How safe is System Restore?

[SevenOfNine]

I installed a new antivirus product, but I don't like it, and I want to install a different one. Just before installing it, I made a System Restore backup. Although the system has been used a fair amount, nothing else has been installed since installing that antivirus.

The uninstallers that come with antivirus tools usually leave a lot behind. At the same time, I've always avoided System Restore since it seems like you could easily wind up with orphaned bits and pieces.

I like to keep Windows 7 clean and tidy.

What is the best choice:
1. Run the uninstaller that came with the antivirus, and then perform the manual uninstall procedures from their website.
or
2. Perform a System Restore
or
3. Perform step #1 and then step #2.

 

[Layback Bear]

This is what I do. You can do it at you own risk.

I remove the unwanted anti virus with the tool the anti virus company recommends.
Then I hunt and peck through the computer including the registry (regedit) for left overs.
One must fell comfortable in the registry and not make mistakes or you will be doing a Clean Install of Windows 7.

Then I install the new anti virus program and update it.

This little free program can also be very helpful finding things. You must be careful with this program also. When you use it to remove things they are gone.

Everything Search.

Everything Search Engine

I don't use Restore Points for such things because then you have to search the system and restore point for left overs.

 

[SevenOfNine]

This is what I do...I don't use Restore Points for such things because then you have to search the system and restore point for left overs.

Thanks for your suggestions. That's what I normally do as well. :grouphug:

Thanks also for the tip about Everything Search Engine... it looks interesting.

I'm curious as to the sentence of yours that I quoted above. Are you saying that you consider the Restore Point pretty much useless because then you still have to search for leftovers?

 

[Layback Bear]

If you have restore points things can be store their that you don't want.
I use Restore Points without problems. I just don't use them for what you are trying to do.

In the process of looking for infection a anti virus program could of left finger prints in Restore Points. Finger prints I don't want.

I did not say Restore Points are useless.

 

[SevenOfNine]

I did not say Restore Points are useless.

My apologies. I didn't write quite what I meant. I meant to write:
Are you saying that you consider the Restore Point pretty much useless for this specific purpose because then you still have to search for leftovers?

If you have restore points things can be store their that you don't want.
I use Restore Points without problems. I just don't use them for what you are trying to do.

In the process of looking for infection a anti virus program could of left finger prints in Restore Points. Finger prints I don't want.

Some antivirus programs leave fingerprints within restore points? Which ones?

 

[Layback Bear]

Which one (what)?

Some antivirus programs leave fingerprints within restore points? Which ones?

If you have a desire to use Restore Points in this case by all means do so.

I just explained why on my system I don't for a project like you are doing.
For anybody to give you exact finger prints left where ever, of any program is impossible.

Either use Restore Points for your project or don't. It is your choice.

If you can't find the finger prints with regedit and Everything Search to the best of my knowledge you are not going to find them.

 

[SevenOfNine]

I don't really have a desire either way. Sorry if I came across as pushing in a certain direction. Just trying to learn from others and understand the best choices.

Which one (what)?

Which antivirus programs leave fingerprints in restore points? I've never heard of this. What kind of fingerprints?

Unless a restore point contains a virus, antivirus programs should only be reading from them, never writing.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

I have used System Restore for the purposes you mentioned--rather than using the uninstall routine of the application.

The ONLY problem I've ever had with SR is that perhaps one time in 50 it won't successfully complete.

If you are going to obsess over leftovers on a PC, you have a 168 hour per week job cut out for yourself. It's endless. Your searching and cleaning will literally never be done.

For what benefit other than (possibly) relieving your anxiety? How do you know you are accomplishing anything other than feeling better? That's a rhetorical question, no answer required.

I run CCleaner and Disk Cleanup regularly, but very rarely touch the registry. I have no performance issues.

 

[SevenOfNine]

I have used System Restore for the purposes you mentioned--rather than using the uninstall routine of the application.

The ONLY problem I've ever had with SR is that perhaps one time in 50 it won't successfully complete.

What happens when it won't successfully complete?

 

[ignatzatsonic]

I have used System Restore for the purposes you mentioned--rather than using the uninstall routine of the application.

The ONLY problem I've ever had with SR is that perhaps one time in 50 it won't successfully complete.

What happens when it won't successfully complete?

I get an onscreen message to the effect that it did not complete. It doesn't cause any problems--it just fails to run successfully and generates the error message.

Then I go to plan B---uninstalling the unwanted app by some other method, troubleshooting, or in an extreme case I might do an image restore.

 

[SevenOfNine]

I have used System Restore for the purposes you mentioned--rather than using the uninstall routine of the application.

The ONLY problem I've ever had with SR is that perhaps one time in 50 it won't successfully complete.

What happens when it won't successfully complete?

I get an onscreen message to the effect that it did not complete. It doesn't cause any problems--it just fails to run successfully and generates the error message.

Then I go to plan B---uninstalling the unwanted app by some other method, troubleshooting, or in an extreme case I might do an image restore.

Thanks!

 

[Layback Bear]

Like ignatzatsonic I also use Ccleaner and Disk Cleanup but when removing a anti virus program I take some extra steps. I'm just a little paranoid it seems.

If you want to be a 100% sure nothing is left you could always do a Clean Install.
I don't I guess because I'm not that paranoid.

Most people don't take all the steps I use and have no problems at all.
I'm thinking that most just use the proper removal tool and maybe a Disk Cleanup and install the new anti virus program.

Their are several ways to milk a rattle snake, one just has to choose which way suites them.

 

[SevenOfNine]

Like ignatzatsonic I also use Ccleaner and Disk Cleanup but when removing a anti virus program I take some extra steps...

Are you referring to the Disk Cleanup that is included with Windows 7?

 

[Layback Bear]

Yes I am.