what does a Restore Point actually do?

[David C. Oshel]

What does Vista's restore point actually remember, when you create one?

If you restore to the restore point, what changes actually get made? E.g.,
if I create a restore point, then delete a directory by mistake, does
restore call the missing directory back from the dead like Lazarus?

If it takes me several weeks to realize what a blunder deleting that
directory actually was, can I scan through my restore points (one per day,
apparently) and STILL expect my directory to come back from blazes?

Or am I thoroughly missing some crucial point here?

 

[Rock]

What does Vista's restore point actually remember, when you create one?

If you restore to the restore point, what changes actually get made?
E.g., if I create a restore point, then delete a directory by mistake,
does restore call the missing directory back from the dead like Lazarus?

If it takes me several weeks to realize what a blunder deleting that
directory actually was, can I scan through my restore points (one per
day, apparently) and STILL expect my directory to come back from blazes?

Or am I thoroughly missing some crucial point here?

You might be, but you haven't said what directory, so no one can give you a
specific answer.

System restore does not monitor data files. It monitors system files. It
is not a backup tool It backs up the registry and certain monitored system
files. It's purpose is to help the system recover if something damages it
such as a botched software install. It does not nor should you expect it to
replace a regular and complete backup strategy.

See this link on System Restore by MVP Bert Kinney. It's emphasis is on XP,
but it discusses Vista, and the principles are similar.
http://bertk.mvps.org/index.html

 

[Charles W Davis]

The restore point does not affect files.
Files are protected by the simple expediency of backup. Back up (copy) your
data and files to an external device. Do this at least once a week
(depending on volume of changes), and keep several cycles. Several cycles
enables you to recover a file that you may have deleted three cycles
previous to today. You mentioned "several weeks."

 

[CZ]

The restore point does not affect files.

Charles:

Not true.

I copied exe and txt files into various locations, created a restore point,
then deleted the copied files, then ran system restore.

Following files were restored:
..exe files in:
Vol root
Sam\Dnloads
Sam\Documents
Sam\Pictures
\Programs
\Programs\Alwil Software
\Tfr
\Windows

..txt file in:
\Windows

 

[Bert Kinney]

In correct, System Restore monitors most system file types. The list if
files are very similar to that of Windows XP. All monitored files that have
been changed, added or removed after the restore point being used will be
affected upon restoring the system.

Regards,
Bert Kinney MS-MVP Shell/User
http://bertk.mvps.org
Member: http://dts-l.org