Don't understand system restore.

[RevCLB]

Hi folks, am running XP SP2 with all current updates. I want to go into registry & remove some stuff I thought was gone but everone says back up registry first.

When I go to system restore there are several bold dates, such as:
System Checkpoint
Software Distribution Service 2.0
Whenever I install or remove something
Made by Registry Mechanic
but read somewhere that software created points are not always total.

When I go to create a restore point the instructions say create an easily identifiable name with a box for the name. Is it just a name I can remember or do I need to use some kind of code? This is probably really simple but I can complicate anything.

Do I need this hard, manual restore point or is one of the above safe? I have 3 different "Dummies" books for XP & each says create a restore point. Almost all I learn about computers is online, from books 7 just playing around but I am tired of screwing up & doing a system restore with all the attendant re-downloading. You folks have been my best help in the past and I hope you will help the old Dummy again. Thanks in advance. RevCLB

[doctorgonzo]

Windows will create restore points automatically from time to time, that's what the "System Checkpoint" is. Installing software usually does too.

When you manually create a restore point, you can name it whatever you want; you don't need a code. In your case, naming it "Restore before registry cleanup" or something similar would be most helpful.

[RevCLB]

Thanks doctorgonzo, you cleared it up really well for me. Told you I could complicate anything!! Some of us probably shouldn't be allowed to use a computer.LOL Thanks again, this site is wonderful

[bozo]

A more direct way of doing what you want without relying on system restore, is to use a a utility like Erunt (link below). This app will do a registry backup. While your there grab a copy of "NTREGOPT", which is a registry optomizer

Secondly, there are many "Registry Cleaners" that you could use to clean out the junk in the registry, many of them will backup the deleted registry entries.

A far better approach than using system restore. These apps are nice to have onboard...I backup the registry before new SW installs.

http://www.larshederer.homepage.t-online.de/erunt

[RevCLB]

Thanks bozo, I'll check this stuff out