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I'm looking to make software tests that include installing services etc. For that would be nice to install Windows 7 and find a way to restore to a previous state and be able to install software again like if I hand't install anything before.

I would love to hear your guys opinions on this, thanks!

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You can use a Sandbox. Use a program like Sandboxie for application isolation...

Sandboxie runs your programs in an isolated space which prevents them from making permanent changes to other programs and data in your computer.

You can install a virtual machine, and test software inside of the VM, thus you won't mess up your host system at all. Options include VirtualBox, VMWare Player, XP Mode/Virtual PC (limited to Ultimate and Business editions of Windows 7)...

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+1 for suggesting VMs. Most virtual machines support taking "snapshots" of the harddrive and rolling back changes. This would be an ideal usage scenario for that. – nhinkle♦ Dec 21 '10 at 22:33
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You can use System Restore. works well, has saved me many times...

Creating a Steady State by Using Microsoft Technologies

Explains how to replicate Windows SteadyState actions by using Windows 7 features and free tools from Microsoft.

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?FamilyID=ef232619-7600-4768-b111-f60ba13862ea

A paid alternative to Windows Steady State (SS does not work on Win7 systems):

Wondershare Time Freeze

http://www.wondershare.com/pro/time-freeze.html

You could also image your drive after installing Windows 7 but before installing programs, this way you can restore Windows 7 to its original state before software. Use free software like DriveImage XML (highly recommend!).

Hot Image Your PC's Hard Drive with DriveImage XML (Lifehacker)

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Isn't system restore for system files only? I don't even want to keep user data :)) – Qosmo Dec 21 '10 at 19:51
Oh and SteadyState is planned to be discontinued, at least that's what Microsoft says. – Qosmo Dec 21 '10 at 19:52
yes, notice that I said that. you can use it legally long afterwards. – studiohack♦ Dec 21 '10 at 19:55
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@David: I'm talking about testing software and such inside of a virtual machine, this way, he does not mess up his host OS. – studiohack♦ Dec 21 '10 at 21:01
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@studiohack I see... Nvm then. I thought you were wondering about something off topic. lol – David Dec 21 '10 at 21:17
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