It would appear that system restore is not creating automatic checkpoints
as it should if none are showing so whilst this can probably be repaired
system restore won't be able to help your friend remove the unwanted
virus.

There are a number of possibilities as to why no checkpoints are being
created so once your friend has got rid of their virus post back and
together we can try and establish what is causing the problem with system
restore.  Meanwhile you might want to try the following quick check the
results of which might give a clue as to what is happening.

a) Create a shortcut on your desktop to a file.
b) Create a manual checkpoint
Could you create a checkpoint?
c) Delete the shortcut
d) Restore your PC to the checkpoint you created.
Was the shortcut restored?  Did you see any error messages?
e) Reboot your PC
Was the checkpoint retained?