How to Start System Restore From the Command Prompt
As long as you can start your computer in Safe Mode to access Command Prompt, you can still use System Restore by executing a simple command. Even if you’re only looking for a quick way to start this utility from the Run dialog box, this knowledge might come in handy. It’ll take you less than a minute to execute the right command, and probably less than 30 minutes for the whole process to complete.
Be Cautious of Fake rstrui.exe Files
As we already mentioned, this tool is called rstrui.exe. It’s included with a Windows installation and is located in the System32 folder: …and then press Enter or choose the OK button, depending on where you executed the System Restore command from. If you find another file on your computer that’s called rstrui.exe, it’s more than likely a malicious program that’s trying to trick you into thinking it’s the utility provided by Windows. Such a scenario may take place if the computer has a virus. Do not use any program that’s pretending to be System Restore. Even if it looks like the real thing, it’s probably going to demand that you pay to restore your files or prompt you with an offer to purchase something else to even open the program. If you’re digging around folders on your computer to find the System Restore program (which you shouldn’t have to do), and end up seeing more than one rstrui.exe file, always use the one in the System32 location mentioned above. Also take note of the filename. Fake System Restore programs might use slight misspellings to make you think they’re the real thing. One example would be replacing the letter i with a lowercase L, like rstrul.exe, or adding/removing a letter (e.g., restrui.exe or rstri.exe). Since there shouldn’t be random files named rstrui.exe masquerading as the System Restore utility, it’d also be wise to make sure your antivirus software is updated. Also, see these free on-demand virus scanners if you’re looking for a quick way to run a scan.
