Just before I download a new piece of software, I make a
Restore point, just in case. And though I haven't had to use it yet, I
am curious if it really works or not. No one I know has every used it
either! ......I am under the impression that if a machine gets infected
with a virus or trojan, simply going back to a previous restore point will
not eliminate it. is this right?

...Has anyone used a "system Restore" point? ..and did it work or just
more problems?......Thanx, Norm

Norm,

The following link has a FAQ file on system restore that should answer most of your questions.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/community/centers/management/sysrestore_faq.mspx

I've used System Restore a couple of times in Windows XP, and it was a lifesaver! Never did figure out what caused a few things to start acting screwy to begin with, but System Restore fixed things up and I didn't have the same problem crop up again, thank the maker.

There's also a feature in System Restore that allows you to undo the Restore. So if the System Restore doesn't fix the problem and you want to...you can always undo it.

Thanks Dexter & Opus1guy

.....Helpful information to be sure.
I thought System Restore was a okay at best but I see it can be
a lifesaver at times. I really don't back up my files and doc's as
often as I should. I hope it doesn't make me more lazy about back ups!

I thought System Restore was a okay at best but I see it can be
a lifesaver at times. I really don't back up my files and doc's as
often as I should. I hope it doesn't make me more lazy about back ups!

Well it certainly shouldn't make you lazy about backing up your files and documents, because I don't believe Windows System Restore has anything to do with that! I believe it only restores your Operating System to a state it existed in previously. I don't believe it effects the files and documents you create and save. That's something outside of System Restore's jurisdiction.

You still need to be diligent about backing up all your personal files and docs. System Restore won't help you there.

To create a full Restore Point that covers your entire computer and restores everything on it back to the Restore Point, you either need to back the whole thing up on storage media outside your computer, or use some sort of Disk Imaging software, like DISE...that literally takes a snapshot of your entire Drive and everything on it, that can be used to Restore from.

Windows System Restore just effects the System.

At least I believe the above is correct.