Using Windows Vista System Restore
Windows Vista has a feature called System Restore that automatically backs up registry and system files whenever you install new software or drivers. This feature is useful when you install evil software that makes your computer run really slow. But don’t worry, System Restore won’t remove Windows Vista.
Using System Restore in Windows
There are two places that you can use the system restore feature from. From within Windows, you can just type restore into the Start menu search box, and you’ll immediately see System Restore at the top of the start menu:
Or you can type rstrui into the search box and hit enter. Your choice.
You will immediate see a screen where you can choose to roll back the system to the last restore point. You can select “Recommended restore”, and just click next, or you can choose a different restore point.
If you do choose a different restore point, you will see a list of restore points that you can choose from. How many times have I typed the word choose at this point?
You’ll notice in the screenshot below that the last thing I did was install Virtual CloneDrive to mount ISO images, but right before that I installed the NVIDIA drivers.
Click one of them, and you will have to confirm and then restart your computer to roll the system back.
Note: For best results, you should run System Restore from safe mode.
If you receive an error while restoring, then use it from safe mode and it should work fine. To get into Safe mode, you can reboot and use the F8 key right before Windows starts up.
If the F8 key doesn’t work for you, you can force the system to go into safe mode by following instructions from Larry in the comments.
If Your System Won’t Boot
If you can’t even get into windows, you can boot off the installation dvd, and choose the “Repair your computer” option on the lower left hand side. If you don’t have an installation/repair disc, you can make one with these instructions.
Click next on the next screen, and then choose System Restore from the System Recovery dialog. It will take a few seconds to come up, and you will see the same screen that you would see in Windows:
Click next, and on the next screen select the drive that your copy of Windows Vista is installed on.
Click Finish, and Vista will roll back to the previous restore point. Really pretty simple stuff.
Conclusion
I’d absolutely recommend keeping the system restore feature on in Vista. I’ve already blown the system up at least 3 times and had to restore from all of my testing.
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can you help me with this problem. bt tray could not be found proceure entry point osif_objects conflict could not be located in the dynamic library btosif’dll
This site has no equal for getting solutions to problems and questions.
Great Job!
My colleague has Vista Home Prem. He did a rollback of 4 days and found that while word docs stayed in place the data within lotus organiser had been lost
any clues?
I’ve moved the Users, ProgramData, and the two Program Files directories from C:\ to F:\ and G:\. and replaced them with symlink junctions (mklink /j /d) on C:\. The problem is that System Restore will not work properly. All user settings are lost (I think) and temporary user accounts appear instead. I had to Restore a CompletePC Backup to get back to normal. Is System Restore useless if I use junctions and move those directories? Or what?
I have a unique problem when System restore is started runs through its cycle I get an error message whic states “System Restore did not complete successfully. Your computer’s system files and settings were not changed”
Details:
An unspecified error occurred during system restore
Has anyone else had this problem? if so what can correct this problem?
I tried several restore points regressing as I went all had the same result
I have the same problem. Would appreciate any help.
I also have this problem.
I also have a problem with system restore regarding the error message, “System Restore did not complete successfully. Your computer’s system files and settings were not changed�
I have tried to restore at 3 different points already, but none of them were successful.
I don’t have the Vista DVD, since I bought my computer from Best Buy.
I would greatly appreciate any help.
Same error message – System Restore did not complete successfully. Your computer’s system files and settings were not changed
Any clues?
Me too – please help.
“System Restore did not complete successfully. Your computer’s system files and settings were not changed”
Hi again. After e-mailing customer support, they directed me to perform system restore in safe mode.
I found out that while in safe mode, I was able to use system restore successfully.
I’m not sure if this is true with others.
Btw, I have an a1730n.
System restore definitely works better in either safe mode, or from booting off the DVD.
I added a note to the article about running from safe mode. Thanks guys!
Anyone else have horrible probs with earthlink&vista? Have configtreemgrerror31/many programs including IE not responding. Will system restore solve issue? My Toshiba A135 won’t allow me to install the new corrected earthlink total access software. Thanx.
I just got a new Acer computer with Vista Home Premium on it and it would not restore and I receive the same error message, “Unspecified Error.” After 30 hours and much frustration I found this site on Google and corrected the problem in two minutes. This must be happening to everyone. I almost sent the computer back until I found this site and corrected the problem. Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!! I only wish I had found it 30 hours ago.
Thanks again,
Phil
I used the Toshiba Recovery Disc to use System Restore on my Satellite A135 model laptop that restarts one I boot it up. I was able to get to the System Restore program but it said there we no restore points found. I used this 3 times before but after the laptop booted up successfully. There were restore points created so I don’t know what is happening here. Any ideas?
How long does it take system restore to work in Vista? I started it and it ran for 9 hours and it was still running.
Are you running it from Safe mode? It would probably run better that way.
No I didn’t run it from Safe mode? But I’ll try it again that way and see what happens.
Hi,
I also have an Acer Aspire Notebook which came with Windows Vista Home Premium.
As others have reported system restore does not work.
I contacted Acer tech support and they advise that restore does not work due to the automatic windows updates, or at least one of them. They also say that the windows updates can not be uninstalled.
Acers recommended solution:
1. Back up all my Data files.
2. Use Alt and F10 to set the OS back to the facory status, and that MIGHT work?
Are you suggesting that the restores will work from safe mode?
Should I be waiting for Microsoft to issue an Update to correct the problem?
I solved my network problem myself, so did not need to do a system restore, but no doubt will need it in the future.
Thanks
Duncan
hello i have a problem with my internet explorer with vista. It keeps saying finding solutions, windows explorer is restarting continously and never stops. It wont let me continue anything. I have tried many things such as restarting taking out the battery and stuff, but I am not that good at this stuff. Any ideas on what i should do?
Thanks
Hi
Just to let y’all know. I had 3 recent restore points, and all worked when system restore was run in Safe Mode on my Windows Vista Home Premium system. The restore just would not work in Normal Mode.
