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Restore points

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by sue t

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Is it possible to set a restore point and then tell Windows to not overwrite it? Or if not that can you save a restore point on removable media and then insert that media if you need to do a restore. I would like to be able to save the first restore point I do after the computer is completely setup and the software is installed so when something happens I can restore back to that point in time.

11 replies

by ssandridge

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/plan/faqsrwxp.mspx

Q. Can I make System Restore permanently retain a restore point?
A. No. System Restore is change base tracking tool, not an imaging or backup tool. Each restore point only stores changes to the system since the creation of the previous restore point to minimize space usage and improve performance, and all restore points are associated. Therefore, restoring the computer from the current state to a previous state requires the availability of all restore points. For example, if a user wants to restore the computer from point D to point A, System Restore will evaluate the system change logs for points C, B, and

If a restore point is permanent, space usage for storing the complete chain of restore points since the creation of the permanent restore point would become very large and impractical. System Restore also provides a space management feature to purge old restore points to make room for new ones, creating a rolling safety net. Restore points over 90 days are purged automatically by default.

by ssandridge

I would suggest using Symantecs Ghost to make an image of your harddrive if you want a copy of your system when it's brand new.

by sue t

Poster rated this answer. Thank you for your answer. It was complete and easy to understand. If you read my comment you will understand why I was wondering about restore points instead of just imaging the computer when something happens.

by philospher

I don't think it would be pratical to keep restore points on an active harddrive. The previous solution with Norton Ghost is a good solution. However,another program called PC-relocator can also do a full system transfer and backup. It's located at the website Eisenworld.com. It's full featured transfer program with added backup features and security programs.

by rewrite

The best solution is to simply backup your hard drive with either the windows backup software or a 3rd party app. Although there is not direct way in windows to set a permanent restore point that I am aware of the system restore points are stored in the System Volume Information folder. You can gain access to that folder and copy the restore point to some other media. Here's how to access the System Volume Information folder:

http://www.theeldergeek.com/system_volume_information_folder1.htm

by sue t

Poster rated this answer. From what I have been able to find out you cannot copy restore points to other media and have it work when you need to go back in time. All restore points are associated and needed to do a system restore.

by mikex

Yes it's possible but it's not called Restore Point:

Use Ghost or any other windows imaging software and create the most permanent restore point, on CD/DVD/Hard drive

by sue t

The reason I wanted to know if it is possible with restore points is because that is faster than reimaging the computer and then resetting up the users settings, email, etc. and then pulling their documents back from the server. It does not make sense to make an image of each individual computer setup so I only make an image of a group of computers that have the same basic setup.

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