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System Restore |
  
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System Restore |
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About Windows System Restore
Windows ME and XP utilize a restore utility that backs up selected files automatically to the C:\_Restore folder. This means that an infected file could be stored there as a backup file, and Virus Scan will be unable to delete these files. You must disable the System Restore Utility to remove the infected files from the C:\_Restore folder.
Windows System Restore was added to Windows system in ME and later. This includes ME & XP.
Though this is a desirable feature, in some cases it is necessary to disable System Restore. 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.
When you disable System Restore it 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 system 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.
This closes the door to many infections as they attempt to reinfect our system. In fact, one of the first things spyware does when it infects your PC is to drop your IE security settings so it can accomplish the goals of the software author without your knowledge. Checking these settings from time to time will help you keep your computer free of spyware and trojan viruses and eliminate much of the need for time consuming malware removals.
In some situations you may need to disable System Restore in your Microsoft Windows computer in order to complete a task such as removing a virus or a piece of spyware. This help article will show you how to disable System Restore on your Microsoft Windows computer so you can complete your repair. We strongly suggest that you remember to re-enable the System Restore utility once your repair process is complete.
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Note: When you disable System Restore all previous system restore points will be deleted. You must create new system restore points once you turn System Restore back on. |
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Page url:
http://www.tje.net/PCSupport/index.html?system_restore_chapter.htm
Page content was last updated: 4/25/2009
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