Managing Windows Millenium System Restore

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Disabling Windows ME System Restore
3. Enabling Windows ME System Restore
4. Conclusion

Introduction

Windows ME contains a feature called System Restore which is enabled by default. This feature is used by Windows to restore system files that are located on your computer in case of system failure. These backups, called Restore Points, are contained in directories on your hard drive called _RESTORE. These _RESTORE folders are updated with the current copies of important files and registry information every time you boot your computer.

As a security measure Windows does not allow files found in the _RESTORE folder to be accessed by other programs. This behaviour can cause a problem when System Restore inadvertantly backs up a file that is infected with a virus into the _RESTORE folder. Now your anti-virus software will not have the ability to clean this file and if you ever restore these files, that infected file will be restored as well.

In order to resolve this issue you can disable System Restore which will automatically delete all previously saved restore points from your hard drive. This will enable you to remove an infected file if you suspect that one was backed up into the _RESTORE folder. Disabling System Restore does not delete any personal data that may be on your hard drive, it will only remove the files that are contained in the backup.

For more detailed information on how System Restore works in Windows XP you can read this article:

Windows XP System Restore Guide

Disabling Windows ME System Restore

To disable System Restore follow these steps:

Step 1: First click on the Start button and then click on the Control Panel.

Step 2: When you are in the Control Panel double-click on the System Icon. You will then be presented with an image similar to Figure 1 below.

Figure 1. General tab of System icon

Step 3: Click on the tab labeled Performance designated by the red box in Figure 1 above. You should now see a screen similar to Figure 2 below.

Figure 2. Performance Tab

Step 4: Click on the button labeled File System designated by the red box in Figure 2 above. You will now be presented with a screen similar to Figure 3 below.

Figure 3. Initial Screen of File System Properties

Step 5: Click on the Troubleshooting tab as designated by the blue box in Figure 3 above. You will now be presented with a screen similar to Figure 4 below.

Figure 4. Troubleshooting Properties

Step 6. Place a checkmark in the box labeled Disable System Restore designated by the blue box in Figure 4 above.

Step 7. Press the Apply button and then the OK button. Windows will now prompt you to reboot.

Step 8: Press the Yes button and Windows ME will reboot.

When the operating system restarts, System Restore will be disabled.

Enabling Windows ME System Restore

In order to enable System Restore please follow these steps:

Step 1: First click on the Start button and then click on the Control Panel.

Step 2: When you are in the Control Panel double-click on the System Icon. You will then be presented with an image similar to Figure 1 above.

Step 3: Click on the tab labeled Performance designated by the red box in Figure 1 above. You should now see a screen similar to Figure 2 above.

Step 4: Click on the button labeled File System designated by the red box in Figure 2 above. You will be presented with a screen similar to Figure 3 above.

Step 5: Click on the Troubleshooting tab as designated by the blue box in Figure 3 above. You will be presented with a screen similar to Figure 4 above except there will be a checkmark in the checkbox labeled Disable System Restore.

Step 6. Remove the checkmark in the box labeled Disable System Restore designated by the blue box in Figure 4 above.

Step 7. Press the Apply button and then the OK button. Windows will now prompt you to reboot.

Step 8: Press the Yes button and Windows ME will reboot.

When the operating system restarts, System Restore will be enabled.

Conclusion

As always if you have any questions please feel free to post them in our computer help forums.