How To Remove System Restore Points In Windows 7

The System Restore feature in Windows 7 periodically records various information about the configuration of the computer, enabling you to restore a previous working configuration if a change made to the computer causes a problem. Over time, the restore data saved on your computer can consume several gigabytes of hard drive space. If you are running out of hard drive space and need to create extra room, Windows allows you to delete your restore points from within the System Restore application.

Instructions

1. Open the Start menu. Right-click the word "Computer" and select "Properties" to display the "System" window.

2. Click "Advanced System Settings" on the left side of the window. The "System Properties" window appears, with the "Advanced" tab selected.

3. Click the "System Protection" tab.

4. Click the "Configure" button near the bottom of the window.

5. Click the "Delete" button next to "Delete all restore points."

6. Click "Continue." Windows deletes all of the system restore points and displays a confirmation when the process is complete.

Tips & Warnings

• If you need to create more free hard drive space, consider reducing the amount of space devoted to restore points rather than deleting all of the restore points. This increases free space without compromising the security of the computer.

• If you opt to delete all of your restore points, create a new restore point before returning to the desktop. Alternatively, launch the Disk Cleanup application from the Start menu. Disk Cleanup deletes all system restore points except the most recent one.

References

• Microsoft: Delete a Restore Point