WinXP System Restore query

[digby]

Hey, I'm putting together a CD with a tool to get rid of Blast. I don't have any real experience with XP yet (I like 2000 too much). So I don't know how to disable the system restore. If someone could give me some brief instructions to put on this CD, I would appreciate it.

Thanks

[hrdwareguy]

Why would you want to disable system restore?

[digby]

From Symantec's Website

CAUTION: If you are running Windows XP, we strongly recommend that you do not skip this step. The removal procedure may be unsuccessful if Windows XP System Restore is not disabled, because Windows prevents outside programs from modifying System Restore.

That's all I know.

[Shinryu]

Originally posted by hrdwareguy
Why would you want to disable system restore?

It's a memory hog and takes up far too much HD space if you don't configure it. That, and some people simply have no need for it.

[hrdwareguy]

Notes:
You must be logged in as an Administrator to do this. If you are not logged in as an Administrator, the System Restore tab will not be displayed. If you do not know how to log in as Administrator, contact your system administrator (if you are on a network), the computer manufacturer, or installer.
Turning off System Restore will clear out all previous restore points.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To turn off Windows XP System Restore:


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: These instructions assume that you are using the default Windows XP Start Menu and have not changed to the Classic Start menu. To re-enable the default menu, right-click Start, click Properties, click Start menu (not Classic) and then click OK.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Click Start.
2. Right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.
3. Click the System Restore tab.
4. Select "Turn off System Restore" or "Turn off System Restore on all drives" check box.
5. Click Apply.
6. As noted in the message, this will delete all existing restore points. Click Yes to do this.
7. Click OK.
8. Proceed with what you need to do. For example, removing viruses. Restart the computer and follow the instructions in the next section to turn on System Restore.

To turn on Windows XP System Restore:
1. Click Start.
2. Right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.
3. Click the System Restore tab.
4. Clear the "Turn off System Restore" or "Turn off System Restore on all drives" check box.
5. Click Apply, and then click OK.

System Restore will create regular backups of selected system files and program files. For more information, read the Microsoft Knowledge Base article, How to: Restore Windows XP to a Previous State, Q306084.

[digby]

Thank you. With a little luck, this will save me from having to go to my boss's house and doing it all myself.

[The Rogue]

Yes this virus is a major pain in the ass, but thankfully not to hard to get rid of courtesy of the great guys working at symantec, we're not worthy

[Memphis]

I can't believe Microsoft gave us no warning. Or if they did, itw certainly wasn't a loud enough one.

[charliex]

AFAIK they put it on windowsupdate a month ago, its been on their advisory site since july 16th, as well as all the other security newgroups.

if they sent you a personal note, theyd get bitched out for spamming

[mikec]

Originally posted by hrdwareguy
Why would you want to disable system restore?

because it's a useless tool that just gobbles up disk space and leaves fragmented files, even after running diskkeeper. I have tried to give restore a fair chance, and found through experience that it really does nothing to help when the shit hits the fan.

[merkerguitars]

Originally posted by mikec
because it's a useless tool that just gobbles up disk space and leaves fragmented files, even after running diskkeeper. I have tried to give restore a fair chance, and found through experience that it really does nothing to help when the shit hits the fan.

Yeah I agree its bad too....made my laptop bog down bad...plus if you use programs like ghost and are smart about using a puter......no need for it.

[digby]

Well, that fixed the problem. Now if I could just teach him how to do it all for himself. I had patched the OS here at the store back in late July. He was impressed when he asked if we were going to have problems and I just said, "Nah, I fixed that a month ago." Maybe I should ask for a raise...

[plinko]

make sure you put system restore back on when you're done....it will save you a lot of time in the long run