Why wont Microsoft fix this so System Restore will work same as it did in Windows XP Home Edition?
I was wondering if I could switch this Vista to XP which works very well on my Desktop and older laptop.
Bye
Duncan
SYSTEM RESTORE IN VISTA WILL NOT — NOT —- NOT — restore your system exactly the way it was at the restore point. In WinXP, system restore would do a total restore. NOT SO IN VISTA —- Beware!! Some of the changes made will remain, even after system restore.
This only applies to System Restore done from Vista; I do not know if Safe Mode does this.
Beware!!!!
How long does this process take? I have had the same problems as listed above except my laptop (obivously not the one im typing on) has been in system restore for the past 20 minutes. Is this normal? And is it restoring? Is it taking this long because i chose a later date than the first 3 recommended?
I had trouble with system restore and it took forever and did not complete. However, in safe mode it took just a few mins and completed fine. I ran it again a few days later just to see what would happen and again in safe mode it completed and took only a few mins.
Hi,
I was up until 1 am yesterday trying to get my laptop (Vista) to connect thru my modem/router.
I tried system restore a few times.
N.B. When in Safe Mode, the restore goes ahead.
When the system restarts, there is NO indication that it worked or did not.
Next time I started in Safe Mode, is when it says that the restore was successful.
When will Microsoft sort this problem. I really would like to replace Vista with XP on this new Acer Laptop
I live near Lake Ontario, and was quite tempted to go to the Bluffs and toss this computer into the lake.(at 1am).
Does anyone else get all the Not Responding messages when you do a simple click on some window??
I am NOT happy with Windows Vista Home Premium
Bye
Duncan
I have Windows Vista Home Basic and prior to today have always been able to click on any link which has been sent to me in an email, ie http://www.xxxxxxxx However, now when I try to do this it keeps bringing up a box saying application not found. I don’t understand how this has happened but, would like to know how to fix it please. Would doing a system restore help? Thank you.
SYSTEM RESTORE
Up until recently SYSTEM RESTORE was working okay on my laptop with WINDOWS VISTA, but now it will not function any more in normal mode – without leaving the following message: “the restore point could not be created for the following reason: the creation of a shadow copy has timed out”
It then gives me a button to press entitled “Try again this option” which I have done several times but I end up getting the above message each time.
I have managed to do System Restore in SAFE MODE, but would like to do in NORMAL MODE
Any suggestions on how to sort out this problem?
Any SAFE software I could download that could sort it out?
It seems a few others have had this problem, if you did, would be delighted to know how you got it sorted.
Thank you.
After using Vista system restore (not from safe mode) it took ages and never completed
After reading the comments here I went to boot my PC in Safe mode in order to use system restore, but now it wont even boot into safe mode……
Any ideas ?
Hello I have been looking for System Restore in Windows Vista but I can’t find it and RSTRUI does not work in the search box field.
How can I install System Restore in Windows Vista (Extreme edition (Enterprise).
?
hey, how can i completley restore my pc, not from a date but just the whole thing?
Just thought I’d mentioned I’ve had the same bloody error message that everyone has posted:
System Restore did not complete successfully. Your computer’s system files and settings were not changed”
But with messages here, and elsewhere I manged to restore properly in Vista, this is how:
1. Start in safe mode (press F8 on boot-up)
2. Once logged on, use command prompt to run restore – as the option isnt available in safe mode – type rstrui.exe – this will then run system restore and you can choose your restore point.
Thats it – it shut down, restored and the problem was fixed
More info here:
http://windowshelp.microsoft.c.....91033.mspx
Hope it helps
i didnt recieve a vista disk with my computer, i need to do a full system restore, back to original settings how do i do this?
Alanna — You need to call the computer company and ask them. They should be able to help you.
Used sytem restore on Vista Home in Safe mode. Everything worked fine going back to earlier point. Now system won’t boot. Power on will not happen. Any thoughts?
Thanks.
I did the restore back to when the problems started, but the problems aren’t fixed. Any help? I still have Mirar on my computer!
I bought a computer recently and had Windows Vista installed by the geek squad. It has never run propery. I want to restore it back to its original factory setting and then re-install windows vista. How do I go about doing that?
Yo System Restore! If it keeps popping up with a syntax error when system restore is accessed in either mode, does it mean system restore is disabled? It doesn’t allow access to any features in the utility, and just states the program now will close, and therefore won’t even allow access to CREATE A RESTORE POINT. The most geeky way to access system restore is by selecting REPAIR YOUR COMPUTER in the advanced options menu (where safe mode is an option) and selecting system restore from the recovery tools. Recovery tools are accessed after logging in as your user name with your password, clicking NEXT for keyboard layout and language, etc. System restore is the second recovery tool after REPAIR YOUR COMPUTER. RECOVERY MANAGER , the last recovery tool listed, can be used to completely format your hard drive and install a factory-state Vista Operating System without the use of any kind of recovery media (CD or DVD) whatsoever. This is the recommended and fastest way to reload Vista. SPECIAL NOTE: IF YOU HAVE EVER USED RECOVERY MEDIA (CD or DVD) TO RELOAD VISTA, THE REPAIR YOUR COMPUTER PARTITION WILL BE DELETED AND EVERYTHING I JUST MENTIONED WILL NOT BE ACCESSIBLE. Use recovery media only as the very last resort. It will be the only way to do a Full System Recovery thereafter, and we all know, those disc have a funny way of disappearing.
And really man…if your system operates really slow, system restore may not be of any help. One other solution is to access MSCONFIG and in normal startup in that utility (a dot in the circle by NORMAL STARTUP) access the far right hand tab, that’s right, the Startup tab, and take the clicks out of the boxes for everthing except Windows Defender, Microsoft OS, Syanaptic Pointer Device, ccapp, spysweeper, desired antivirus programs, and BigFix. Some of these may not be in the selections, and don’t be concerned about them if they ain’t there. Your system should run like a top.
