Disable System Restore

Windows XP System Restore was designed to be a useful feature which takes a "snapshot" of your current system configuration. If a program installed on your computer causes major problems, it can be used to return your system to its last known working condition. However, the flaw in System Restore is that it causes excessive hard drive fragmentation each time it creates a restore point. Using a tool to analyze your drive often shows this to be true.

Here are step-by-step instructions to disable System Restore on your PC:

1. Click 'Start'
2. Click 'Run...'
3. Where it says 'Open:' type this: services.msc
4. Click 'OK'. This opens the Services control window which lists all of the available background processes and gives you access to disable or enable particular services.
5. The list is alphabetical. Scroll down to where it says 'System Restore' and click it once to highlight it.
6. Right click the highlighted text. This opens a small menu.
7. Click the 'Properties' option on the menu. This opens the System Restore options.
8. Where it says 'Startup type:' use the pulldown menu to select 'Disabled'.
9. Click 'Apply'.
10. Click 'OK'.
11. Reboot for the changes to take effect.
    

Remember, it is still important to back up your registry and other important information from your hard drive. If possible, it is advisable to back up the entire drive to prevent any data loss after a crash or major virus.