How to Start System Restore from the Command Line

Sometimes when you install a program or driver, it might render XP unbootable. If your computer won't boot into the operating system normally, you might be able to boot into Safe Mode and use System Restore to go back to a previous restore point to fix the problem. But what if you can't even boot into safe mode? Then you need to start the System Restore tool from the command line. Here's how:
1. When booting your computer, press F8 to bring up a boot menu
2. Select Safe Mode with Command Prompt
3. Select the operating system to start (if you have multiple operating systems installed)
4. Log on with an account that is a member of the administrators group
5. At the command prompt, type %systemroot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe
6. Press Enter
7. This will start the "Welcome to System Restore" screen. Go through the steps of the Wizard and follow the instructions to restore your system to a previous restore point