Then, confirm your restore point and click Finish.

If you know the date your problem started, check the box next to Show more restore points.

The following screen usually suggests a recent restore point and your last critical update.

After processing, a window appears with two buttons at the bottom.

In the Start search box, type System Restore and press Enter.

Use this option for problems not relating to Windows starting up. The next best thing is to run System Restore. System Restore - Unlike the newer versions of Windows, Vista and 7 do not have a 'refreshing' option.

Select the operating system you want to repair and click Next.

Choose your language settings, and then click Next.

Press any key to force Windows to boot from the disc.

Restart or power on your computer and watch for the Press any key to boot from CD or DVD message.

Insert your Windows 7 or Vista disc into your optical drive.

If prompted, insert whatever media you used to install Windows 8.

Click the Get Started button, and then click Next.

On the lower right side of the window, select Refresh Your PC Without Affecting Your Files.

On the left side of the PC Settings window, select General.

Reset this PC - This option is your best bet for 'refreshing' Windows while still being able to keep your files.

On the left side of the PC Settings window, select Update and Recovery, and then Recovery.

Press the Windows key, type Change PC settings, and press Enter.

In the window that appears, select Keep my files.

On the right side under Reset this PC, click the Get started button.

Press the Windows key, type Reset this PC, and press Enter.

Reset this PC - This option is your best bet for 'refreshing' Windows, while still being able to keep your files.

Select your account and enter the appropriate password (if one is set).

On the new screen, select Troubleshoot, Advanced options, and then Startup Repair.

On the right side under Advanced startup, click the Restart now button.

Press the Windows key, type Change advanced startup options, and press Enter.

Startup Repair - This option is for when your PC is having issues upon startup.

Automatically repair Windows 7 and Vista.

No repair your computer option