Windows XP: Restore function

I have a few questions regarding the restore function. I have used this feature which has saved me from a full reinstallation when my registry has gotten screwed up from me altering it.

How do you tell how many restore points you actually have and have left?

I read the FAQ on how to improve performance by disabling the Restore function. IF I were to do that and somehow my system screwed up, would I be able to activate the restore function and revert?

Is it necessary to created a restore point prior to installing programs? I have noticed one is apparently created.

:dell: :nvidia:

 

If you go into system restore (start>accessories>system tools>system restore) you should be alble to see how many restore points you have. I think it automatically deletes the oldest one when creating a new one if its allocated disk space is reached. This can be adjusted from control panel>system>system restore tab. Also, it automatically makes a new restore point before you install new software so you dont have to worry about it.

If you disable it then you CANNOT use it to restore. If its off it wont be backing up your system and so if you turn it on when you have messed up your computer it will create a restore point from the minute you turned it on. Not before.

Also be warned, when you disable it all of your previous restore points will be erased and you wil not be able to use them.

I too read it should be turned off but its saved my a$$ to many times to count. Without it i would have had soo much trouble. I would not recommend turning it off, but thats my opinion.

 

Thanks for the reply.

It makes me nervous knowing how many times after installing software, something funny happens.

I noticed errors in installing when using Tea Timer Real time spyware protection through Spybot. It has caused more harm than good.

 

You can uaw something like Acronic True Image to make a base image of the drive to throw back on if there is an issue. Usually works better if you have two partitions with one small one for windows.

 

I was going to recommend ghost or acronic to backup your partition. This way you could choose the time and condition of your backup. Windows restore does hog resourses. By disabling it, and using your own type of backup may benefit you. This is also beneficial since you can keep the backup on someother kind of media, whether it be another partition or a usb drive. I use a dvdrw that I made right after install. I would recomend the external drive method incase you experience a drive crash. GL

 

Not all programs make restore points. If you install programs a lot, I say pin System Restore to Start Menu for easy access. Better safe than sorry (or annoyed cause you have to go back a few days to the latest automatic restore point).

Malia