A system and method that rejuvenates a computer system is provided. The user uses the computer system that includes an operating system and applications for a first period of time creating data files and applying patches to the operating system and applications. An image is created of the primary drive and stored on a second nonvolatile storage area. In one embodiment, the second nonvolatile storage area is a hidden partition of a hard drive. The user continues using the system during a second period of time. When the computer system becomes sluggish, the primary drive is reformatted and the image is copied from the second nonvolatile storage area to the primary drive. In addition, patches and applications installed after the image was created are stored to the second nonvolatile storage area and reapplied and reinstalled on the primary drive after the image has been copied to the primary drive.