How to Clear Up Restore Points in Windows XP

All editions of the Microsoft Windows XP operating system include a built-in utility called System Restore. The program acts as a recovery mechanism, periodically saving important system configuration files into collections known as restore points. If you experience serious problems with Windows, you can select one of these saved points and return your machine to a previously functional state with just a few clicks. If you no longer need your restore points and want to delete them to free up hard drive space, Windows XP allows you to do so as well.

Instructions

1. Click the Windows "Start" button, and select "All Programs" followed by "Accessories," "System Tools" and "System Restore."

2. Check the box labeled "Turn Off System Restore on All Drives."

3. Click "Apply."

4. Click "Yes" to confirm your choice. Existing restore points will be deleted within a few minutes.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want to re-enable System Restore, click the Windows "Start" button and select "All Programs" followed by "Accessories," "System Tools" and "System Restore." In the resulting window, uncheck the "Turn Off System Restore on All Drives" box and then click "OK."

References

• Microsoft Windows XP; Clear System Restore Points for Performance; February 2002
• Microsoft Support; How to Turn Off and Turn On System Restore in Windows XP; August 2010