Disable System Restore in Windows Vista

System Restore allows you to restore your Windows Operating System to an earlier point of time in case of a problem.

While not recommended for most people, you can disable System Restore in your Windows Operating System. I happen to hate extra processes running on my system while I’m trying to use it. With that said, you can schedule System Restore to run during times you’re not using your system. Since I disabled it, I’ll probably only use it on a case by case basis when installing software. I keep most of my data on my file server, so a full system crash isn’t the largest concern of mine.

1. Go to System Properties. I like to take advantage of the run commands. Press the Windows key and then R, to open the run box. Then type in: sysdm.cpl and it will open the system properties. You can also get here by navigating to start -> control panel -> system -> Advanced System settings, but learning your windows key commands and run commands is much quicker!

2. Click on the System Protection Tab.

3. A box will be checked next to the drive that System Restore is enabled on. Uncheck the box to disable System Restore. A window will pop up confirming that you are disabling System Restore. You can come back here at a later time to enable it if you want.