• Overview
• Turn System Restore Off for Windows XP
• Turn System Restore On for Windows XP
• Turn System Restore Off for Windows Vista
• Turn System Restore On for Windows Vista

Overview

The System Restore feature is used in Windows XP and ME to return the computer to an earlier state if a system failure or other major problem occurs.

System Restore works by creating backup copies of selected files on your computer and storing them in a special folder on the protected drive. If virus or spyware files are backed up and stored in this folder, then they may be detected and removed, but they may reappear when the computer is restarted. (System Restore will put the files back thinking that they are important system files.)

IMPORTANT! To ensure that all viruses and spyware are removed from a computer that has Windows XP or ME, you must turn off System Restore, run the virus/spyware scan, and then turn System Restore back on when you are finished.

Turn Off System Restore for Windows XP

1. Right-click on My Computer and select Properties.
   
   Note: If My Computer is not visible on the desktop, then open the Control Panel in classic view and double-click on System.
2. Click on the System Restore tab.
3. Check the Turn off System Restore checkbox.
4. Click on the OK button.
5. Restart the computer.

Turn On System Restore for Windows XP

1. Right-click on My Computer and select Properties.
   
   Note: If My Computer is not visible on the desktop, then open the Control Panel in classic view and double-click on System.
2. Click on the System Restore tab.
3. Uncheck the Turn off System Restore checkbox.
4. Click on the OK button.
5. Restart the computer.

Turn Off System Restore for Windows Vista

1. Open the Control Panel in classic view and double-click on System.
2. In the task list on the left, click on System Protection.
3. Uncheck the checkboxes next to each hard drive listed under the Create restore points automatically on the selected disks: section.
4. Click on the Turn System Protection Off button for each disk that you uncheck.
5. Click on the Apply button.
6. Click on the OK button.

Turn On System Restore for Windows Vista

1. Open the Control Panel in classic view and double-click on System.
2. In the task list on the left, click on System Protection.
3. Check the checkboxes next to each hard drive listed under the Create restore points automatically on the selected disks: section.
4. Click on the Apply button.
5. Click on the OK button.

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