How Do I 'Restore' System Restore In XP MCE?

Hi,

Using XP MCE SP 3.

After cleaning much malware, I'm trying to toggle system restore. System Restore is not accessible via mycomputer->properties, and even selecting system restore from system tools menu does nothing.

Is there a way to access system restore to toggle it on and off?

This is happening in normal and safe mode.

Thanks.

 

Steps to turn off System Restore

1. Click Start, right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.
2. In the System Properties dialog box, click the System Restore tab.
3. Click to select the Turn off System Restore check box. Or, click to select the Turn off System Restore on all drives check box.
4. Click OK.
5. When you receive the following message, click Yes to confirm that you want to turn off System Restore: You have chosen to turn off System Restore. If you continue, all existing restore points will be deleted, and you will not be able to track or undo changes to your computer.
   
   Do you want to turn off System Restore?
   After a few moments, the System Properties dialog box closes.

Steps to turn on System Restore

1. Click Start, right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.
2. In the System Properties dialog box, click the System Restore tab.
3. Click to clear the Turn off System Restore check box. Or, click the Turn off System Restore on all drives check box.
4. Click OK.
   
   After a few moments, the System Properties dialog box closes.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310405

 

For a lot more tips and tweaks, go to
http://kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

 

tjet, maybe I wasn't clear enough in my post but I can't access system restore from mycomputer->properties.

Ultimately that's what I want to do but it's not there to do it.

It seems like hrlow2's post might be the answer. I'll look into it.

Thanks.

 

As hrlow2 indicated at Kelly's Korner, #278 on left side.

More information on System Restore registry values - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/295659

 

Thanks for the reply.

#278 shows registry values, but there are no instructions of what to do.

It also lists a few keys which http://support.microsoft.com/kb/295659
indicates should not be modified under any circumstances.

Are there any instructions specifically that tells what keys to modify to make the system restore tab accessible?

Thanks

 

That is a Regedit file.

To use the Regedits: Save the REG File to your hard disk. Double click it and answer yes to the import prompt.

 

Sorry, didn't see all of the small print at the top.

I saved the file to the hard disk, executed the .reg file, clicked yes to import the changes and no immediate results were seen.

I then rebooted the system, and still no different results. No system restore tab, seemingly no way to turn off then turn on system restore. I even wanted to back up the registry before running the .reg file and running rstrui.exe seemed to do nothing.

What are your thoughts?

 

If you look under Programs > Accessories > System Tools
do you see System Restore listed there? That's where it is on my XP SP2 MCE.

Do you have this file in your System32 folder?

Windows\system32\restore\rstrui.exe

That's the System Restore program file.

 

You say you have been cleaning a lot of malware, but I don't see any threads posted by you in the Malware forum.
If you have been doing the Read and Run Me First procedures, it would be advisable to post the required logs so a malware fighter can help you clean your system. This may be the cause of the System Restore problem.
If you have the restore program file in the location frapper indicated and can not get it to run, I'm out of ideas.

 

When I didn't see the tab on the system properties dialog, I did go to Programs > Accessories > System Tools and I ran System Restore from there. But as I may have indicated before, it did nothing.

I did go through the Read Me First items, and did all except the ComboFix. Everything now comes up zeros and all looks OK except for the system restore problem.

I'll try and post the logs.

Thanks.