How to Disable/Enable System Restore in Windows XP

If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to Windows Reference RSS feed Thanks for visiting!

System Restore is a Feature in Windows to restore the system back to a previous time when the system was performing well. Although, System Restore has all its benefits, there are situations when it needs to be disabled or atleast disabled and enabled later on to troubleshoot problems. Best example would be a Virus infected file might have been backed up and the backup copy has the worm still on the system even after a successful Anti-virus cleanup. To know what is being monitored by Windows System Restore click here

To disable System Restore,

Note: Disabling System Restore will delete all the Restore points and the associated system backups.

1. Right-click My Computer and select Properties.

2. Click the System Restore tab.

3. Uncheck the box for “Turn off System Restore” or “Turn off System restore on all Drives”.

4. Click Apply and OK.

To re-enable System Restore [enabled by default],

1. Right-click My Computer and select Properties.

2. Click the System Restore tab.

3. Place a check in the box for “Turn off System Restore” or “Turn off System restore on all Drives”.

4. Click Apply and OK.

This should disable Windows System Restore in Windows XP. To enable Windows System Restore again at a later time, repeat the process and uncheck the boxes for “Turn Off System Restore” or “Turn Off System Restore on all drives”