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.