Purging System Restore in Windows XP
How to purge System Restore in Windows XP.
Note: This will delete any previously created restore points.
What to do
- Go to Start|Control Panel|Performance and Maintenance.
- Double-click 'System', then select the System Restore tab.
- Click to select the 'Turn off System Restore on all drives' box.
- Click 'Apply'.
- Click 'Yes'.
This disables System Restore. You should then immediately re-enable it.
- Now click to clear the 'Turn off System Restore on all drives' box.
- Click 'OK'.
- Restart the computer.
Safe Mode with Command Prompt
To reset System Restore in Safe Mode with Command Prompt:
- Type
<Windows_folder>\system32\restore\rstrui.exewhere <Windows_folder> is the name of your Windows folder (usually 'Windows' on Windows XP). - Click 'System Restore Settings'.
- Select 'Turn off System Restore'.
- Click 'Apply'.
- Click 'Yes'.
This disables System Restore.
- You cannot enable System Restore again in Safe Mode.
- Remember to do this when you restart Windows.
Another knowledgebase article describes how to purge system restore in Windows Vista.
If you need more information or guidance, then please contact technical support.
- Article ID: 10386
- Created: 8 Jan 2004
- Last updated: 2 Oct 2008
