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"Restore" on a computer can mean System Restore, which reverts system files and settings to an earlier point in time to fix problems, or data restoration, which retrieves lost or damaged data from a backup. System Restore does not affect personal files like documents or photos, while data restoration is a broader process to recover any type of lost or damaged file.

System Restore

What it is: A Windows feature that creates restore points, which are snapshots of your system files, installed applications, Windows Registry, and settings.

When to use it: To fix problems caused by recent changes, such as a new program installation, a driver update, or system configuration errors.

What it does: It rolls back the computer's system files and settings to a previous state, effectively undoing recent changes without affecting your personal files.

What it doesn't do: It does not affect your personal documents, photos, videos, or other user-created files.

Data Restoration

What it is: The process of copying data from a backup (secondary storage) and returning it to its original location or a new one.

When to use it: To recover data that has been lost, stolen, damaged, or corrupted due to events like human error, malicious attacks, power outages, or hardware failures.

What it does: It replaces lost or corrupted data with a usable copy from a backup, ensuring the data is consistent with its state at a specific time before the incident.