How To Disable System Restore

System Restore is a feature built into Windows XP and Windows ME that allows users to 'roll-back' to specific restore points without affecting data files. A restore point is automatically created (as long as System Restore is turned on) when new software and/or drivers are installed. If there is a problem with the installation System Restore allows a user to select a restore point (a date) to revert back to. The problem here is this, if a computer is infected with viruses, spyware and/or adware when a restore point is created, rolling-back to that restore point will re-infect the computer.

That's why one of the first things I do after realizing a computer is infected with malware is to disable system restore, then I re-scan the computer with anti-virus software, and anti-spyware software, remove any problems discovered and turn system restore back on once the computer is virus and spyware free. Read on for a step-by-step on how to disable system restore.
 

Windows XP
  • click Start
  • click Control Panel
  • click System
  • click the System Restore tab
  • un-check the box that reads Turn off System Restore on all drives
  • to turn System Restore on put a check back in the box
another method...
  • click Start
  • right click on My Computer
  • select Properties
  • click the System Restore tab
  • un-check the box that reads Turn off System Restore on all drives
  • to turn System Restore on put a check back in the box
yet another method (and I am sure there are many more!)...
  • click Start
  • click All Programs
  • click Accessories
  • click System Tools
  • click System Restore
  • un-check the box that reads Turn off System Restore on all drives
  • to turn System Restore on put a check back in the box

Windows ME
  • right click on My Computer select Properties
  • select the Performance tab and click File System
  • select the Troubleshooting tab and click to check the box for Disable System Restore
  • click Ok twice, and Yes when prompted to restart your computer
  • to turn System Restore on follow these steps again, this time click to clear the box for Disable System Restore


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