I installed a program that I probably don't really need, and which may be causing other problems. I can just uninstall it, which I probably will, but I thought I'd try doing a system restore. But I don't seem to be able to. My Asus laptop seems to have come with system restore turned off -- since I've never turned it off. Why would that be the case, and how do I turn it on, or is there some reason why I shouldn't?

OK, why was I thinking of system restore? I installed a program called Peerblock, on the recommendation of a friend, and suddenly I can't link to half the websites I want to link to.

I don't really need the program. It's supposed to protect you from getting busted for file sharing, but how much fie sharing do I actually do.

Peerblock has this thing called Http blocking. From their manual:

HTTP Blocking
First of all, what is 'HTTP'? HTTP is an acronym for "Hypertext Transfer Protocol". Its main use is to tranfer "hypertext" information, such as webpages (including images etc.). For example, viewing the website http://www.peerblock.com transfers the webpage via HTTP.
HTTP typically uses port 80 to transfer information, or port 443 to transfer encrypted ("HTTPS") information, such as credit card transactions on e-commerce websites. HTTP can however be used on any port. Port 80 and 443 however can be used to transfer any infomation - it does not need to be HTTP.
By default, PeerBlock blocks all connections on your blocklists over any port (including 80 and 443). You can choose to "Allow HTTP", which will allow any connections on both ports 80 and 443, including traffic that is not HTTP, because it travels on the ports typically used for HTTP.
What does this mean? It means that if you allow HTTP you leave a possible hole in your protection. If you block HTTP, you may not be able to view some websites that's IP Adresses are on your blocklists.
It is recommended to keep HTTP blocked, and to allow individual IP's for websites you would like to view. If you would like to do this, see Allow Lists.

I'm sort of afraid to turn it off, if it's going to leave a hole in my protection. But I certainly don't want to leave it on. I'd rather just uninstall the program, but what if I uninstall it and the HTTP blocking is still there? That's why I was thinking of restoring the system back a few days.

To turn on System Restore in Windows XP:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310405
in Windows Vista:
http://windows.microsoft.com/e...em-Restore-on-or-off
in Windows 7:
http://helpdeskgeek.com/window...able-system-restore/

(Please specify your OS when posting a question--it saves me some time!)

You don't need Peerblock--get rid of it. All it does is let you block the ports that file-sharing peer-to-peer networks use. The standard Windows firewall will work fine. If you are a hacker, you have to open the ports anyway for the file sharing to work, which the installation of the program does for you. Right now, several MILLION computers are sharing files using Vuze (formerly Azureus). Unless you're in the habit of using vast bandwidth to allow others access to a library of child porn or current bootleg movies, I don't think prosecution is anything to worry about.

If you're worried nonetheless, don't do the crime: remove the file sharing software.

Jeff/CompGuy