Reconfigure? Ummmm, not really. It turns off the running service which "saves" restore points on your system. We will have you turn it back on in the end.
If you choose not to turn it off, one of two things may/will occur:
1) Some malware files are know to havethe ability to resurrect themselves using this SR service.
2) You are left with restore points for a system state where you contain malware. Why would you want that?
Here's a good link with LOTS of info on System Restore:
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_restore.htm