Yes, never failed me even once. (I'm talking about the System Restore in Windows 7, afaik, the one with XP is different with the one in Windows Vista and 7)
then you did something wrong I hope you made a image because I think it will be better to start over new and try again I have used this to remove trash or what I consider trash from windows many times and it does work reread again and make sure you are disabling the right service and the right key good luck remember this is for xp, not sure about other versions
Ive used it a couple of times when i have got into bother and it has helped me out on both occasions. Id sooner it was there rather than it not being there and i think it was very thoughtful and considerate of microsoft to implement this as it will help some users out.