Rebooting a computer can help resolve a number of issues if used correctly. In this article, we’ll cover some reboot computer tips using the Windows System Restore tool that can help resolve system and hardware issues.

A standard soft reboot involves shutting down Windows from the Start menu or using the Ctrl-Alt-Delete keys. This process patiently shuts down all applications and services, allowing them to save any files or configuration settings. When the computer reboots all services are initialized and run.

By comparison, a hard reboot is where you press in the computer’s ‘power on’ button until the computer is forced to shut down. The problem with this is that any open applications will not have the chance to save data to disk. However, it is the recommended approach to use if your computer freezes or hangs.

Both the hard and soft reboot may help solve computer errors as the process will clear out the cached RAM and restart services using default setting. If there were problems with applications using excessive amounts of RAM, or applications where using non-default settings, then these issues may now be resolved.

However, if the plain reboot fails to resolve your problem then it is worth using the System Restore tool that comes with Windows. This tools can fix computer errors by rolling back system files.

The tool can be started by hitting F5/F8 (depending on your operating system) as your computer reboots. Alternatively, the tool is found under All Programs / Accessories / System Tools. It lets you select a date to roll back system files, including the registry, to a former date-stamped snapshot.

In terms of reboot computer issues, the system restore can help resolve start-up problems as well as some damage to registry (including virus damage). You should also run an anti-virus/malware scan if your computer errors persist.