Deleting System restore files

Wingco1 · Jul 18, 2008, 13:54:43

Someone kindly posted how to reclaim bags of HDD space by deleting old SR files. Try as I may I can't find the post

Can anyone help?.

kinmel · Jul 18, 2008, 14:10:19

what are you trying to do ?

Steve · Jul 18, 2008, 14:11:18

Try this? If your using XP it should by default pinch about 12%, you can reduce the size down to say 5% by changing the settings in control panel>system>system restore

LesD · Jul 18, 2008, 14:14:30

Goto System Properties (right click My Computer)
At the System Restore tab click the box by "Turn off System Restore on all drives" to put a tick in it and click OK.
Reboot and then visit this tab again and remove the tick from the box.
All old restore points will be gone so I should set a new one pronto.

An MS Article on the subject is here.

net91 · Jul 18, 2008, 14:16:09

Open Disk Clean up by going to Start, All Programs, Accessories then System Tools.

Click the More Options tab, and then click Clean up under the System Restore and Shadow Copies heading. You will be asked to comfirm you want to delete all but the most recent restore point.

This method is for Windows Vista but should be the same for Windows XP.

Wingco1 · Jul 18, 2008, 14:28:51

Thanks everyone. I think I've just had a senior moment

I think I've confused the system restore with HDD management

Rik · Jul 18, 2008, 15:20:32

Quote from: Wingco1 on Jul 18, 2008, 14:28:51
I think I've just had a senior moment

Mine last all day.

Glenn · Jul 18, 2008, 16:32:00

Are middle aged moments less serious then senior moments?

Rik · Jul 18, 2008, 16:37:43

Definitely.

LesD · Jul 18, 2008, 16:38:13

Quote from: Glenn on Jul 18, 2008, 16:32:00

Are middle aged moments less serious then senior moments?

Middle aged or Senior moments and I can relate very readily to the latter

butI would still recommend an occasional deletion of old Restore Points

I do it when I think things running well

so that once done and a new one has been created I have a sound point to restore to!

Steve · Jul 18, 2008, 16:40:01

Quote from: Glenn on Jul 18, 2008, 16:32:00
Are middle aged moments less serious then senior moments?

Cannot remember

Noreen · Jul 18, 2008, 17:51:01

Anyone who is really considering deleting System Restore Points in Vista should be aware that it will also delete all Shadow Copies of documents and any Complete PC Backup images at the same time, so think carefully before doing so.

MoHux · Jul 18, 2008, 18:47:38

Also, for anyone thinking of dual-booting.

Changing O/S removes all System Restore points.

"Microsoft apologises"

Mo

Rik · Jul 18, 2008, 18:48:40

As they should, Mo.

LesD · Jul 18, 2008, 19:26:41

In view of what Noreen says below:

Quote from: Noreen on Jul 18, 2008, 17:51:01
Anyone who is really considering deleting System Restore Points in Vista should be aware that it will also delete all Shadow Copies of documents and any Complete PC Backup images at the same time, so think carefully before doing so.

I had better qualify what I said in the following:

Quote from: LesD on Jul 18, 2008, 16:38:13
but would still recommend an occasional deletion of old Restore Points

as being applicable to my experience with XP Pro. I have not ventured in to the realms of Vista myself.

madasahatter · Jul 19, 2008, 11:04:28

Quote from: Rik on Jul 18, 2008, 16:37:43
Definitely.

Heaven help me then

Rik · Jul 19, 2008, 11:11:28

You might be better off with the WRVS, Mad.

madasahatter · Jul 19, 2008, 12:01:28

Quote from: Rik on Jul 19, 2008, 11:11:28
You might be better off with the WRVS, Mad.

I've got me name down with the Sally Army

Rik · Jul 19, 2008, 12:07:09

The Sally Gardens would have been more fun.