How to Run System Restore on Windows XP When the Start Menu Is Not Present

Safe Mode
1. Turn your PC on or restart it.
2. Press and hold 'F8' on the keyboard just before the Windows XP splash screen appears to access the Windows Advanced Options Menu.
3. Choose 'Safe Mode' from the three menu options. This will load only the minimum files needed to load Windows XP.
4. Click 'System Restore,' and select 'Restore My Computer to an Earlier Time.'
5. Select a date when your system was functional to restore its settings to that date.
Using the Command Prompt
6. Turn your computer on or restart it.
7. Press and hold 'F8' during the initial startup to start your computer in Safe Mode.
8. Use your keyboard's arrow keys to choose 'Safe Mode With a Command Prompt,' and press 'Enter.'
9. Use the arrow keys to select 'Windows XP,' and press 'Enter.'
10. Log on as an administrator or with an account that has administrator privileges.
11. Type '%systemroot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe' (without quotes) at the command prompt.
12. Press 'Enter' on your keyboard, and follow the instructions on the screen to restore your computer's settings.