Alright, I know that restore works better in safe mode. However when in safe mode system restore does not load for me. I get a sand dial for a few seconds then it disappears and there’s nothing running except my desktop icons.Then I try it on normal mode and i get the “unspecified error: files have not been changed” message. I really need help on this one it prevents me from getting on the internet. Plus i didnt get the warranty. O_O, Help.
I bought a laptop with Windows Vista, it comes on but it doesn’t bring up windows. The screen stays blank. I do not have a back up CD.
i have vista ultimate on a toshiba laptop,,, i have external hard drive that i back up files once a month on. i have recently tried to do a restore point from this same external hard drive with no success[i have used safe mode with no success also]. the restore program just runs forever. any advise on how to use this external hard drive to do the restore[it shows normal restore dates and times on it when i activate restore from safe mode],, thanks in advance ,, john
I had this exact same problem:
“After using Vista system restore (not from safe mode) it took ages and never completed
After reading the comments here I went to boot my PC in Safe mode in order to use system restore, but now it wont even boot into safe mode……”
“Scott on June 24, 2007 2:46 am ”
It just shows a black screen!!! :_:
Please Help!!!
hey if i do this willi lose all my files?? please reply backk PLEASE
Hello, does the Vista Ultimate Restore only give you 4 days (points) for restoring? XP gave a whole calendar. Is there an option that I need to enable? Please let me know your thoughts. Thanks in advance.
- Kevin
I have the exact same problem. I loaded something on to my Sony which didn’t do any good, and want to run a restore. I tried 3 different points and just got the exact same error message. Does anyone actually know why this is happening? I will try a restore from Safe Mode tonight. Fingers crossed.
The System restore in Vista Home premium is running for long time. ( I am not tried this in safe mode).
Can you please some body advice me ,what I can Do.?
hi is there a way i can do a restore point to the date i bought it cuz every time i do a restore point it can only take me a month back if there is a way please email me letting me know
Hi……Huse vista home pre no systeme restore option was found,I made the search as you say noting found
please let me knows what is the problem
Tkx in advance
I recently upgraded to windows vista. Now I want to return to XP, The system will not let me install XP over it nor will it let me restore to the original
xp that was on the system. what can I do?
i need to do a full system restore on my acer computer with windows vista. i have a file thats starts up ever time that i cant get rid of its called something like ??????????????????
ok, im trying to reset my vista clear back before i got it.. it’s giving me many problems.. help please?
hmmm seems easy to do but it seems like my system is damaged. each time i try to do it it says restore did NOT restore. i try a diffferent point and still get the same error. i want to se if there is a way to patch or repair the system instead of reinstalling windows.
Vista sucks. Full stop.
I’ve been using windows since 1994 (3.11) and I have to say this is by far the biggest turd to have been laid by microsoft so far.
It’s slow, always has errors, and now it’s decided it won’t play my mp3’s. Programs lock up, it takes on average 3-5 mins to shutdown, some programs will not install on it, it hates Nero, the security issues are annoying at best, there’s no contact list in windows mail, …I could go on forever.
Not to mention that when I bought the laptop (a HP Pavillion widescreen), and asked if I could have XP..they said “well, we could try and put it on there for $90, but theres no guarantee we can get all the drivers, and if we do, and it doesn’t work, we can’t put Vista back on so you’ll end up with a dead box…great options hey!
So I’m taking this turd back and getting a MAC.
Up yours Microsoft.
Neo: Many similar problems with my 3 week old Sony Vista laptop… yesterday downloaded the latest drivers from Nvidia…. and afterwards audio-video files were screwed. Audio played but no video… and of course, I suffered the same “system restore” problems many here are complaining about.
During 2007, I have no fewer than five friends and coworkers that finally said “enough” and switched to the Mac… and every one told me the same thing, almost to the same exact words… “I wish I’d switched to Mac a long time ago” and “I might have to use a Windows PC at work, but I’m never using a PC at home again”.
I’m going to to a safe mode restore just to see if it works. If it works, great, if not great… because this turd is also going back and I’m getting a MacBook Pro…. no more service packs, no more driver conflicts, no more software that can’t be loaded, really minimal virus concerns, spyware concerns, no security nagging from the Vista OS… the list goes on and on.
I echo your succinct statement… “up yours Microsoft”. I’m out… no more of my money to Microsoft and I’m no longer willing to deal with an OS that is such a pain in the a*s.
I can’t get Vista to do a system restore
Reboot, F8 to enter safe mode, select safe mode with command prompt, type rstrui.exe and cross yor fingers. It worked for me.
Screw the computer… I’m going back to tha abacus.
you can boot off the installation dvd
Vista was installed on my PC when I bought it; I do not have an installation DVD.
You don’t need an installation CD… Geez…just READ the above.
I tried to delete a file which was already open in another program. Task manager doesn’t tell me and
Help and Support only tells me to close the other program. How do I find
the other program.
Hi,
I posted a message previously about system restore not working on my Acer Notebook. I also learned that it should work OK in Safe Mode. That was true to some extent. The restore worked, but the usual successful message did not apear until I went back to safe mode.
A few days ago, I finally restored my system to the Factory Default because of very slow processing.
Now System Restore worked, just like it did in XP Home Edition. The restore completd AOK and I got the Successful Message when it restarted.
Also, My neighbour has a new laptop also with Vista Home premium and I did a system restore for her twice and it worked perfectly.
Is it possible that some of the Windows updates for Vista has solved the problem?
When talked to Acer tech support they informed me that some program was preventing the system restore from working.
Because of this, the only program that I have dowloaded and installed is Rogers Security package. By the way, I also turned Nortons Firewall off and just use Windows firewall which lets my wireless access work. With Norton firewall the connection was bad.
