DIY System Restore for Windows Operating Systems: How to Enable and Disable

The System Restore feature for Windows Millennium Edition (ME) and Windows XP is a very useful tool. It automatically creates backups of files in the _Restore folder. It will typically backup files with EXE or COM extensions, including some infected files, malware and spyware programs. Whatever is saved in the _Restore folder are also automatically protected by your computer, and will be accessed when the System Restore feature is used. If you are planning to clean your computer of a virus, you must first disable the System Restore feature before you can effectively access and clean unwanted files.

System Restore Disabling for Windows ME

First, click start, then go to settings, then select Control Panel. Double click on the System icon pictured. In System Properties, click the tab labeled Performance, then click on File System. Then click on the Troubleshooting tab, and then click Disable System Restore. In order to confirm the action, click OK and then Yes. You will then be asked to restart Windows. You have now effectively disabled your System Restore feature. You can follow these tips to enable System Restore as well.

System Restore Disabling for Windows XP

In Windows XP, you have to be logged on as an Administrator in order to make these changes. If you are not logged in as an Administrator, then the System Restore tab will not be displayed. Once you turn off System Restore, all previous restore points will be deleted and you will not be able to access them again. You also must be using the default Windows XP start menu, not the Classic Start Menu. To change this, right-click Start, then go to Properties, and then click on the button for Start menu if it is not already selected. Then click OK and you are ready to change your System Restore feature.

First, click Start. Then you must right-click My Computer, and then click Properties. Next, click the System Restore tab and select Turn off System Restore or Turn off Restore on all Drivers. To complete the task, click Apply and then Yes, and then click OK. If at a later date you wish to enable the System Restore feature again, simply follow these steps and at the end uncheck Turn off System Restore or Turn off System Restore on all Drivers.

Using Command Prompt to Access an Earlier Restore Point for Windows XP

You must turn on the computer, or if it is already on restart the computer. Once you see that it is turning on, begin tapping the F8 key. If you do not do it at the right time or do it too soon, you will see a message come up that says "keyboard error". Simply restart your computer and try again in order to resolve this message. The Windows Advanced Options Menu should appear. Select "Safe mode with Command Prompt" and press Enter. You will now have to log into the computer with an administrator account. Once you have access, type in this command and press Enter:

%System Root%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe

Now all you have to do is follow the instructions given by your computer to restore the system to an earlier date. It may be easier for you to print these instructions before attempting to disable or enable the System Restore feature.