1. A method for returning a software configuration on a client device to a previous state comprising: receiving, at a service provider, a request for returning a client device software configuration to a previous state; comparing a previous state software manifest comprising a list of a plurality of software files residing on the client device during the previous state with a software installation map to identify software elements within the map associated with the list of the plurality of software files residing on the client device during the previous state; generating a previous state installation route describing at least a portion of the software elements within the map and associated software files for returning the client device to the previous state; and providing the previous state installation route to the client device.