakespeare, The Complete Works
"For sooth, what site dost lurketh yon? Fetch hither, thine browser." Ah, they just don't write 'em like that anymore. Here you'll find everything from "All's Well That Ends Well" to "Winters Tale." So whether it's comedy, history, tragedy or poetry, you'll find the Bard's best at this site.
http://shakespeare.mit.edu/works.html
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