Previously I had downloaded and paid for Regcure and Nero 7.0.
I asked Regcure if their registry changes could be causing a problem, but got no reply.
I think the secret is to keep additional programs to a minimum.
Hope this is useful for everyone with system restore problems.
Bye
Duncan
I’m returning my Windows Vista laptop.
Can anyone provide a step by step method to return Vista to its original state like it was just out of the box?
Thanks in advance.
Hi,
On my Acer laptop, I just held the Alt Key and tapped the F10 key. Then just follow the instructions.
I noticed that my “D” drive remained unchanged, but I had done a backup anyway.
You may also want to back up your email messages and contacts before doing the factory default restore.
So far restore is working and the machine is running faster. I also had upgraded for 1GB to 1 1/2 GB. I wanted to go two 2 GB, but found I only had 2 1/2 GBs in the two available slots and had already bought a 1GB chip.
Duncan
Alt-F10 does nothing.
Suggestions?
Hi Rob,
This applies to my Acer, and probably to most makes:
To start the recovery process:
1 Restart the system.
2 While the Acer logo is showing, press + at the same time to
enter the recovery process.
3 Refer to the onscreen instructions to perform system recovery.
Important! This feature occupies 10 GB in a hidden partition on
your hard disk.
If not , look in your windows help on restoring to the factory default for you laptop.
Duncan
Duncan… your fix didn’t work… but I resolved the problem anyway. That said, I’d still like to thank you for taking the time to help me out. I appreciate it!
Hi Rob,
Glad you got fixed up.
I just noted that my message was missing the keys to start the recovery process.
I hold the Alt + F10 key. Some other makes might use F11.
Sorry I goofed
Duncan
My sony vaio vista has been doing a restore for a very long time. Can I crash it then start it again from safe mode or will that stuff things up properly?
Thanks
i cant even get into safe mode on mine, any ideas?
How can I restore a backup that I made using Windows Vista backup/restore?
Error message: “Your system administrator has disabled launching of the Display Settings Control Panel” How do I enable the launching of the Display Settings Control Panel\
Thanks
the system restore dosent restore it to its origional factory settings it just takes it back to a specific time your computer was modified. This dose not awnser the question what so ever.
Amazing.. that no documents, music nor pictures will be lost! Thank you Vista, I lost about 800 pictures because of you! I just wanted to return a few days back to erase the internet settings back. And yes,.. the internet connection was restored! Wonderful! Damn microsoft shitty software! I want my pictures back.
Hello and thanks for this opportunity.
I have a new Toshiba laptop with the Vista operating system.
Three times I have tried to install new software, only to receive the message that ” Vista does not support this software”.
The Help function on many programs tells me that “Windows help is not compatible with Vista”.
I am very disappointed with Vista, and would like very much to go back to XP, but I am afraid that
my 2 year warranty would not then apply.
What do you think I can do to improve things?
Will be grateful for any help.
Thanks, Dennis
.
how you changed to safe mode?
Hi Dennis,
You could install a XP to your computer,
And use both XP and Vista.
I also have problems with installing same programs,
unfortunately microsoft have forgotten the “back compatibility” rule when designing Vista.
I have tried following the instructions. f8 does not give ma the safe mode option. Nothing in the instructions shows in my system “Vista” Can you help me?
Hi,
The info’ below comes from Windows Help and Support in My Vista Home Premium.
Hope this helps.
Remove all floppy disks, CDs, and DVDs from your computer, and then restart your computer.
Click the Start button , click the arrow next to the Lock button , and then click Restart.
Do the following:
If your computer has a single operating system installed, press and hold the F8 key as your computer restarts. You need to press F8 before the Windows logo appears. If the Windows logo appears, you will need to try again by waiting until the Windows logon prompt appears, and then shutting down and restarting your computer.
As I mentioned before, I have no problems with Vista since I resorted back to the factory default. Even System Restore works just like it does in XP.
Hi All,
I see many of you want to switch to a MAC. Well…. I have been using Windows as long as I’ve been using a Linux, started with Mandriva. I am not sure a MAC will solve all your problems. I myself stopped using Windows a few months ago after installing Sabayon Linux 3.4f. It’s not that is is perfect, but at least I do not have to pay for something that doesn’t work. Actually a MAC is a UNIX based kernel, so why not try Sabayon?
Today the installation is absolutely painless. Upgrades – that’s another story, it’s a bit hard to do things on a Gentoo/Linux distro, but why not try out PCLinixOS, Mandriva, Ubuntu, etc?
I now do all my work on my Sabayon installetion, works on my laptop , which is a Toshiba Pentium Centrino. It recognizes all my 3 networks – Ethernet, USB and Wireless. I listen to MP3, burn CD’s, DVD’s, ISO images, I can convert files using K3B from WAV to MP3, all my movie DVD’s – all are working. OpenOffice works best, Konqueror is brilliant to do the file managing, browsing through the picture catalogues and accesing the web all in one program = one interface.
Linux will not solve all your problems, but it’s worth a try. And Gentoo and Sabayon have fantastic forums for support. You can always find someone to help.
My next computer – I will purchase one without an operating system.
Regards,
Richard.
Hi, I need to restore my sysytem to a date not listed in the restore wizard. I have read that the restore wizard only shows the last five snapshots by default. How can I access the restore points file & use older restore points? I only need to go back by 5 days. My system restore is set up to take daily snapshots so it show be filed somewhere on this thing. I am sure the date I want is stored because I saw it listed a few days ago in the wizard. I wasn’t ready to restore the system at the time I saw it & now I am kicking myself! Any help is apperciated.
-Sherri
Hi, I had restore my system (Vista Home Basic) to a checkpoint that few program install and uninstall within that period. My restoring process was successful, but some of the programs that I had uninstalled it appear again since the uninstallation was after the checkpoint. Therefore I planning to uninstall it again, but it show error messages saying that some files or data files (.dat) lost. Anyone facing the same problem? Or anyone have an idea how to solve it? Any help is appreciated.
