Instantly create Restore Points in Windows XP

by Greg Shultz | Jun 15, 2005 7:00:00 AM

Tags: Greg Shultz, Microsoft Windows, restore point, system restore, Microsoft Windows XP, Windows XP Tips Newsletter

Takeaway: The System Restore utility automatically creates a Restore Point if it senses a change to the system, or even some application, files. If you'd like to instantly create a Restore Point, read this Windows XP tip to find out how all it takes is two lines of VBScript.

Windows XP's System Restore utility continuously monitors your system looking for changes to the system files, and even some application files. This utility will automatically create a Restore Point if it senses a change.

If you wish to manually create a Restore Point, you can launch the System Restore utility by clicking Start | All Programs | Accessories | System Tools | System Restore and then following the steps in the wizard. You can simplify the launching process by copying the System Restore shortcut to your desktop, but you still have to walk through the wizard.

However, there's a great method for creating a Restore Point with just the click of your mouse. All you have to do is create a simple two line VBScript file that uses the WMI (Windows Management Instrumentation) moniker to access the SystemRestore class and create a Restore Point. Here's how:

1. Launch Notepad.
2. Type these two lines:
   

   Set IRP = getobject("winmgmts:\\.\root\default:Systemrestore")
   
   MYRP = IRP.createrestorepoint ("My Restore Point", 0, 100)

3. Save the file as InstantRestorePoint.vbs.

Now, when you're ready to create an instant Restore Point, all you have to do is launch the script. When you do, System Restore will run in the background without displaying its interface, and it will create a restore point called My Restore Point.

Note: Keep in mind that in order to use this script, you must have Administrator privileges.

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Print/View all Posts Comments on this article

HandyDerek Silva  | 06/15/05

Take it further?rocketmouse  | 06/17/05

hows this?timbstoke  | 06/20/05

error when running scriptValCJah  | 07/12/05

As it is written here...Greg Shultz  | 07/12/05

Restore at Bootlthompson@...  | 08/14/05

Second Chancestew@...  | 01/10/07

The Instant Restore Pointtmradius  | 07/07/05

LaunchingGreg Shultz  | 07/08/05

Dittojennsue@...  | 07/18/05

Say WHAT?the_webninja@...  | 01/14/07

Back to basics: Text files to Scriptscleaverx@...  | 01/14/07

A Real Time SaverYzowl  | 06/15/05

Add comment instead of My Restore point?sysk167  | 06/16/05

InputBox for different descriptionjeksted@...  | 06/16/05

Where is the descriptionron.frederick@...  | 07/07/05

Actually a nameGreg Shultz  | 07/07/05

Add Comments/Name ?FORK_BOY  | 06/16/05

Needs clarificationSolar_@...  | 06/16/05

Anywheretoreador  | 06/16/05

I'd create a special foldertom@...  | 06/23/05

re: batchjedtimmer  | 05/30/06

Nice but How?ahoward@...  | 06/16/05

By using a simple "Enter Name" dialogdharkness@...  | 06/16/05

To customize the title...Greg Shultz  | 06/16/05

InputBox for differnt descriptionjeksted@...  | 06/16/05

Nice...Greg Shultz  | 06/16/05

Doesnt work for meReiley 411  | 06/16/05

Didnt Work 4 meReiley 411  | 06/16/05

Set Restore pointstartouched@...  | 06/16/05

Issuestoreador  | 06/16/05

I Got it - File AssociationReiley 411  | 06/16/05

I got itglendajn@...  | 06/16/05

Restore is AutoDisabledrayarob  | 06/16/05

My First Scriptsn2o2  | 06/16/05

Looking for more inforpoccia@...  | 06/16/05

What, where, whytoreador  | 06/16/05

Delete Specific Restore Pointsstew@...  | 01/11/07

Didn't work for me eitherglendajn@...  | 06/16/05

Save it anywhereGreg Shultz  | 06/16/05

Tried but VP Script Errorpapadon@...  | 06/17/05

Script Error?Greg Shultz  | 06/17/05

script error(s)giannidalessismo@...  | 11/16/05

If its a file assoc. problem.....Reiley 411  | 06/16/05

really nicebengal68@...  | 06/16/05

Please explainTerPar  | 06/16/05

It did work, but .....Solar_@...  | 06/16/05

Great - can it be taken further?rocketmouse  | 06/17/05

I like thishamilton6296@...  | 11/13/05

Saving the file as .vbs in notepadkcos32@...  | 07/03/05

Saving the file as .vbs in notepadGreg Shultz  | 07/05/05

Doesn't work with XP Homepapadon@...  | 07/07/05

I use XP Home...kenneth@...  | 07/07/05

possiblygiannidalessismo@...  | 11/16/05

Proably a typoGreg Shultz  | 07/07/05

no typosgiannidalessismo@...  | 11/16/05

typos?giannidalessismo@...  | 11/16/05

Is this wise?computab  | 07/07/05

Work smarter, not harder!tm.beal@...  | 07/08/05

editgiannidalessismo@...  | 11/16/05

RE: Instantly create Restore Points in Windows XPxmetal  | 09/04/07

nested restore points?xmetal  | 09/04/07