Windows System Restore
Rating: Beginner. Windows XP and Windows Vista.
Windows System Restore creates restore points on your computer automatically when you install new software or Windows Updates. There is a small hidden folder called System Volume Information on your computers hard drive which holds these backed up restore points and are protected by Windows. The idea of the system is that if for example, your computer wont boot successfully after installing a new software driver for a piece of hardware you can boot into Windows Safe Mode and then go back to your most recent save point that works. The one down-fall to this is that some adware, spyware and viruses can install themselves in locations to ensure that they get backed up in restore points also. Removal software cannot always scan in the System Volume Information folder and so only removes the 'live' version which is active on the computer. When you next start the computer the adware, spyware or virus detects that the active files have been removed from the computer and then reinstalls itself back onto the computer. So a good step is to remove these restore points to make sure that the adware, spyware or virus doesn't put itself back again from the System Volume Information folder. When you do this you will loose you current restore points but you needn't worry as Windows will automatically create a new restore point within 24 hours anyway. Best to get rid of any critter that may be hiding there!
How to turn off Windows System Restore in XP & Vista
To turn off System Restore you need to click the Start Menu. And then choose the Control Panel. From the Control Panel then choose System.
You are then presented with the System screen with some tabs at the top (see image below). Click on the 'System Restore' tab.
Next you can see a small checkbox that says 'Turn off System Restore on all drives'. Tick the box. This will turn System Restore off and wipe off the restore points. Click 'OK'.
