Return to original windows state

  • Thread starter Thread starter Rick Dunmire
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R

Rick Dunmire

Hello everyone,

have kind of an environment question. I do some software testing and
debugging and I need to return the system to a state before a software was
installed. I guess to summarize this, I will install a virgin copy of XP,
then install a 3rd party software, test and record any bugs, return the
computer to a state before I installed the 3rd party software. Then when the
software comes back from the developer, I will start over again, until the
bugs are gone. Currently I have to format my drive then reinstall XP, that's
a hassle, is there any other way to do this?

Thanks

Rick Dunmire
 
This is probably too simple of a suggestion to be helpful, but have you
tried to *create* a restore point before the installation each time, and
then go back and do a System Restore to that *Created* point?...This would
be easier than formatting each time (If I didn't misunderstand what you are
doing).

Willie
 
Rick Dunmire said:
Hello everyone,

have kind of an environment question. I do some software testing and
debugging and I need to return the system to a state before a software was
installed. I guess to summarize this, I will install a virgin copy of XP,
then install a 3rd party software, test and record any bugs, return the
computer to a state before I installed the 3rd party software. Then when the
software comes back from the developer, I will start over again, until the
bugs are gone. Currently I have to format my drive then reinstall XP, that's
a hassle, is there any other way to do this?

Thanks

Rick Dunmire
Click to expand...

Two suggestions:

1. Image your drive prior to installing the test software. Restore your
image when finished.

2. Install Microsoft Virtual PC to create a virtual pc separate from your
normal system to install and test your software. You can find out more about
virtual pc by reviewing recent newsletters at: www.langa.com .

Don
 
Thanks Willie,

I tried a restore, it seems to remove most stuff but the 3rd party software
install directory folder was still there with some of the files. Now I
created a folder after this in another directory and done a restore again
and the folder I created was removed but still the 3rd party folder
remained, so I am not sure if restore is working exactly the way I need it
to or not.

Rick
 
Sorry, I figured it was too easy of a solution to be possible. Maybe Dons
idea will work for you...Good Luck.

Willie
 
Greetings --

Use any one of the several hard drive imaging applications.

Bruce Chambers
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