What does Windows System Restore do?
Microsoft’s opaqueness about many aspects of Windows is sometimes puzzling. I suppose the near-secrecy about technical things like the details of the Registry is because Microsoft doesn’t want anybody to mess with it. But I can’t figure out why the descriptions of useful functions like System Restore are so vague. Without more information, far too many home PC users think System Restore is a complete backup. Of course, it is nothing like that. The Windows XP Help file says:
System Restore automatically tracks changes to your computer at all times and at specific intervals by creating restore points before changes occur. Restore points are stored states of your computer.
That sounds like a backup but not all changes are tracked and the meaning of “state” is never defined. So when Microsoft says, “This allows you to restore the computer to a previous state”, it isn’t clear what you get when you restore. Microsoft does say that the contents of the folder My Documents are not monitored. But some other folders and files are not tracked either. What are they? To find out, you have to go to a hidden file WINDOWS\system32\Restore\filelist.xml. (Windows XP only). This file contains the names of excluded folders and file extensions that are monitored. But for an average PC user, this file’s existence is unknown. And even if you find it, you still have to decipher the XML format. An easier way to see the list of file extensions that are monitored is to go to this Microsoft link. Among the common files that are not monitored are DOC, TXT, XLS, PDF, and HTML.
The Vista Help is slightly clearer but still not very specific. For example, it says:
System Restore uses restore points to return your system files and settings to an earlier point in time, without affecting personal files.
And, further on it says:
System Restore affects Windows system files, programs, and registry settings. It can also make changes to scripts, batch files, and other types of executable files on your computer.
Again, details are scanty and it isn’t clear what is or isn’t monitored. Presumably, the list of file extensions that are monitored is the same in Vista as in XP
System Restore is a useful function and I have employed it a number of times. But you still need a real backup method. At the very least, regularly back up your personal files and data.
Added later: I should point out that Vista Busines and Ultimate (but not Home Premium) have a feature called shadow copy that keeps older versions of files.
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