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F-Secure Internet Security 2008 - Back to FAQ list

Virus Issues

Q5. How to clean an infected System Volume Information or System Restore folder?

System Restore is a feature of Windows Vista, Windows XP and Windows ME (not supported by F-Secure Internet Security 2008). If a virus infects the computer, it is possible that the virus could be backed up in the system restore folder. To scan and clean System Restore, you need to disable it.

By disabling System Restore you delete all stored system restore points. If you want to continue using the System Restore feature, it is important to re-enable it after removing the infected files. Unfortunately there is no other way to remove infections from this location.

To disable System Restore on Windows Vista:

1. Close all open programs.
2. Click Start | Control Panel | System and Maintenance | System.
3. Open System Protection.
4. Clear the selection from the check boxes next to each hard drive listed under the Create restore points automatically on the selected disks section.
5. Click the Turn System Protection off button.
6. Click OK.
7. Scan all hard drives and all files for viruses with your F-Secure Anti-Virus product.

Once you have scanned and disinfected the files, enable System Restore again as follows:

1. Click Start | Control Panel | System and Maintenance | System.
2. Open System Protection.
3. Select the check boxes next to each hard drive listed under the Create restore points automatically on the selected disks section.
4. Click Apply, and then click OK.

To disable System Restore on Windows XP:

1. Close all open programs.
2. Right-click My Computer, and select Properties. The System Properties dialog is displayed.
3. Click the System Restore tab.
4. Select the Turn off System Restore on all drives check box.
5. Click Apply, and when the system asks if you want to turn off System Restore, click Yes.
6. Click OK.
7. Scan all hard drives and all files for viruses with your F-Secure Anti-Virus product.

Once you have scanned and disinfected the files, enable System Restore again as follows:

1. Right-click My Computer, and select Properties. The System Properties dialog is displayed.
2. Click the System Restore tab.
3. Clear the Turn off System Restore on all drives check box.
4. Click Apply, and then click OK.

To disable System Restore on Windows ME:

1. Open Windows Start menu, select Settings, and then Control Panel.
2. Double-click the System icon. The System Properties dialog is displayed. Note: If the System icon is not visible, click View all Control Panel options to display it.
3. On the Performance tab, click File System.
4. Click the Troubleshooting tab, and select the Disable System Restore check box.
5. Click OK to apply the settings.
6. Once you are prompted to restart Windows, click Yes.
7. Scan all hard drives and all files for viruses with your F-Secure Anti-Virus product.

Once you have scanned and disinfected the files, enable System Restore again as follows:

1. Open Windows Start menu, select Settings, and then Control Panel.
2. Double-click the System icon.
3. On the Performance tab, click File System.
4. Click the Troubleshooting tab, and clear the Disable System Restore check box.
5. Click OK.
6. Once you are prompted to restart Windows, click Yes.