What happened to the previous version of system Restore from the XP days? I have vista and made a number of changes. Office 2007 has been a mess with my iPhone but I made installs since Office 2007. System Restore gives me 3 dates to choose from. That’s not enough to be ANY type of help. System restore on XP used to let you go months back. But with Vista I get install occurrances as dates and that’s it?
I bought my computer in December and I also have a system restore problem and get the message “an Unspecified error occurred during System Restore”. As my modem and sound (due to an erroneous update) were shot at the time I reinstalled Vista. However I still cannot use System Restore. I tried it in Safe Mode to no avail and also switched Norton off to see if that helped – it didn’t. I would appreciate any help you can give.
Sherri look at the bottom left corner of the sys restore pop up box there is a spot you can click on that will allow you to see all of your restore points, you dont get the fancy calender like in XP but it will give them to you.
hi.I learned that if you restart the computer and repeatadly tap F8 it will give you the choice of restoring you system.Just go along with this please as i will not be held responsible for your actions.I did this at my own risk
This site is great. I’ve been using it over and over again since I work in a call center. Keep up the good work guys. You all rock.
HP Pavillion dv6000 from September 2007 Futureshop
System restore error as above
Did the safe mode F8 and it worked great
Thanks alot
So many silly comments in here.
restart you pc start pressing F8 as soon as it starts to boot, this will bring up the advanced boot options.
select safe mode and wait for it to load, log on click start and type in restore it will bring restore to the top of the start menu click on it AND WAIT IT TAKES A FEW MINS TO LOAD.
choose another restore point check the box at the bottom of the window and you will be able to access restore points from the last 28 days.
select the one you want and click yes your system will then restore.
its not rocket science people!
If you have vista and hate it and want XP back, contact microsoft they can issue you with a seconed key that works in conjunction with your vista key to roll back to XP.
This only works if you allready own xp if you dont tough live with vista it works fine and the archtecture is far supieor to XP.
hope this helps some people.
oh and dont run it from the disk it never works its a common fault.
and if your pc/laptop wont boot into windows contact your manufacturer, if you dont have a restore disk from your manufacture contact them by (uk) law they have to issue you with a disk to allow you to restore without having to pay them.
FL1X
I ran the system restore on my HP Vista after copying all my files to the D drive…after the restore was complete, i couldnt see a single saved folder in the D drive,but is showes that the drive is almost full….why is that i cant see the files…yet ’something’ is taking up space…someone HELP!!!
Ok I have Vista Business. Will not restore in normal mode. Will not restore in Safe Mode. Have tried numerous checkpoints. Keeps coming up `system restore did not complete successfully’ Where to from here?
As mentioned before, my system restore problems were resolved after I set the system back to the way it came from the factory. I also got rid of network problems such as real slow to connect to the printers attached to my desktop and also sometimes had problems making the wireless connection.
I also felt that windows vista updates may have contributed to better performance.
The problem is vista deleted some .dll files in the virus repair and explorer.exe closes everytime i use it
so i cant use anything
pleas help me i was updating my hp laptop when i got this error 800D0100 and i try updating again and i got the same error i dont have i clue what to do and am worried so pleas help me thanks
i tried restoring my vista business but a window came up showing this message. what’s wrong with it?
“system restore does not appear to be functioning correctly on this system.
the volume shadow copy service used by system restore is not working. for more information view the even log. (0×81000202)”
Thanks guys this is of great help.
I have home prem, and i tried everything, ive done it in safe mode, and it still gives me the message system restore did not restore prorperly. since my vista CD’s are in a seprate HDD, ( i have an HP pavilion elite series M9000T), i did it through F8, and used that system restore, still, not working, after that, Vista wont boot at all, i turn it on, and i get a .net framwork error, a memory error, and a error telling me one of my prossesors shut down permently ( i have an intel VIIV double duo core) im pissed, big time, any help?
I recently bought my laptop and a few days ago it gave me a blue screen and when I loaded again I could not go online as the WLAN autoconfig was not starting. To solve this I tried a system restore to a prevous time (4 days) and it would not complete. I shut down the computer the next day. I just started another system restore to the same time in safe mode and I has been running for at least a hour, with out a change. Please help!
i did a factory restore on my hp which runs on vista and have lost all my saved files and programes. is there any way i can get them back.
I have an problem. i wont to restore my vista system acording to own. but cant abel to do that.
Here is a way to get into Safe Mode in Windows Vista, if the F8 key will not work (I tried this forever, to create a System Restore that was continually unsuccessful). I am not a techno geek, but I’ve experienced this issue with an older computer as well, running Windows ME. This worked for me and hopefully will work for you too!
Click the Start Button
Type “msconfig” in the search box
A “System Configuration” window will open
Select the “Boot” tab in the Boot Options section
Check the “Safe Boot/Minimal” check box
Restart
This will put you in “Safe Mode” with large icons and “Safe Mode” showing on all four corners of the screen (you may have to enter your password to get in).
Complete whatever your task is (possibly Restart again), then go back to “msconfig”, and uncheck the “Safe Boot” box, and restart. Should boot normally.
Hope this relieves everyone’s frustration! Don’t know why F8 won’t work, but this is disappointing. Also had an issue with Vista, while trying to add a network printer connected to my older computer (on my home network). Gave up after exhaustive internet research, no mention/solution of this problem/error code at the Microsoft Support site. I’m finding as I go, that the new Vista has some unresolved issues that need addressing. Overall seems to be working OK, but Gates and his buddies should not expect home users to be trained network administrators to resolve their issues.
@Larry
Thanks for those instructions, great tip! I updated the article to link to your comment.
I have a DELL laptop and am running Visat Business on it.
Logged on this morning after a normal shut down and everything is gone!
Documents, pictures, emails and email settings.
HELP!!!!!
