Lost System Restore Points

[Guest]

I just used msconfig to run a Diagnostic Startup, not because I'm having
problems with my WinXP Home SP-2, but to install a new program. After
resetting msconfig back to Normal Startup, I noticed all my System Restore
Points were gone, except for one System Checkpoint created after Normal
Startup. Is this normal? Did this happen because when I ran the Diagnostic
Startup, System Restore was turned off? Turning off System Restore deletes
all Restore Points.

 

[Taurarian]

Turning off system restore does delete all restore points.

System Restore FAQ:
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/community/newsgroups/faqsrwxp.mspx

 

[Guest]

Of course it does. I said that in my original post. That's not my question.
Also, the article you reference does not address my questions.

 

[Mike Hall \(MS-MVP\)]

HMT

You will find the answer in this Microsoft support page..

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;310560&Product=winxp

I am still puzzled as to why you chose this route to install a new program..

 

[Guest]

Let me clarify my questions. Is something wrong with my System Restore? Does
running the Diagnostic Startup turn off System Restore?

 

[Guest]

Thanks for answering my question Mike. The reason I tried this approach to
install a program was to prevent other programs from loading and interfering
with the installation. For example, Symantec has a Knowledge Base article
that recommends a similar approach to install Norton Internet Security 2005.
I've had to do something similar (msconfig startup tab, ctrl/alt/del with
Win98/95, etc.) several times to get other programs to install cleanly. Is
some other approach preferred with WinXP, like unchecking items in the
Startup Tab, so programs install cleanly?

 

[Mike Hall \(MS-MVP\)]

HMT

I would disable anti-virus from within the Norton program or system tray if
available.. likewise anything else within the system tray/notification
area..

To be honest, I don't disable anything unless expressly asked to do so.. AV
programs do not respond in XP like they used to when old AV programs
detected something attempting to rewrite 'kernel32' in Win 9x/ME..

XP is way more robust than ever Win9x/ME was.. you only had to look at the
screen menacingly to generate a General Protection Fault, the BSOD, or the
BSWFC (black screen with flashing cursor).. I remember it all too well..

Use MSCONFIG only for diagnostic purposes, and refer to the website when you
do.. I know that many ex Win 98 users see it as a way to cut down on the
programs that start-up automatically, but most can be shut down from within
each individual program anyway.. also, XP does not have the memory
limitation of its earlier cousins, and shutting down these programs does
little to improve performance, if anything at all.. a far better way to see
an instant jump in performance is to turn off the eye candy in XP..

Anyway, the good news is that you have survived the experience, and every
time you reboot, you are rebuilding your system restore points.. a quick
note on them too.. if you ever get a virus infection, do NOT use system
restore to get back to a point before the infection.. virus authors may be
SOB's but they are not stupid and have that exit covered in that many virus'
will infect the restore points..


--
Mike Hall
MVP - Windows Shell/user

 

[Guest]

Thanks again Mike. I still have some old Win98 habbits and a PC lab at home
with Win95a/95b/95c, Win98FE/SE, WinNT4.0 and WinXPSP-1/SP-2 on Pentium 90s
up to the latest gHz range. I also have WinME but haven't installed it yet. I
guess you could call me an antique collector. Win98 is still my favorite, but
I'm learning to like XP more each day.