My WinXP System Restore app still creates System Restore points, but will only restore to them from Safe Mode. But Safe Mode doesn't offer an "undo last restore" feature, limitting its usefulness. Besides, a WinXP component should be reliable. Mine functioned well for years until a few months back.

I've read all former related posts on this issue and have done all the recommended steps to make sure System Restore is turned on, set correctly, does not require a password etc -- all to no avail. I check for viri, malware, bots etc on a daily basis and have none on my system.

I suspect a conflict with a ZoneAlarm Security Suite update, but their customer support instructions haven't worked either. I've even gone back several versions on their advice but no difference,

I would truly appreciate some specific new ways to troubleshoot this problem.

Please don't recommend Norton Ghost as a substitute...it caused its own problems and Symantec support is a joke.
I know Acronis has a good rep but its too pricey for me at this time. Are there any reliable low-cost or shareware imaging programs that I could use instead of System Restore?

But I would really like to fix System Restore. Whatever is interfering with its proper functioning may be causing other poblems I'm not aware of yet, or problems that may turn up down the road.

As a result of ScottW's suggestion, I have determined my ZoneAlarm Security Suite (ZASS) conflicts with System Restore among so many other apps.

Now I want to get rid of ZASS and replace it with the new free Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) & Windows Firewall temporarily

-- until I research what would make an even more reliable free security suite starting with the new edition of free Avira and adding other free compatibles -- and learning which can run resident together and which should not (which I will post separately).

But let's start at my new beginning:
Win XP Pro SP3... 1G Ram...2G Virtual Memory..Intel Processor 2782Mhz...Dell Optiplex GX270..2 Internal HDs: C: (80G boot) and F: (40G data)...
2 DVD drives, one writable. No USB peripherals besides wireless MS mouse/keyboard and non-wireless Canon printer.

How can I make the switch from ZASS to MSE and Microsoft firewall safely?

First step is obvious: I download Microsoft Security Essentials from
null

Should I deactivate my DSL connection for the install(s)?
Some installs require an internet connection while others install cleaner without one.

AND is this a-b-c below the correct order for completion? Please note question attached to (b)
a) Uninstall ZASS (using Revo)
b) Reactivate Windows Firewall (and how do I do this?) ?
c) Install MSE

Moderator: You may choose to move this to a new thread.
You have solved the System Restore question for me as far as possible until I get rid of ZASS.

Solved thanks to you. Copying your reply in case you close this. Thanks for such basic info. Other sites are not so kind.