XP's System Recovery vs. Go Back

[babyboo]

I am a new user to Windows XP Pro. For years I have been using Go Back along with Windows 98. Go back has saved my butt countless times. Now that I have XP I was wondering how does it's built-in system recovery function compare with Go Back? I understand that it leaves the datafiles created since the last restore point intact...so what does it do...roll the registry back? what about all of the ini, dll and other system files loaded since the restore point?

It is probably a foolish question but does it remove the non system folders and files related to an install (i.e., folders for a newly installed program that contain system files AND bmp/jpg splah screens and html buttons and ReadMe text files etc.)...do those remain. I guess I should probably just create a restore point, do an install and then do a recovery and see what happens for myself...but hey...I thought I would ask!

Also...what are your thoughts about using both System Restore AND Go Back together (aside from the hit of 22% of my hard drive being tied up)

Thanks

[gitreel]

System restore will restore your computer to a previous state when everything worked properly. Programs that you installed before using system restore will need to be reinstalled, but your data stays intact.

You could probably use both but they will be fighting each other. I can't tell you what to do , but imo, I would just use system restore.

It comes in handy when a windows update corrupts your system.

[DVD_Ripper]

Not sure on the comparison of System Restore vs Goback but I've turned off my System restore....

Prior to getting my work machine reimaged the system restore tool had created about 3-4 gigs worth of totally and miserably fragmented files. To the point that both Norton and XP's defragger couldn't fix 'em and the machine was running terribly slow. Turne it off

[handyguy]

Restore uses a whopping 12% of your hd space, but you can change that & I suggest you do, by dragging its slider.

Most modern computers already have a complete image of the original HD stored on it somewhere if you need it. HP computers do.

[Craig Tucker]

Personally I would scrap using system restore and use something like Norton Ghost to regularly make a back up image of your drive.

[thecoalman]

My 2 cents: Turn system restore on only prior to installing or updating. After your sytem has been running smoothly for a few days turn it back off. It does eat up a lot of HD space if you leave it at default but more importantly a few viruses use as a hang out, like the local bar.

[IAIHMB]

Most modern computers already have a complete image of the original HD stored on it somewhere if you need it. HP computers do.

What do you mean, the destructive reformat?

[hudsonf]

I use both System Restore and Goback and haven't had any problems. System Restore is fine but there have been times System Restore wouldn't fix my problem and I had to use Goback. System Restore does not do a complete backup. I still make backups with Norton Ghost but I only use it if I have to or I'm replacing a drive. To do a Ghost back up with Goback you have to turn off Goback. Or at least I couldn't get it to work.

[gitreel]

I use both System Restore and Goback and haven't had any problems. System Restore is fine but there have been times System Restore wouldn't fix my problem and I had to use Goback. System Restore does not do a complete backup. I still make backups with Norton Ghost but I only use it if I have to or I'm replacing a drive. To do a Ghost back up with Goback you have to turn off Goback. Or at least I couldn't get it to work.

System restore does not do backups. You are confused. The name is self-explanatory. It restores your computer to a previous time when everything works properly.

[hudsonf]

System Restore does a good job but it only saves certain info. Here's some info I found on the net.

What is restored on my machine when I use System Restore and what is not?

The following are restored when you use System Restore to restore your system to a previous time using a restore point:

Registry
Profiles (local only—roaming user profiles not impacted by restore)
COM+ DB
WFP.dll cache
WMI DB
IIS Metabase
Files type which are monitored by System Restore

The following are not restored by System Restore:
DRM settings
Passwords in the SAM hive.
WPA settings (Windows authentication information is not restored)
Specific directories/files listed in the Monitored File Extensions list in the System Restore section of the Platform SDK e.g. 'My Documents' folder.
Any file types not monitored by System Restore like personal data files e.g. .doc, .jpg, .txt etc.
Items listed in both Filesnottobackup and KeysnottoRestore (hklm->system->controlset001->control->backuprestore->filesnottobackup and keysnottorestore) in the registry.
User-created data stored in the user profile
Contents of redirected folders

[hech54]

I use CPR Suite. In it is a program called Configsafe that came with my old IBM computer years ago and REALLY liked it. Now it is XP friendly and use it faithfully....though XP doen't give me any trouble. My father in law got his new computer yesterday....I set it up for him and what did I install first thing?.....CPR Suite. If anyone can muck up XP.....HE can...

[babyboo]

Thanks for all of the responses. As you can gather from my initial post I am kind of partial to Go Back. I am taking it very slow with this new computer loading one program at a time. I have been creating restore points using system restore prior to installation. I have restored after an installation a couple of times and haven't been all that impessed with the results. I have noticed many of the things hudsonf mentioned myself.

Since XP's system restore hasn't quite lived up to my expectations I think I am going to load Go Back and then turn off system restore. While I have heard of CPR Suite I have never used it. Since I have had positive reslts with Go Back and I already own a license I am going to run with that. Thanks for all the input. I really appreciate it!