The described embodiments include an electronic device that performs configuration operations. During operation, an administrative electronic device receives an indication that an electronic device that is presently checked out to a user is to be checked in. The administrative electronic device then requests a backup file with information from the electronic device, wherein the information comprises information about one or more changes made to the electronic device since the electronic device was checked out. Next, the administrative electronic device receives the backup file from the electronic device. The administrative electronic device then restores the electronic device to an initial state, wherein, in the initial state, changes made to the electronic device since the electronic device was checked out are reversed to return the electronic device to the initial state.