I have just done a system restore on my Son’s Vista Home Premium Laptop because it wasn’t shutting down , it was just hanging and would only shut down in safe mode . Anyway after doing the System Restore now I can’t log on , it says the password is wrong . Is System Restore supposed to backdate the log on password too ????
I also have the same problem as C H Fout and others. My restore does not work. don
I too was experiencing problems with the error message “System restore did not complete successfully”. I am not very experienced with computers and I tried all the suggested solutions without success. Then I noticed that nearly all my Windows updates over the last month or so had failed. I went through the error messages associated with these failures (chiefly 80070002 and 8007000B) and followed the advice given. This resulted in my Windows updates operating correctly again. I downloaded a couple more optional updates and then tried a system restore. The system restore then worked correctly. Why it worked I have no idea, but I thought others with system restore problems might care to examine their update file to see if they have similar problems with it.
What do you do if you don’t have installation DVD?
How do you repair then?
Anyone?
I’ve been running system restore on my Dell Inspiron 1520 since 10:00 am this morning. As of this writing, it has not changed from “finalizing file restore”. Should I reboot?
i have recently had problems with my computer and have been told the only way to fix it is to restore my computer to the very first factory default, basically i need to restore it to when it was brand new, how do i do this?
Hi Matt,
I did this with my Acer Laptop. Here is how:
To start the recovery process:
1 Restart the system.
2 While the Acer logo is showing, press Alt + F10 at the same time to
enter the recovery process.
3 Refer to the on screen instructions to perform system recovery.
Important! This feature occupies 10 GB in a hidden partition on
your hard disk.
If not , look in your windows help on restoring to the factory default for you laptop.
P.S. Some other computers may use F11 and not F10, but that should be found in your Windows Help for your computer.
Duncan
does anyone have any idea how to restore vista for a hi-grade VA250D laptop. The reason for this is i have absoloutly no software for it and internet explorer has vanished from the system. Any help and advice would be greatly welcomed
For Lee, you need to download and reinstall Internet Explorer 7, it is very easy to do. I had this problem a couple of months ago. I was really struggling for a while and I now have Mozilla Firefox downloaded as a backup so I can at least access the t’Internet to do the downloading.
thanx karen for your reply, the only problem is my laptop point blank refuses to allow me to access the “t’internet”. it keeps saying “error code 80072ee7″ and it wont allow windows one family live thing to load up……..any suggestions before my laptop takes flying lessons out the window………thanx again
Hi, all.
I recently bought a new HP pavillion loaded with Windows Vista and suffered INCREDIBLE slowness after about a month. I booted it and it was working fine until it got a few errors a day ago. I tried system restorng the regular way bit the system said it was unable to do so fo UNKNOWN reasons.
I tried booting it in safe mode and ran SRestore again. 9 hours later and it’s still “restoring the registry”. Clearly, this isn’t working. Ideas anyone? or will I have to boot the whole thing again?
Restart The computer,
Press F8 Rapidly (to bring up menu)
Click Restore System (the top one)
Wait to load,
Click Command Prompt,
Type “Restore” (without Quotes),
Press Y,
Go with the steps
I am so glad I found this page. I thought it was just my computer. I had a few problems after downloading a NVIDIA update (turns out in that case it’s best to to download the update and just stick with the original driver !) at which point I discovered I couldn’t System Restore. As everything is running well now, I am just going to bear in mind the Safe mode restore route and make usre I keen creating manual restore points too! Great site.
I also had a problem with System Restore. It wouldn’t restore anything and to even launch it was slow. Then I remembered I had moved some of the files that it would be restoring……things like the desktop folder. So, I moved them back and it seemed to fix the problem.
When I open system restore it says it cant restore because there are no restore points or something. Does anyone know what I can do to fix the problem?
Hi,
If there are no restore points, then you should try to set them to happen automatically.
Go to START
type Restore
System Restore will appear at the top under Programs
Click on System Restore
Click on Open System Protection
Under Automatic Restore Points
Click on the drive usually C:
At th bottom of System Properties window,you can click to create a system restore point as of now.
I do not know why the Restore points keep disappearing. I wish I knew!!.
I tried a system restore yesterday (in normal mode) and it was unsuccessful.
I then tried in Safe Mode, but in there it now showed no restore points were available.
Previously, I reported that System Restore was not working for me and I resolved this by putting the system back to the factory DEFAULT (F11)etc. I am not keen to do that again, but will if restore does not work next time I need it.
System Restore did work for a long time after I went back to the factory state.
Sometime, I think that Windows Updates could be causing system restore problems.
Duncan
Geek saved my computer once again, thanks!
Im having a problem i want to restore for a long time ago but it only shows up points from like 5 days ago max , how can i restore further back?
I upgraded from XP to Vista. Obviously there were compatibility issues on many of the programs installed on my computer. So, I ran a back-up of all my files to my iPod. I wiped my hard drive and reinstalled Vista. This solved many of the issues/problems I was having. HOWEVER, vista is now not recognizing any back-up files. I’ve moved the back-up files to my desktop even and when I go to restore the files it only gives me options to find my files on a DVD. It doesn’t allow me to find it on my desktop or my ipod. I’ve even tried to extract the files and that didn’t work – I just recieve error messages.
Has any one had similiar issues?
Any suggestions or help?
What if i wanted to do system restore from when i BOUGHT the computer? so it would be brand new? How do you pick a date? i thought you type the date in the description bar but that doesnt do anything, I want to PICK the date that im available to do system restore from. but it doesnt seem possible?
can anybody help? cus i dont want to do a restore so it would be like how it was 3 days ago, i want it to be like how it was a year ago, when i bought the computer.
You can do a “system refresh”. But you have to backup any important data…..just in case. If you want to restore Vista to a year ago, that would mean it won’t be SP1.
