Windows 7: System Restore Points - Manually Extract Files and Folders

   Information

This will show you how to use a free program System Restore Explorer to be able to mount specific restore points to be able to browse and copy individual files and folders from a mounted restore point back into Windows 7 and Vista without having to use Previous Versions or to do a full System Restore. When finished copying and restoring what you like from the mounted restore point, you could unmount the restore point.

You must be logged in as an administrator to be able run System Restore Explorer.

   Note

You could also use the System Restore Explorer program to delete specific restore points. See OPTION FOUR here for more on this feature.

1. If you have not already, download and install the free program System Restore Explorer and run it.

2. To Mount a Restore Point

   Note

Mounting a restore point will create a shortcut to that particular restore point on the root directory of the Windows C: drive which will allow you to be able to browse and copy files and folders from the mounted restore point.

A) In System Restore Explorer, select a specific restore point that you would like to mount, and click on the Mount button. (see screenshot below)

B) This will now open the mounted restore point in a Windows Explorer window where you can now browse and copy any file and folder you like. (see screenshot below)

C) The shortcut of the mounted restore point will stay in the root directory of the Windows C: drive until you unmount it in step 3 below. If you like, you could leave the restore point mounted for as long as you like though for easy access. (see screenshot below)

3. To Unmount a Mounted Restore Point

   Note

Unmounting a selected mounted restore point will remove the shortcut of the mounted restore point from the root directory of the Windows C: drive.

Unmounting a mounted restore point will not delete the restore point.

A) Do either step B or C below to unmount a mounted restore point.

B) In System Restore Explorer, select a specific mounted restore point that you would like to unmount, and click on the Unmount button. (see screenshot below)

OR

C) In the root directory of the Windows C: drive, right click on the shortcut of a specific mounted restore point that you would like to unmount, and click on Delete. (see screenshot below)

4. When finished, you can close System Restore Explorer.