I have Windows XP and have been unable to do a system restore. After selecting a date, I only get the message back after it looks like it's gone through all the steps, that it was unable to do the retsore and I need to pick another date. Even when I create the specific date to use as a restore point, when I try to select it, no go. Dell can't unlock whatever is preventing this. I already did a complete reformat, it worked for a day and reverted to the block. Any ideas? Thanks. (Is ther a smiley for "very frustrated"?)

The basic re-set feature is to turn off System Restore then turn it back on.

This erases all restore points but also re-sets the system for the future.

You should also check to make sure you have the full disk space set (12%).

Both these options are accessible via: Right click My Computer then click Properties then System restore. Drive size under Settings there.