Disabling or enabling Windows Me System Restore

Situation:
This document describes how to disable or enable Windows Me System Restore.

Solution:

One of the features of Windows Me is System Restore. This feature, which is enabled by default, is used by Windows to restore files on your computer in case they become damaged. Windows Me keeps the restore information in the _RESTORE folder. A _RESTORE folder is created on each hard drive on the computer; these folders are updated when the computer restarts.

Though this is a desirable feature, in some cases it should be temporarily turned off. For example, If the computer is infected with a virus, then it is possible that the virus could be backed up in the _RESTORE folder. By default, Windows prevents System Restore from being modified by outside programs. As a result, there is the possibility that you could accidentally restore a virus-infected file, or that on-line scanners would detect the virus in that location.

Disabling System Restore does not delete or remove any of your personal data from your computer. The only files removed are those that System Restore created in the _RESTORE folder, the restore points. Using System Restore to revert to a previously saved restore point does not affect any of your personal data files or any items in your My Documents folder. For more information search the Microsoft Windows Help (Click Start > Help and Support) and search for "System Restore." These documents explain what System Restore is, how it works, and more information about the effects of turning it on or off.

To disable Windows Me System Restore

1. Click Start > Settings > Control Panel.
2. Double-click the System icon.
   
   

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   Note: If the System icon is not visible, click "View all Control Panel options" to display it.

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3. On the Performance tab click File System.
   
   
   
   
4. Click the Troubleshooting tab, and then check Disable System Restore as shown in this illustration.
   
   
   
5. Click OK. Click Yes, when you are prompted to restart Windows.
6. Follow the instructions in the document that instructed you to disable System Restore (such as troubleshooting or virus removal). When all instructions have been completed, enable System Restore again by following the instructions below.

1. Click Start > Settings > Control Panel.
2. Double-click System.
3. On the Performance tab click File System.
4. On the Troubleshooting tab, uncheck Disable System Restore.
5. Click OK. Click Yes, when you are prompted to restart Windows.