How to Remove System Restore Points

System restore points provide a valuable service. They provide you with a backup plan in case you have problems you cannot resolve. Using system restore lets you restore your PC to an earlier date, usually before the problem started.

However, system restore points take up large amounts of disk space. You may wish to remove your restore points to free up space, or for other reasons. You can either remove all but the most recent restore point, or turn off the feature to delete all restore points.

Instructions

Removing Old System Restore Points in XP

1. Click "Start" and select "Run." Type "Cleanmgr" into the Command box. Press "Enter" or click "OK."

2. Select the appropriate letter for your hard drive (usually "C"). Click "OK."

3. Click on the "More Options" tab, and then click on "Clean Up" under System Restore. This will remove all but the last system restore point.

Removing Old System Restore Points in Vista

1. Click on the Windows logo to access your Start menu. In the search box, type "Disk Cleanup." Click on the Disk Cleanup wizard in the menu.

2. Select "Files From All Users," and then select the hard drive. Click "OK."

3. Click "More Options" on the top part of the Disk Cleanup window. Click "Clean Up" under System Restore and Shadow Copies, and then click "Delete" to remove all but the last system restore point.

Removing All Restore Points in XP

1. Click on "Start" then select "Control Panel."

2. Select "System" from the list, and then select "System Restore." Check the box next to "Turn Off System Restore on All Drives."

3. Click "Apply," and then click "OK."

Removing All Restore Points in Vista

1. Click on the Windows icon to enter your Start menu. Select "Control Panel."

2. Click "System and Maintenance," and then click "System." Select "System Maintenance" from the left sidebar.

3. Click on the check box next to "System Protection" to clear the selection, and then click "OK." This will disable System Restore and delete all restore points.

References

• Microsoft: Vista Restore Points
• Microsoft: Vista Restore Enable/Disable
• Bleeping Computer: XP System Restore