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General discussion

Suggestion for a new tip.

May 8, 2004 1:19AM PDT

I know there are certain times that it best to disable system restore and certain times to start up in safe mode. Can you please do a tip on when this is necessary, Iam not really clear on when to do this. Thank You and keep the tips comming! Sorry I can't give any tips, however I am learning more each day and I really do appreciate this forum and all your hard work.
Larry

Discussion is locked

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In answer to your request
May 8, 2004 3:57AM PDT

Never disable System restore there are no benefits from doing so.
However if you have two ( 2) hard drives you can disable the one that is not the boot up and this saves some time.
It is not neccersary to start in safe mode unless you have experianced a crash.
Just carry on as normal Remember the old adage "If your system is working don't fix it"

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Re:In answer to your request
May 8, 2004 4:35AM PDT

Thanks Lindburgh,
Your answer clears up my question. I do have two hard drives C&D I have Windows XP Home v2002 SP1 the D: has the HP Recovery on it. As an ex. A.F. radar tech. I am aware of that old adage that you mentioned. Also I update all security functions daily.
Many Thanks!
Larry

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Larry, Lindburgh Is NOT Correct On Either Count
May 8, 2004 7:18AM PDT

He should never say never.....

There are a number of reasons why one might disable System Restore, both temporarily and permanently. Here are just a few:

1. When using Windows XP or Windows ME, and when a virus has infected the machine, the approved method for cleaning on both those operating systems is to temporarily disable System Restore, then run a full system scan. (In addition, after disabling System Restore, it can be beneficial to restart in "Safe Mode", then run a full system scan so the occasional "locked" file can be removed.)

2. When using Windows XP or Windows ME, over a long period of time, System Restore can become "bloated". It's not a bad idea to occasionally disable System Restore, to clean it out, then re-enable it again.

3. Some users of Windows ME have had enough problems with System Restore, including "resource" problems, will permanently disable System Restore. It is not a recommended procedure for all but some choose to use other programs such as "GoBack" or a Ghost to restore the computer if necessary.

In regards to starting in "Safe Mode", there are a number of reasons for using this procedure. The list below are just a few such reasons:

1. When using Windows ME, starting in Safe Mode is one of the safest ways to install a program. Although not all users do this because it takes longer, when you start the computer in "Safe Mode", it loads only the essential programs and drivers at start up. Because of this, program installations to run into conflicting antivirus and driver issues.

2. When using Windows ME, it can be the ONLY way in which some users are able to run Scandisk and Defrag because of the various conflicts mentioned above.

3. When attempting to delete "locked" files in WinXP and WinME, because of spyware, viruses, trojans, and the like, a good first step is to attempt deletion while in Safe Mode.

4. When using either Windows XP or Windows ME, restarting in Safe Mode can allow a user to identify software that is causing improper operations, such as spyware, etc.

Hope this helps.

Grif

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Re:Larry, Lindburgh Is NOT Correct On Either Count
May 8, 2004 7:52AM PDT

Thank You Grif,
I appreciate the revised version. I have seen posts that said they had disabled system restore, also started up in safe mode and wasn't clear on why they did this, so now it makes sense. I will use another tip I learned today and copy, paste and print this tip on word.
Thanks a Bunch!!!
Larry

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(NT) Larry, Glad We Could Help !
May 8, 2004 8:02AM PDT

.