Resotore the computer to its Original States!!

[imported_aloha]

Okey, my joe six pack friend finally decided to bring his computer for me to take look why the computer runs so slow, so I hook up his comptuer and find out he has over 20 pop-up windows open when I use IE, and it got to be at least 10 different programs open when I turn on the computer. Since he doesn't need anything from his computer, I reformat it and reload the XP back for him.

Two weeks later, he call me again, and guess what. same problem again!!
I am thinking if there is a software what allow me create a entire image of his OS, drivers, and programs, and let him restore his computer back to original states?

His CDrom is not working, so Nero (which I use for myself) is out. and he doesn't care about lost of data, so is there a software can create a file (in his HDD) for system's original states and just restore everything back? simple and stupid is what he's looking for.

Thanks in advance

 

[shortylickens]

After you install windows and boot it for the first time it automatically creates a System Restore point. When you load up System Restore check the day windows was installed.

P.S. Its under 'Help and Support' on your start menu.

 

[imported_aloha]

Does System Restore everything? or just XP operation system?
Forgot to mention, his son like download those games, and save the file all over the place, I think what was one of the reason he got so much spam, will system restore erase those files and put everything bakc to original state with no less or more files in his computer?

 

[D1gger]

It restores the system registry, so there will be no references to the new programs installed, but will not actually remove the folders and files.

 

[n0cmonkey]

Why not solve the problem? Set him up as a limited user and explain the difference between it and an administrator. Show him spyware removal tools, make sure he has a good anti-virus program running, and turn on auto-updates.

 

[bsobel]

Actually it will remove the files/folders under Program Files when you revert....

 

[bhanson]

If the user doesn't need any files, then try Deep Freeze. I promise you he won't screw anything up anymore.