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

Handy Derek Silva | 06/15/05

Take it further? rocketmouse | 06/17/05

hows this? timbstoke | 06/20/05

error when running script ValCJah | 07/12/05

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

Restore at Boot lthompson@... | 08/14/05

Second Chance stew@... | 01/10/07

The Instant Restore Point tmradius | 07/07/05

Launching Greg Shultz | 07/08/05

Ditto jennsue@... | 07/18/05

Say WHAT? the_webninja@... | 01/14/07

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

A Real Time Saver Yzowl | 06/15/05

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

InputBox for different description jeksted@... | 06/16/05

Where is the description ron.frederick@... | 07/07/05

Actually a name Greg Shultz | 07/07/05

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

Needs clarification Solar_@... | 06/16/05

Anywhere toreador | 06/16/05

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

re: batch jedtimmer | 05/30/06

Nice but How? ahoward@... | 06/16/05

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

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

InputBox for differnt description jeksted@... | 06/16/05

Nice... Greg Shultz | 06/16/05

Doesnt work for me Reiley 411 | 06/16/05

Didnt Work 4 me Reiley 411 | 06/16/05

Set Restore point startouched@... | 06/16/05

Issues toreador | 06/16/05

I Got it - File Association Reiley 411 | 06/16/05

I got it glendajn@... | 06/16/05

Restore is AutoDisabled rayarob | 06/16/05

My First Script sn2o2 | 06/16/05

Looking for more info rpoccia@... | 06/16/05

What, where, why toreador | 06/16/05

Delete Specific Restore Points stew@... | 01/11/07

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

Save it anywhere Greg Shultz | 06/16/05

Tried but VP Script Error papadon@... | 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 nice bengal68@... | 06/16/05

Please explain TerPar | 06/16/05

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

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

I like this hamilton6296@... | 11/13/05

Saving the file as .vbs in notepad kcos32@... | 07/03/05

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

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

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

possibly giannidalessismo@... | 11/16/05

Proably a typo Greg Shultz | 07/07/05

no typos giannidalessismo@... | 11/16/05

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

Is this wise? computab | 07/07/05

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

edit giannidalessismo@... | 11/16/05

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

nested restore points? xmetal | 09/04/07