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Deleting XP System Restore points remotely

Due to virus issues, we are going to try and push out a disable and delete of all system restore points and functionality over our network. We have found a registry key that should be easy enough to implement via GPOs (HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\SystemRestore\DisableSR=1). However, deleting the restore points themselves seems to be an issue, since just doing the regedit does not delete the prior points created. The folder that the points reside in is restricted to SYSTEM access only (easy enough to implement in GPOs, since those authenticate as SYSTEM), however having an exact script to run is stumping us, as deleting the wrong thing could cause huge issues.

ANybody have experience with this problem?

Tony Gimenez

The folder that the system restore points are located are C:\System Volume Information and enabling access is as simple as a batch/script file.

http://www.theeldergeek.com/system_volume_information_folder1.htm

Well anyway.. doing this over the network would take some sort of remote administration program, and if you dont have one already here are two good ones.

http://www.emco.is/remote_administration3/features.html
or
https://secure.logmein.com/go.asp?page=products_it

Oh and by the way, if I remember correctly once that registry value is changed the restore points are deleted upon next system reboot. So if you want to reboot all your computers on the LAN use this:

http://www.matcode.com/remoteshutdown.htm
(this is free, but with less functionality)

http://www.emco.is/remoteshutdownpro/features.html
(and this is the ultimate best)

Booda2us

To delete all the restore points on your computer, disable and re-enable system restore on the system. Click Start, Control Panel, and then the System icon. Click on the System Restore tab in the dialog box, select the Turn off System Restore check box, and click Apply. Clear the check box again to re-enable System Restore and then click OK
You can use WMI scripts for remote restore, so you could use them to delete points as well..here is a link for any WMI questions you may have:
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/scriptcenter/guide/sas_wmi_vzbp.mspx?mfr=true
I hope this helps...Booda2us

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Rahul Bansal

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