Using virus removal tools will usually require users of Windows ME and Windows XP to disable System Restore while running the removal tool. Instructions on how to do this are provided for your convenience below.

Quick Links:
How to disable/enable system restore in Windows XP
How to disable/enable system restore in Windows ME
How to determine if you are logged in as Administrator

How to disable/enable System Restore:

<>In Windows XP:

This information is for your convenience. System Restore is part of Windows XP. If you need help with System Restore, contact Microsoft technical support.

To disable System Restore, you must log on to Windows XP as Administrator. To see the System Restore tab, you must be logged on as Administrator. Below, you will find instructions that will help you determine if you are logged in as Administrator.

Note: If you turn off System Restore, you delete all previous restore points. You must create new restore points once you turn System Restore back on.

To turn off Windows XP System Restore

1. Click the Start button.
2. Right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.
3. On the System Restore tab, check Turn off System Restore or Turn off System Restore on all drives as shown in this picture:

4. Click Apply. The following message appears:

5. This deletes all existing restore points. Click Yes to do this.
6. Click OK.
7. Proceed with what you need to do. For example, removing viruses. Restart the computer and follow the instructions in the next section to turn on System Restore.

To turn on Windows XP System Restore

1. Follow the steps in the previous section, but in step 3, uncheck Turn off System Restore or Turn off System Restore on all drives. Then click OK.
2. Create new System Restore points.

<>In Windows ME:

This information is for your convenience. System Restore is part of Windows Me. If you need help with System Restore, contact Microsoft technical support.

Note: Turning off System Restore deletes all previous restore points. You must create new restore points once you turn System Restore back on.

To turn off Windows Me System Restore

1. On the Windows taskbar, click Start > Settings > Control Panel.
2. Double-click the System icon. If the System icon is not visible, click View all Control Panel options to display it.
3. On the Performance tab, click File System.

4. On the Troubleshooting tab check Disable System Restore.

5. Click OK.
6. When you are asked to restart Windows, click Yes.
7. Follow the instructions in the document that instructed you to disable System Restore (such as troubleshooting or virus removal).
8. When all instructions have been completed, enable System Restore again by following the instructions below.

To turn on Windows Me System Restore

1. On the Windows taskbar, click Start > Settings > Control Panel.
2. Double-click the System icon. If the System icon is not visible, click View all Control Panel options to display it.
3. On the Performance tab, click File System.
4. On the Troubleshooting tab, uncheck Disable System Restore.
5. Click OK.
6. When you are asked to restart Windows, click Yes.

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To see if you are logged on to Windows as an administrator

For Windows XP:

Go to Start>> Run. Type in: control userpasswords2 [Enter] or click OK

For Windows 2000:

Go to Start>> Run. Type in: control userpasswords [Enter] or click OK

In either case, you will see a User Accounts window appear. If it has two tabs like the illustration below, then you are logged in as Administrator.

If a User Accounts window appears that asks for a user name and password, then you are not logged in as Administrator

Be sure to close the dialog box when you are finished.

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Use the above information at your own risk.  See "Terms of use"