But to do it, you would boot with your Vista disc. Then follow all the steps until you get to the “install now” button. Press it and you’ll get more options whether to install a new copy or update your copy of windows. Choose to Update.
Then just let it install and it will recopy all system files. It won’t go near any stuff you’ve installed/data.
But if you’ve installed a load of programs that you just don’t want and are slowing your computer, then there are cleanup utilities such as crap cleaner.
And of course, there are shadow copy utilities that you can get to copy your whole system when it’s working well. Then when it gets slow you just restore with that….this is built into the higher level Vista versions.
I am not able to locate the system restore function while in safe mode on Vista, suggestions?
My Advent laptop managed to break itself! I hadnt installed new software or downloaded anything for months then one day it stoped booting. I managed to get it into safe mode (as i am running it now) but it wont run the system restore application. I click the item on the start menu, and nothing happens.
Any ideas would be greatly appriciated.
hi Geek, is it possible to stop system restore while not deleting the created the current restore point?
guys, i did a system restore for my dell inspiron 1520, on vista 32 bit.
the restore was succesfull, but unfortunatly, the internet explorer is not able to connect, although i can use the msn live messenger or any other chatting software and the laptop is connected to the internet.
can anyone help me solve the INTERNET EXPLORER issue?
thank you
I have an HP Pavillion dv6000 and restored it to an earlier point (3 says ago) just this morning, and it worked (Norton 360 was on, and the computer was NOT in safe mode). The errors where still there however, and I decided to restore it a few weeks before today.
I then got the following error: an Unspecified error occurred during System Restore”.
I tried restoring it to several other dates, I tried turning off the Norton firewall and I tried running system restore from safe mode. None of these options worked. I’m running Windows Vista Home Premium.
Ideas anyone?
DEAR ALL who have a browzing problem, i finally got the sollution.
after browzing and infinite number of hours, from forums to forums and googling hell on earth.
let me describe you the problem i had, and i how to solve it.
first of all, dell laptops comes with an annual subscription with mcafee. my subscription was over. and unfortunatly my laptop dell inspiron 1520, got a virus, i did a system restore. BUT my browzer failed to connect whatsoever it was, IE, mozzila, you name it, i tried it.
i finally uninstalled the mcafee, and the browzer worked.
the problem was that the mcafee internally block the browzer to connect because of the system restore and the end of the annual subscription.
i was able to get mcafee total protection 2008, and renew my subscription and everything worked out just fine.
i don’t think that its only for mcafee users, but i believe that uninstalling your anti-virus might do the trick.
try it… and let me know… cheers…
I accidentally formatted my PC with windows vista OS. Is there any solution to restore my system (factory settings) because I have read a manual from my PC that there is a way to restore without using a CD. please help me.. need it ASAP.. thanks!
This saved me after hours and hours of searching for an answer. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! Keep up the good detailed work!
Yeah my Dell XPS m1330 did the usual 3am every Wednesday restart with updates and all that while my ipod was plugged in. For some reason McAfee’s file got messed with or something and now it says Mcafee file is corrupt/unreadable yadda yadda and won’t let me run a lot of my programs. I’ve tried renaming the folder (no change), deleting the folder (corrupt files hate being deleted or something), and safe mode systemrestore, but it keeps saying “The disk OS (C:) has errors. Windows has detected file system corruption on OS (C:). You must check the disk for errors before it can be restored. The thing is, when I try to check for errors it says “OS (C:) is in use and cannot check for errors; check upon next boot?” and I click yes. When I booted it after that, nothing happened. So I’m pretty frustrated with the rediculousness of Vista.
My daughter’s laptop will not boot after she downloaded updates. Machine has Vista. It begins to boot then the screen goes blank (except for the cursor) and nothing else happens. My son has identical laptop. Can I use recovery disks that I made off his machine to restore hers?
I have the same problem as above, i made a vista repair disk following the above instructions but it always just loads to a black screen, white cursor (a little bit larger than it is normally), dead center. This happened after an automatic update around 3am or so.
yeah great site. cheers for this info
I have a sony vaio with Vista, it wouldn’t work so I did a system restore, now it says it is missing files and won’t let me log on so I can’t do anything, it won’t even go into safe mode now, it will come up with the screen that says repair or start normally, I ask it to repair and it says I have to reinstall with the disk, but alas it didn’t come with the disk. I am not a tech person, just simple english please. I would reformat and install XP to save myself all these problems but I have some Adobe files I have to rescue, I didn’t burn them before vacation, came back and now I can’t get to them. Any help would be appreciated greatly.
My Dell with Vista wouldn’t do an automatic update. Connected to Vista Support…got that fixed but now when I turn on the computer it freezes at the signin screen…already did system restore and still have the problem.
Listen up dudes, anyway Vista isn’t good for any laptops, even the lighten editions as Vista home basic. The best way to clean up your problems is to clean up your registry by using TuneUp 2008 or RegistryMechanic or GlaryUtilities. If it doesn’t clear your problem(s), just the heck downgrade to XP also you’ll may have the Dx10 patch for Xp if your video card is supporting it (just search on Google for Dx10 xp patch). Thanks and good luck =)
I did a system restore, and I decided to go back 2 days.
For whatever reason, my computer will no longer connect to my network. I can’t browse the internet, view anything online, or get any online windows updates. Any solutions or reasons as to why restoring would cause my laptop to no longer connect to my network. (and the other comps in my house will still connect)
-thanks
Nevermind. I read Elie’s comment and realized that my trial of Norton was the reason my internet connection was being blockes. However, it would not fully uninstall from my computer. A note would pop-up saying something like the “path is invalid.” After searching for a while, I found that on Symantec’s website is a Norton uninstaller download. I copied it to a flash drive(because the internet on my restored computer does’t connect) and put it onto my computer, and it fully uninstalled Norton. Seconds later my internet was connected and up-and-running.
