System Restore Abuse???

[Mike346]

I would like to download, install, and try out all sorts freeware from the
internet [I am aware of virus and spyware issues, and I'm careful in my
choices regarding this, and my computer is fairly well protected]. Usually,
within a half an hour or so I am able to decide whether or not I want to
keep an installation. But some freeware doesn't come with an uninstall
program; and those that do, cannot always be counted on to completely
uninstall. Is the following practice an acceptable solution? Is there a
better alternative?

1. Create a restore point.

2. Download and install the prospective software item.

3a. If I'm sure I want to keep it: return to step 1 for the next prospect.

3b. If I don't want to keep it: uninstall; delete any missed files [...all
of the files, if there is no uninstall feature]; restore the system to the
previous restore point; return to step 2 for the next prospect.

This is the general idea, and according to [the little of] what I understand
of Sytem Restore, this practice is perfectly fine. But I am concerned that
maybe I am overlooking something, and that doing the above is an abuse of
that feature which could have negative repercussions.

 

[JAX]

Mike,

I see nothing wrong with what you are doing, it's what I do.

LOL, JAX

 

[Mike346]

Thanks, Jax. But, if it turns out that I have to return to all sorts of
restore points over and over again and over again ... is that too much? ...
Maybe, restore points are meant to be returned to more rarely, under more
critical circumstances? ... Maybe, a person should find other means of
knowing whether or not the software he's considering is really something he
wants?

I don't want to compromise the integrity of my computer just because I like
to "play" with freeware.

Mike,

I see nothing wrong with what you are doing, it's what I do.

LOL, JAX

I would like to download, install, and try out all sorts freeware from the
internet [I am aware of virus and spyware issues, and I'm careful in my
choices regarding this, and my computer is fairly well protected]. Usually,
within a half an hour or so I am able to decide whether or not I want to
keep an installation. But some freeware doesn't come with an uninstall
program; and those that do, cannot always be counted on to completely
uninstall. Is the following practice an acceptable solution? Is there a
better alternative?

1. Create a restore point.

2. Download and install the prospective software item.

3a. If I'm sure I want to keep it: return to step 1 for the next prospect.

3b. If I don't want to keep it: uninstall; delete any missed files [...all
of the files, if there is no uninstall feature]; restore the system to the
previous restore point; return to step 2 for the next prospect.

This is the general idea, and according to [the little of] what I understand
of Sytem Restore, this practice is perfectly fine. But I am concerned that
maybe I am overlooking something, and that doing the above is an abuse of
that feature which could have negative repercussions.

 

[JAX]

Mike,

I built this machine and installed XP about 3 months after XP was released.
I have been doing what you asked about ever since. That is about all I can
tell you, it works for me.

LOL, JAX

Thanks, Jax. But, if it turns out that I have to return to all sorts of
restore points over and over again and over again ... is that too much? ....
Maybe, restore points are meant to be returned to more rarely, under more
critical circumstances? ... Maybe, a person should find other means of
knowing whether or not the software he's considering is really something he
wants?

I don't want to compromise the integrity of my computer just because I like
to "play" with freeware.

Mike,

I see nothing wrong with what you are doing, it's what I do.

LOL, JAX

I would like to download, install, and try out all sorts freeware from the
internet [I am aware of virus and spyware issues, and I'm careful in my
choices regarding this, and my computer is fairly well protected]. Usually,
within a half an hour or so I am able to decide whether or not I want to
keep an installation. But some freeware doesn't come with an uninstall
program; and those that do, cannot always be counted on to completely
uninstall. Is the following practice an acceptable solution? Is

there

a

better alternative?

1. Create a restore point.

2. Download and install the prospective software item.

3a. If I'm sure I want to keep it: return to step 1 for the next prospect.

3b. If I don't want to keep it: uninstall; delete any missed files [...all
of the files, if there is no uninstall feature]; restore the system to the
previous restore point; return to step 2 for the next prospect.

This is the general idea, and according to [the little of] what I understand
of Sytem Restore, this practice is perfectly fine. But I am concerned that
maybe I am overlooking something, and that doing the above is an abuse of
that feature which could have negative repercussions.

 

[Mick]

A better option would be to get a hold of Norton Ghost or similar. You can
make a backup image and restore to that which brings you back clean to where
you were. System Restore is a much coarser way to restore your system and it
can go wrong. Another alternative or additional is to have WinXP installed
on two different partitions. Use one for the fun stuff and the other as your
main OS.

Mike,

I built this machine and installed XP about 3 months after XP was released.
I have been doing what you asked about ever since. That is about all I can
tell you, it works for me.

LOL, JAX

Thanks, Jax. But, if it turns out that I have to return to all sorts of
restore points over and over again and over again ... is that too much? ...
Maybe, restore points are meant to be returned to more rarely, under more
critical circumstances? ... Maybe, a person should find other means of
knowing whether or not the software he's considering is really something he
wants?

I don't want to compromise the integrity of my computer just because I like
to "play" with freeware.

Mike,

I see nothing wrong with what you are doing, it's what I do.

