Can anyone please tell me is it possible to delete anything in Windows XP with the system restore function?

I don't get what you mean, why do it in system restore...why not just use add/remove progs...?

If I understand the question correctly, the answer is no. System restore rolls back the system setttings to a defined point in time, but it does not change or delete any saved files on your PC. Furthermore, you can undo the system restore if you are unhappy with it.

Aaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhh, I see, you're worried that it might, well although t02o is correct in what he says from the microsoft bible it's not 100% definate cos I had to run it the other day and lost a few programs that I had downloaded the same day all went wrong...as for documents, emails etc you wont loose any of that..!!

Originally posted by BobDaBuilder
...I had to run it the other day and lost a few programs that I had downloaded the same day...

That's because System Restore rolls back your registry to the earlier time, any programs installed since will probably not work 'til you re-install them. Should be good just re-installing them over themselves though.

Originally posted by BobDaBuilder
Aaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhh, I see, you're worried that it might, well although t02o is correct in what he says from the microsoft bible it's not 100% definate cos I had to run it the other day and lost a few programs that I had downloaded the same day all went wrong...as for documents, emails etc you wont loose any of that..!!

Yes, if you install a program after a checkpoint and then roll back to that check point, you will lose the installation of the program because this is classed as being in the system settings area. If you downloaded a setup file for the program though, the setup file will still be there after using system restore, so simply reinstall the program. The most important part is that saved documents like word files are never lost.

I think the System Restore feature is really useful, although if you find yourself using it a lot you should maybe look into the root of the problem and solving that rather than continually rolling back system settings.

Thanks for all this help - I am concerned about financial docs and other private docs, and anyone being able to view deleted items when I sell the computer, using system restore.

I also think system restore is really useful, but perhaps Microsoft should add a kind of incinerator recyle bin that allows you to remove data from the HD permanently, and prevents anyone viewing a file that has been deleted using system restore, or maybe there is a method of doing so on Windows XP which I am not aware of.

Originally posted by melbournian
Thanks for all this - I am concerned about financial docs and other private docs, and anyone being able to view deleted items when I sell the computer, using system restore.

I see. If you format your hard drive before selling it then system restore will start afresh when Windows XP is next installed, so no problems there (although with sophisticated technology old files can be somehow retrieved after formatting, but this is unlikely and expensive). System Restore shouldn't un-delete any documents anyway, but if they're sensitive I recommend formatting your drive before selling your PC.

In that case either a format is a good idea or better yet webroot windows washer (http://www.webroot.com/land/windowwasherb.php?rc=648) and wash with bleach, that way they are non-recoverable...That's a free trial but is a really good bit of kit that I have used for as long as I can remember...

Thanks BobDaBuilder and to20, I'll give Windows Washer a go and I might try deleting and reinstalling windows XP.

You could also disable system restore (this deletes any current system restore points) and then re-enable it to create a restore point just before you sell it

True, though there's an easier way to delete old system checkpoints. Go to the Disk Clean Up utility (Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools) and after a while when it's finished looking what it can clean up, the box will come up. Press the 'More Options' tab, and the third option down is to 'clean up' system restore, which deletes all previous system checkpoints up to the most recent one.

what make of PC is it. Compaq also place a load of restore tools on their systems. The most useul is the System recovery, which will wipe the system clean, and start from scratch. A ighly useful and loved feature. Especially when a Virus once locked me out of the system completly.

Originally posted by t020
True, though there's an easier way to delete old system checkpoints. Go to the Disk Clean Up utility (Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools) and after a while when it's finished looking what it can clean up, the box will come up. Press the 'More Options' tab, and the third option down is to 'clean up' system restore, which deletes all previous system checkpoints up to the most recent one.


i swear ive freed up 2gb on my hard drive by deleting the old system restores i didnt realise it took up so much disc space

cheers to20
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

when you come to sell your pc, maintain your privacy by running a low-level format on the hard drive.

there is software out there that can bring back files & folders even when deleted in windows.

you'll need the hdd's manufacturers own software to do this.

check the maufacturer of hdd (maxtor/samsung/western digital etc) & goto their website. you'll be able to download a small utility which you can extract to a bootable floppy. this utility will then allow you to erase the hdd.

when you have done that, just re-install windows.

Originally posted by cheifgaffer
when you come to sell your pc, maintain your privacy by running a low-level format on the hard drive.

there is software out there that can bring back files & folders even when deleted in windows.

you'll need the hdd's manufacturers own software to do this.

check the maufacturer of hdd (maxtor/samsung/western digital etc) & goto their website. you'll be able to download a small utility which you can extract to a bootable floppy. this utility will then allow you to erase the hdd.

when you have done that, just re-install windows.

but what if you dont have a disk copy of windows handy. I bought my pc because it was discounted as a result of being a shelf model, but i didnt get a copy of Windows XP