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How to remove infections from Windows ME/XP Restore Folder


Microsoft introduced a new feature in Windows ME & XP: the System Restore function.
Great for restoring a system to a previous state, but can cause a problem to remove infections within this folder.

By design the System Restore function doesn't allow any other program to handle files stored in the Restore folder. Leaving us with infected files we really want to get rid off.

So,..here are the tips on how to remove infections anyway.

Infection in \Restore folder (Windows ME). You can not remove infected files in \Restore folder. Follow these instructions to create a workaround (no data will be lost):

  1. Close all open programs. Then, right-click My Computer on the Windows desktop

  2. Click Properties.

  3. Click the Performance tab.

  4. Click File System.

  5. Click the Troubleshooting tab.

  6. Check Disable System Restore.

  7. Ok your way out.

Click Yes to restart. This disables the System Restore feature and will purge the contents of the _RESTORE folder when the system is restarted. Scanning and cleaning your system with a virus scanner has the main piority now.
Do check for updates before scanning!!

After finishing the removal instructions, repeat steps 1 through 9, except in step 6, choose: uncheck Disable System Restore.

Infection in \Restore folder (Windows XP). You can not remove infected files in \Restore folder. Follow these instructions to create a workaround (no data will be lost):

  1. Close all open programs. Then, right-click My Computer on the Windows desktop.

  2. Click Properties.

  3. Click the System Restore tab.

  4. Click checkbox Turn off System Restore
    (or checkbox Turn Off System Restore on all drives)

  5. Click OK.

  6. Click Yes when prompted to turn off System Restore.

  7. Ok your way out.

This disables the System Restore feature and will purge the contents of the _RESTORE folder. Scanning and cleaning your system with a virus scanner has the main piority now.
Do check for updates before scanning!!

After finishing the removal instructions, repeat steps 1 through 7, except in step 4, choose: uncheck checkbox Turn Off System Restore and OK your way out again.

More information available at Microsoft © Knowledge Base Article - 263455

Antivirus Tools Cannot Clean Infected Files in the _Restore Folder

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