How to Run System Restore From a Command Line in Windows XP

Safe Mode With a Command Prompt
1. Restart your system, and continuously press 'F8' until the Windows boot options screen appears.
2. Select 'Safe Mode With a Command Prompt' using your arrow keys, and press 'Enter.'
3. Type '%systemroot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe' in the Command Prompt window that appears after rebooting is complete.
4. Click 'Restore My Computer to an Earlier Time,' and click 'Next.'
5. Choose a restore date by clicking a date in the calendar, and then a restore point listed for that day. Click 'Next.'
6. Click 'Next' again to confirm you wish to restore your computer.
From the Run Dialog Window
7. Hold the 'Windows' key, and press 'R' to open the Run dialog window.
8. Type '%systemroot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe' in the Run window, and press 'Enter.'
9. Choose to restore your computer to an earlier date, and select a restore point as detailed in the previous section.