| Author |
Topic: Windows Restore Point |
Mel Culbreath
From:
Waynesville, NC, USA
|
Posted 15 Aug 2005 9:11 am |
|
I run Windows XP Home Edition with SP2. Can someone tell me what the restore point affects? Does it only retain a "picture" of the operating system, or does it also save Internet Explorer and data files I have created?
Thanks,
Mel |
|
|
 |
John Bresler R.I.P.
From:
Thornton, Colorado
|
Posted 15 Aug 2005 9:48 am
|
|
According to what I have read on this subject, System restore keeps a log of changes to file types defined in %SystemRoot%\System32\Restore\Filelist.xml. It regularly snapshots the system state including info about user accounts, hardware and software changes and files required for startup.
It does not monitor virtual memory, any personal data files in My Documents, Favorites, Cookies, Recycle bin, Temporary Internet files, History or temp. Nor any graphics or email files.
|
|
|
|
John Hawkins
From:
Onalaska, Tx. on Lake Livingston * R.I.P.
|
Posted 15 Aug 2005 3:43 pm
|
|
Mel,
Actually, some one else should answer this that knows a lot more about restore than I do but here is what I was told to use it for :
When you install a new program, and after the install, go to "start" then "help and support" then click on "undue changes using system restore" . Follow the instructions.
Once you have created a "restore point" keep a hand written list of the subject, time etc, so you can refer back to it in case the program you just installed begins to give you system problems.If it does,you can go back into that same path as you just did to create the restore point and use a setting there to set you computer back to just PRIOR to that point and eliminate your system problem that particular program has caused you. You will always need a reference point and that is what you have created so you need to write it down each time you create these restore points so you won't take out something you want to save.Every time I install a new program, I creat a new "restore point" and write all the info. down on a permanant record kept in a safe place for future reference if need be.
If this is clear as "mud" , maybe someone on here like Jack Stoner, can clearify and correct my errors if any, in this post and make it a little simpler to convey ! I am running the same O / S as you are BTW on a New Dell
John |
|
|
|
Mel Culbreath
From:
Waynesville, NC, USA
|
Posted 15 Aug 2005 3:56 pm
|
|
Thanks for the replies.
Actually, you answered what I was wondering about. I was hoping that the restore point would save me from having to reinstall Internet Explorer and Outlook Express if my hard disk failed. Guess it doesn't work that way though. |
|
|
|
Gary Shepherd
From:
Fox, Oklahoma, USA
|
|
|
|
Charlie McDonald
From:
out of the blue
|
Posted 16 Aug 2005 2:29 am
|
|
John,
Before I download a questionable piece of software, I create a restore point and describe what I'm about to do, so the restore facility keeps a record of that for me, and I can go back to that point if the software is problematic. |
|
|
|
John Hawkins
From:
Onalaska, Tx. on Lake Livingston * R.I.P.
|
Posted 16 Aug 2005 3:19 pm
|
|
Charlie,
Yes ! But you need to write the restore point with data you can regonize and number each one as you create restore points .
See- I have added new programs after getting this new Dell XP (home) and number each one so I can tell where I want to go back to --and to ONLY that point to restore my system prior to my adding a particular program that is giving me problems.
If your computer is doing great before you add a program and you want to create a restore point before you add a program --have at it! If that program is giving you problems once you intall it, you can now go back to the point where your computer was operating great and at the same time delete that program ( using you "ADD/ REMOVE program in my computer)
I would suggest you still consult someone other than this guy to make sure what I said was correct .
Maybe as a "safeguard" the computer moderator on the forum could step in here and correct me if there is something incorrect here. I would hate to "steer" someone wrong ! I have a list of my own outlining restore points in case I need to get rid of a program I installed that is giving me fits !
John
|
|
|
|
Charlie McDonald
From:
out of the blue
|
Posted 17 Aug 2005 7:59 am
|
|
I think I follow your logic.
We'll wait for a definitive word. |
|
|
|
Ron Page
From:
Penn Yan, NY USA
|
Posted 18 Aug 2005 7:31 am
|
|
It's probably the best thing MS has added to Windows this century.  If you don't like the result of a restore you can undo it or restore to a different point. The system automatically creates system checkpoints whenever it hibernates or shutsdown.
I used it the other day to get rid of an annoying adware/spyware pop-up on my son's computer. So I'm not certain that it will ignore your temporary internet files; I thought most of that crap resided there, but I'm not at all certain.
Another thing to try when you're getting desparate enough to re-install Windows XP, is the "Repair" option on the install. You'll lose the Windows updates but not your installed programs and settings; turn on automatic updates and run them and your Windows XP should update itself to the latest service pack (SP 2 in XP).
A full system backup (on an external drive) plus automatic system recovery disk is the safest bet for fast and complete recovery from a HD failure.
------------------
HagFan
[This message was edited by Ron Page on 18 August 2005 at 08:32 AM.] |
|
|
|
Wiz Feinberg
From:
Mid-Michigan, USA
|
Posted 19 Aug 2005 8:57 am
|
|
I would like to add one important detail concerning the Windows ME/XP System Restore feature. Should you ever find viruses or trojan horses/backdoors on your computer and try to clean them out, be sure you turn OFF System Restore first! If the viruses are duplicated in the System Restore folder you will be reinfected the next time you reboot. After removing all threats turn it back on.
You will loose all of your restore points unless you find a way to back them up in a safe folder and reinsert them later. If you find this method you'll have to be careful not to backup infected files also.
Google for xp+system+restore+backups or something like it.
Wiz |
|
|
|
