Removal of viruses from System Restore
Windows XP and ME have a feature called System Restore. This is used to make backups of system files, and restore file in cases where they become damaged or lost.
If the computer is infected with a virus, a backup copy or copies is likely to be copied in one of these folders.
To remove a virus or trojan in this folder, you will need to empty these folders. This is done by disabling System Restore and restarting the PC. Please note that when you turn off System Restore, you delete all restore points. After removing all viruses, turn System Restore back on, and create a new restore point.
To turn off Windows XP System Restore
1) Right-click My Computer, and click Properties.
2) On the System Restore tab, tick Turn off System Restore or Turn off System Restore on all drives.
3) Click OK, and restart your computer.
To turn off Windows ME System Restore
1) Right-click My Computer, and click Properties.
2) On the Performance tab, click File System.
3) On the Troubleshooting tab, tick Disable System Restore, click OK, and then click Close.
4) Choose YES to restart your computer.
After completing your virus removal, re-enable System Restore. To do so, follow the same procedure for disabling System Restore, but UNTICK the option you ticked previously, then OK the choice. Then restart your computer, and create a restore point - just in case.
Creating a System Restore point
1) Click Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore.
2) In the System Restore window, click Create a Restore Point
3) In the window that appears, enter a description for the restore point. The date is added automatically.
Note - a lot of disk space can be wasted by System Restore, as it defaults to 12% of each drive. If you often run low on disk space, adjust the amount of space reserved for System Restore down to a smaller amount.
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Related websites:
Microsoft: Use System Restore to Undo Changes if Problems Occur
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