Windows Vista System Restore enables you to restore your computer to an earlier state without losing data. This is ideal if your computer is not operating well because of a configuration change, a problem with an application, or the introduction of viruses or other unwanted software. By restoring to an earlier point-a point before your computer began displaying problems - you may be able to easily resolve the problems. (Applications that have been installed since the restore point will be removed.) You don't have to worry about taking periodic system snapshots - System Restore automatically creates easily identifiable restore points. You can also manually create restore points at any time.

If you cannot log on to Windows Vista, you can use the Windows Vista System Restore feature.
You may be unable to log on to Windows Vista in the following scenarios:

• You recently set a new password for the protected administrator account. However, you do not remember the password.
• You type the correct logon password. However, Windows Vista does not accept the password because the system is corrupted.
• You delete a protected administrator account. Now, you cannot log on to another administrator account.
• You change a protected administrator account to a standard user account. Now, you cannot log on to another administrator account.

To use System Restore to log on to Windows Vista when you lose access to an account, follow these steps.