How does Go Back work?

Question

How does the 'go back' feature on Windows XP work? I've used it before when my computer caught a nasty virus when even 'removing' the virus didn't seem to help. If documents are deleted (and recycle bin emptied, and drivespace meter adjusts to show it) then how exactly are old programs and files recovered intact when they're supposed to be gone forever and they're not taking up drivespace?

Answer 1

Go Back utilizes a compressed copy of your File Allocation Table of your hard drive from a specific date known to when your computer was working with out problems.

In a hard drive, you have millions of memory addresses where information is stored. (like a bunch of boxes at a wear house) The file allocation table is like a table of context for those boxes and the files stored there.

When you delete a program, you're only deleting the entry in the table of context, not the file its self.

So, if you make a copy of the table of contents, store, then restore it later, it would seem that your computer is back to the exact state at wich the copy was made.

the viruses are still saved somewhere on the hard drive as well, but with out the table of contents entry for it, it would never be accessed. Eventually, the files would be writen over by new data, but with todays hard drives being so large, it would be a while.

this is a basic restore process, the actual thing is a bit more complicated considering that the files from your restore point are never over coppied or re-alocated.

Answer 2

There was a program called "Go Back" that was popular before Window XP, but I think you are talking about Windows XP's Restore.

The way Windows Restore works is that in the case of some installs (not all, mostly like Windows Update installs) they will create a "Restore point", and basically save copies of program files of how they exist before the install. You can also manually create a Restore point with Start -> All Programs -> Accessories -> System Tools -> System Restore.
And then you could maybe do something like install or whatever and come back to this point.

But the major thing to understand about Restore is that it only restores program files, not data files and the registry.

I use to have "Go Back" for Windows 95, and I believe that was for data files too, but I don't remember.

Answer 3

Go Back is a seperate software application similar but better to System restore on your XP.

Their is another system called enterprise that I had a few years ago sold my laptop and withit that program.

It was similar in function to DEEPFREEZE.

Rule of thumb always burn an image of your hard drive when its fully loaded with software before use and when it fails as it will its there on hand to sort out the system in a few hours.

Files can be retreived up to 10 times via format and an electromicroscope via the police if your a PORN addict.

You can DOD drive scrub as per system mechanic pro V 7 just out, up to 35 times to remove all traces or use Evidence Eliminator V5 is good

Answer 4

"Go back," or System Restore, restores your operating system to an earlier date. You would lose any Windows updates downloaded since the restore date you choose.

Deleted files and programs are not gone, merely removed from the directory. They remain on the hard drive until you format the hard drive or overwrite the files. That is how experts, good or bad, can retrieve data from stolen or discarded hard drives - and is why I intend to literally destroy mine when my PC crashes or I dump it.

Answer 5

They are actually saved on a driver.. If you open My Computer, you can see 2 drivers. C and maybe D for some computers. The D drive compressed everything so when needed, it can restore it. Think WinZIP

Answer 6

Files really aren't gone forever unless you wipe your entire hard drive.

Answer 7

go back must be new huh, usually it would say system restore or restore