This is from my notes, hope it helps, if not disregard.
System Restore Tab Missing
Check your settings here: For Pro: Start/Run/gpedit.msc. Computer
Configuration, Administrative Templates, System, System Restore.
Re-Enabling System Restore (WinXP Pro)
If you previously disabled system restore through the Group Policy Editor, the
option to start it again does not show in the System Properties. You can
re-enable it again by:
1. Run the Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc)
2. Go to Computer Configuration / Administrative Templates / System / System
Restore
3. Set Turn off System Restore and Turn off Configuration to Disable
4. Right click on My Computer
5. Select Manage
6. Go to Services and Applications / Services
7. Scroll down to System Restore Service
8. Set it for Automatic
9. Click on the Start button to start the service
10. Close down this window
11. Go back to the Group Policy Editor and configure both to Not configured
12. Now when you right click on My Computer, there should be a tab for System
Restore and you can configure how much space will be used.
or
Do a search for the sr.inf file which is normally located in C:\windows. Make
sure you search hidden files in your search criteria.
Right-click on the sr.inf file and select the install option.
or
"Restore system restore services" #289
www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm