why system restore?

[dbarton]

In XP,
Why does system restore exist on disks other than the C: disk where all program get installed?

Can you restore data somehow?

 

[tcsenter]

Its named "System" restore, not "Some of the system" or "C: drive" restore.

 

[corkyg]

Originally posted by: dbarton In XP,
Why does system restore exist on disks other than the C: disk where all program get installed? Can you restore data somehow?

System Restore essentially restores the system REGISTRY and links back to a given date that has a restore file. It does not have any effect on data files pertaining to apps. A common usage is, for example, to "fix" the machine after you install something that you don't want. You can uninstall the program, but sometimes there is residue left in the Registry that can cause a problem. System Restore is a good way out of that situation. But, it is not a system backup.

Also, you can choose which drives to include in System Restore. Example - my data is all on external drives and I do not include them in S/R. And, in addition, all programs do not have to be installed in C:\. I have several programs installed elsewhere. That is a matter of choice.

 

[corkyg]

Had to add another reply because today I used System Restore. Somehow, due to something that was installed by some program early today, I lost my Right Click function in Windows Explorer. I can't do anything with out my right click!

I tried several things - nothing worked.

Then, System Restore came to mind. I ran it and restored my system to what it was ysterday morning when all was AOK. It worked perfectly. In a few minutes I was right clicking again.

It does have a use. 🙂

 

[Bozo Galora]

And system restore will save your ass in about 2 minutes during any showstopper virus, even when no boot
Cant tell you how many times it saved me in safe mode/commandprompt
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/304449

 

[dguy6789]

System restore has saved me from having to do a reformat on multiple occasions. Something as simple as uninstalling a program(albeit only really crappy programs) can cause Windows not to boot. System restore is a godsend.

 

[Fear No Evil]

I've never, EVER used System Restore on ANY system I have owned or used.

 

[dbarton]

My question is still why would I want to have it enabled on drives D: E: F: if all programs get installed on C:?
If I monitor just drive C: isn't that enough to restore all program changes made to C or Windows itself?

Absolutely no need to have it switched on on D: E: F: data drives, right??

 

[corkyg]

That's what I do. "C" only. Unless you have registered programs and links open to other drives, no need to put them on S/R.

 

[dbarton]

It seems wasteful to have 12% (default) of every drive held up on system restore, especially since it seems to do nothing if a drive is only a data drive.
Think of all the wasted HD space in the world.

I get 120g back just by shutting it.

 

[theprodigalrebel]

I haven't used it in a few years. Usually, by the time I'm done hosing my XP install, it's past the point of no return and a clean install is the only option left. 😛

 

[Bozo Galora]

Originally posted by: dbarton

It seems wasteful to have 12% (default) of every drive held up on system restore, especially since it seems to do nothing if a drive is only a data drive.
Think of all the wasted HD space in the world.

I get 120g back just by shutting it.

Then why leave it at default?
http://i31.tinypic.com/2di4kmv.jpg

I have always triple booted
Now as follows...........
C;\Xp SP3 X86 30GB
D:\Xp SP2 X64 30GB (nothing internet)
E:\Win 7 7600 X64 30GB (Monday)
Restore is set to 2%, which is plenty for a coupla months
I only install tools and utilities and basic apps to O/S partition, like winzip winrar Firefox etc.
Then I split up F and G evenly between remaining space
So on WD 640 its 30/30/30/275/275 (base 10)