Comments on: Four tips to using System Restore on Windows XP

The System Restore feature of Windows XP is designed to help when things break. Learn to get the most out of it.

[sammykay1]

system restore

Is it ever easier to simply reformat the hard drive and start new?

[clarkdaw]

I would consider many things before taking such a drastic step. One, do you have items that cannot be re-installed? (I.e documents, pictures, etc). Two, do you have your Windows disk with serial? Three, do you have all the cd's you need to re-intstall your personal software? Your e-mail where you have kept some of your software reg. info will be lost unless you backed up your e-mail.
A format should be your last resort.

[vbk2005]

thank for the tips

that was a useful tips

i found another site that provide tips for xp
http://www.mybuny.com/thecommunity/windows-xp-tips-tricks.delicious

[tenc21]

Useful Info

Useful info. But I guess SammyKay1 below wasn't clear on the advantages of system restore (SR). I'm no PC guru, but reformatting a HD means wiping off everything back to Day 1. SR on the other hand only eliminates the stuff in the system folder that was not present at the time of the chosen restore point. Everything before the restore point is still up and running (assuming there is a good restore point you can choose).

So, the only time it might be ever "easier" to reformat than to SR is when your only good restore point is Day 1. Even then SR does not require you to reload all original software as a reformat would. However, at that point, you might as well to get an absolutely clean HD and fresh system.

[essentuki]

My System Restore turns itself OFF automatically on re-boot or when I start up my PC.
I have one drive internal and one external and turn System Restore ON immediately. However on the next re-boot I find it turned OFF again.
What is going on please?
Thanks,
Jeff.

[admin_wasim]

I have windows 2003 server it does not show my desktop.
even my right click is also disabled