system restore question

[mikemnf]

I am trying to set up a new computer on which I am useing XP Home. I went to windows update after instalation of the O/S for O/S updates and all went well, then I went to Windows Media Player to update. I am stopped from instalation because system restore is shut off on my computer. What problems are there if I turn on system restore? It is my understanding that system restore is usefull if my computer runs into certain types of problems. I purchased this computer to replace a PII that I bought new that long ago I am not sure how old it is. (10 yrs.?) It operates on W98. It never gets turned off unless for service, and is used for QuickBooks to keep records for the family business. We were afraid it might be getting close to the end of it's time and don't want to take a chance it will crash on us. Wouldn't system restore be a feature of XP that I would want to take advantage of, or is it something that gets in the way of other programs running? The only uses this computer will get are QuickBooks , and photo storage and editing. No internet use except for updates, and no other programs will be installed unless needed for burning CD's, and DVD's, or for editing pictures, a hobby only. Obviously I should ask the question, "should I turn on system restore?"

Core 2 Duo, 2 - 250 GB. hard drives, 1 GB ram, Asus P5B motherboard, X1600 Pro 512 graphics card, 2 - DVD burners.

Mike

[glc]

Answer - Yes. It should be on by default - who turned it off?

[mikemnf]

I was in contact with the company I purchased the system from and was advised they always turn this feature off. They claim that viruses that are already on the system before the restore date are restored as well. Since they do a lot of work removing viruses they automatically turn off system restore whenever they build new units for sale. They themselves are very adament about not useing system restore, but told me it is a decision I should make on my own depending on my priorities. I am going to keep system restore off. I have 2 separate drives, each with a 5 GB partition for QuickBooks. One partition on drive 0 called Quickbooks, and one on drive 1 called QBB. The balance of drive 0 is called O/S where the operating system and programs are located, and will be used for storage for pictures. Drive 1's second partition is called pics and will be for picture storage as well. I haven't done it yet, but I might install the QuickBooks progaram on the Quickbooks partition. All backups, which are programed to occur every time the user exits QuickBooks, plus automatic backups programed nightly, will be stored on QBB. In this configuration I will be able to keep my business records safe?? I am right aren't I? In this way if I have to format O/S to re-install everything I will still have all my information intact on the other partitions.

Mike

[glc]

Well, it looks like you are going to have to turn it on to get everything installed and updated.

[mikemnf]

I don't understand. Are you still in favour of system restore being turned on? The more I think about it the more I wonder what is worse. Having a viruse that has to be removed anyway, or haveing to re-install instead of system restore. would you still want system restore? I value your opinion over theirs.

Mike

[glc]

I went to Windows Media Player to update. I am stopped from instalation because system restore is shut off on my computer.

It doesn't matter what my opinion is - it looks like you are going to HAVE to turn it on to be able to do what you need. Whether you leave it on or not when you are done is your decision.

My opinion? I like having it just in case it's needed. If it gets infected, it's easy enough to disable, when you do, all the restore points just go POOF anyway. Just keep in mind that by default it reserves 12% of each partition's space for restore points, if you are using small partitions this could become an issue.

[mikemnf]

Thanks a lot. I am going to enable system restore after all.

Mike