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F-Secure Internet Security 2009 - Back to FAQ list

Virus Issues

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

System Restore is a feature of Windows Vista, Windows XP and Windows ME (Windows ME is not supported by F-Secure Internet Security 2009). If a virus infects the computer, it is possible that the virus is backed up in the System Restore folder. To scan and clean the System Restore folder, you need to turn it off.

By turning off System Restore, you lose your last system restore point. Unfortunately there is no other way to remove infections from System Restore. If you want to continue using the System Restore feature, it is important to turn it on after removing the infected files.

To turn off System Restore on Windows Vista:

1. Close all open programs.
2. Click Start.
3. Select All Programs > Maintenance.
4. Select Maintenance > Backup and Restore Center.
5. Click Create a restore point or change settings. If asked, click Continue.
6. Under Available disks, clear the checkboxes for all drives.
7. Click Apply.
8. When the system asks if you want to turn off System Restore, click Turn System Restore Off.
9. Click OK.
10. Restart your computer.
11. Scan all hard drives and all files for viruses with your F-Secure Anti-Virus product.

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

1. Close all open programs.
2. Click Start.
3. Select All Programs > Maintenance.
4. Select Maintenace Backup and Restore Center.
5. Click Create a restore point or change settings. If asked, click Continue.
6. Under Available Disks, select all drives.
7. Click Apply.
8. When the system asks if you want to turn off System Restore, click Turn System Restore Off.
9. Click OK.

To turn off System Restore on Windows XP:

1. Close all open programs.
2. Right-click My Computer, and select Properties. The System Properties dialog box opens.
3. Click the System Restore tab.
4. Select the Turn off System Restore on all drives check box.
5. Click Apply.
6. When the system asks if you want to turn off System Restore, click Yes.
7. Click OK.
8. 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 box opens.
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.