LOL, JAX

I would like to download, install, and try out all sorts freeware

from
the

internet [I am aware of virus and spyware issues, and I'm careful in my
choices regarding this, and my computer is fairly well protected].
Usually,
within a half an hour or so I am able to decide whether or not I

want

to

keep an installation. But some freeware doesn't come with an uninstall
program; and those that do, cannot always be counted on to completely
uninstall. Is the following practice an acceptable solution? Is

there

a
better alternative?

1. Create a restore point.

2. Download and install the prospective software item.

3a. If I'm sure I want to keep it: return to step 1 for the next prospect.

3b. If I don't want to keep it: uninstall; delete any missed files [...all
of the files, if there is no uninstall feature]; restore the system

to
the

previous restore point; return to step 2 for the next prospect.

This is the general idea, and according to [the little of] what I
understand
of Sytem Restore, this practice is perfectly fine. But I am concerned
that
maybe I am overlooking something, and that doing the above is an

abuse
of

that feature which could have negative repercussions.

 

[Guest]

Norton Ghost sounds good - I have many problems with Restore points.. often there are none that work. I have Norton Systemworks 2004 and would like to buy 2003 Professional which includes Ghost.. But does anyone know -- can I install ONLY Ghost from the 2003 package over my 2004 non-professional

Don't trust the XP Restore feature except in an emergency...it rarely works for me

Jak

----- Mick wrote: ----

A better option would be to get a hold of Norton Ghost or similar. You ca
make a backup image and restore to that which brings you back clean to wher
you were. System Restore is a much coarser way to restore your system and i
can go wrong. Another alternative or additional is to have WinXP installe
on two different partitions. Use one for the fun stuff and the other as you
main OS

Mike

I built this machine and installed XP about 3 months after XP wa

released
I have been doing what you asked about ever since. That is about all I ca
tell you, it works for me

LOL, JA
Thanks, Jax. But, if it turns out that I have to return to all sorts o
restore points over and over again and over again ... is that too much ..
Maybe, restore points are meant to be returned to more rarely, unde mor
critical circumstances? ... Maybe, a person should find other means o
knowing whether or not the software he's considering is really somethin h

wants
I don't want to compromise the integrity of my computer just because

lik
to "play" with freeware

Mike
I see nothing wrong with what you are doing, it's what I do
LOL, JA
I would like to download, install, and try out all sorts freewar

fro
th

internet [I am aware of virus and spyware issues, and I'm careful i m
choices regarding this, and my computer is fairly well protected]
Usually
within a half an hour or so I am able to decide whether or not

wan

t

keep an installation. But some freeware doesn't come with a uninstal
program; and those that do, cannot always be counted on t completel
uninstall. Is the following practice an acceptable solution? I

ther

better alternative
1. Create a restore point
2. Download and install the prospective software item
3a. If I'm sure I want to keep it: return to step 1 for the nex prospect
3b. If I don't want to keep it: uninstall; delete any missed file [...al
of the files, if there is no uninstall feature]; restore the syste

t
th

previous restore point; return to step 2 for the next prospect
This is the general idea, and according to [the little of] what
understan
of Sytem Restore, this practice is perfectly fine. But I a concerne
tha
maybe I am overlooking something, and that doing the above is a

abus
o

that feature which could have negative repercussions

 

[Mick]

I don't know . I got Ghost 2003 as a standalone and I am using it with NIS
2003. You might be best to try it as a standalone. Since buying it, I've
seen a lot of recommendations for a program called Drive Image (I think)
which is supposed to be better than Ghost. Rumour has it that it has been
bought by Symantec (don't know if this is true).

Norton Ghost sounds good - I have many problems with Restore points..

often there are none that work. I have Norton Systemworks 2004 and would
like to buy 2003 Professional which includes Ghost.. But does anyone know --
can I install ONLY Ghost from the 2003 package over my 2004
non-professional?

Don't trust the XP Restore feature except in an emergency...it rarely works for me.

JakW

----- Mick wrote: -----

A better option would be to get a hold of Norton Ghost or similar. You can
make a backup image and restore to that which brings you back clean to where
you were. System Restore is a much coarser way to restore your system and it
can go wrong. Another alternative or additional is to have WinXP installed
on two different partitions. Use one for the fun stuff and the other as your
main OS.

Mike, released.
I have been doing what you asked about ever since. That is about all I can
tell you, it works for me. much?
...

under

more something
he because I
like

freeware

from

the
internet [I am aware of virus and spyware issues, and I'm

careful in
my

choices regarding this, and my computer is fairly well protected].
Usually,
within a half an hour or so I am able to decide whether or not I

want

to
keep an installation. But some freeware doesn't come with an uninstall
program; and those that do, cannot always be counted on to completely
uninstall. Is the following practice an acceptable solution?

Is
there

a
better alternative?
1. Create a restore point.
2. Download and install the prospective software item.
3a. If I'm sure I want to keep it: return to step 1 for the next
prospect.
3b. If I don't want to keep it: uninstall; delete any missed files
[...all
of the files, if there is no uninstall feature]; restore the

system

to

the
previous restore point; return to step 2 for the next prospect.
This is the general idea, and according to [the little of] what I
understand
of Sytem Restore, this practice is perfectly fine. But I am concerned
that
maybe I am overlooking something, and that doing the above is an abuse
of
that feature which could have negative repercussions.