-Thanks Elie and the Geek
I have read all the above comments…I need to do a full factory recovery. I followed the instructions to press F8 repeatedly, however repair computer is not one of the options. I have used the recovery disc to reinstall windows a few times in the past, but I seem to have no way to do a clean installation. Can anyone help?
I have an windows vista laptop and i try to restore my system and when it finish i get an errar message saying (System Restore did not complete successfully. Your computer system files and settings were not changed). Please can someone heeelp me please thank you!!!
I’m having problems setting up the restore point or even backing up my file to disc, I get an error message of access denied (0×8007500)this is with Vista
Vista…reminds me so much of windows ME (excuse me while I puke)
Got a new HP desktop computer with Vista preloaded-no installation disks and had to create the “recovery disks” after purchase. I have one winXP computer and this computer with Vista which has the Printer connected to it on a home network. I am not able to print from the XP computer but can print from the Vista. I have updated the printer drivers etc…hours of troubleshooting-no luck. This Vista computer replaced an XP computer which printed fine on this network.
I contacted microsoft by phone and they said they would not support this problem for free but I could pay for help. They also said it was the responsibility of HP to provide support and/or call microsoft for answers to this problem if they could not fix the problem. Essentially they said I could not get answers for free but HP could call them for the answers if needed and they would work with them.
Called HP and talked to the tech and his supervisor. They said since the printer worked off the their HP Vista computer that nothing was wrong and they could not do anything to help and they refused to contact Microsoft on my behalf. I asked them for a free copy of WinXp to load and they also refused that request. So now I have a computer, now a month old, still under warrantee and no help for the printer problem.
By the way I can see the Vista printer and print jobs from the XP printer they just dont print.
Also, I tried one time to restore and had the same problems described above…never restored. That problem led me here.
I have a prob with vista. Windows update got stuck on a “stage 3″ for two hours.
So I go to system restore and accidently chose the repair computer in safe mode.
Well that means I reformated to beginning. didn’t loose files but they are in back up and I can not get them open….says I am not authorized???
Can you help me. It won’t let me restore to the “before” I made the mishap!!!! Geeks help needed!
My broken rig is a home assembled ASUS mobo with AMD Core2 3200 cpu and 2 gigs of memory operating with Windows Vista Home Premium. It had two ATA hard drives and a DVD/burner/player.
Three days ago my C:\ drive refused to boot up Windows. I tried every alternative Windows offered and the thing hung up after ambling down to “crcdisk.”
So, I bought a new SATA Seagate hard drive and set it up with Windows Utimate and tried to read the old C:\drive, but it is “unreadable.” However, I was able to read my E:\drive, and found a full restore system back up of the broken C:\drive on that drive dated the day before we left on vacation, so it is a perfect point to restore from. I copied it to a spot on the new C:\drive, but can not get WINDOWS to go to that file and do the system restore.
Well, I tried some advice from another forem and it’s still NOT working.
The Windows restore program finishes with a message that there is no usable restore point, which is extremely irritating as I can see the back up, can partially open it and see the files I need to recover!
I tried changing the OS back to the OS that made the back up and that didn’t work either.
Any ideas out there?
Hey so i am having the same problem that kathy from august 27th is having, and it happened the same day, just at 10pm.
anyways it got stuck on stage 3…and tries to configre the download, but reboots itself half way through…and keeps cycling through.
i have tried system restore, however it wont work and says there is a error, i do not have the vista disk, and here on my parents computer i cant download that file to make one…
any suggestions? tia
mark
I’ve decided that this problem’s solution is over my head. I have written to five “techies” here at the university asking for help. Unfortunately for me and fortunately for him, the techie I have relied on for the past five years just finished his Ph.D and is gainfully employed elsewhere. I’ll report what they do.
My HP Pavillion the monitor keeps going to sleep on it’s on the Technician came and changed the mother board it work for a day and then it started again he said if it happens again restore Vista has anyone have this problem I appreciate any advise.
Thank so much
I have a strange problem. I think I may have accidentally deleted something I shouldn’t have. I’ve tried to run the System Restore but it does the same thing all my other programs do. A box opens and says, “choose which program you want to use to open this file”. If someone knows how to help me it would be greatly appreciated.
Vista Service Pack 1 ate my computer. It won’t boot up. I spent 2 hours on the phone with Microsoft Tech support (after spending three days trying to do “Startup Repair” and “System Restore” myself). So, now I have the Vista disc in, it’s in Safe Mode and is doing the System Restore. It’s been 24 hours now and it’s still saying “Finalize file restore”. After 20 minutes the tech on the phone told me it would take awhile, but would work and to call back if I have more questions. I figured I’d try the public. My hard drive was almost full, so I know the restore will take longer, but this seems a bit ridiculous. Any suggestions?
Hey I just restored my CPU and it’s not working either. I’m going to go ahead and try to unistalled Norton and see what happens. hopefully the issue will be resolved.
Hi,
I’m working in Korea, and retired my old, reliable Toshiba notebook. I bought an Acer Aspire 5920 in Taiwan; with an English version of Vista Premium. Now–an unwelcome, hidden advertisement fills the screen. It’s incredibly noisy; a commercial for Dolby High Definition and Acer notebooks. Whoever approved this unsolicited software should have his b*tt kicked. It “pops-up” at random moments, and runs about ninety seconds.
The Canadian and American technical support staff suggested I “check the registry.” I looked, and cannot find anything I recognize. Anyway; I’m not qualified to fiddle with the registry. The latest tech. person asked me to contact the Asian help desk. I can’t find their email address.
Like the fellow with the System Restore difficulty who lives beside Lake Ontario; I’m ready to pitch this machine into a lake. I’m having other bothersome problems; but I think they are related to Vista. Acer has a good reputation; particularly this notebook.
Well–i do miss my Toshiba, and XP Pro.
Any ideas?
Thank you,
Brian
Same bleeding problem as Ms. Sarah Foreman. ‘cept my rig wont even get to the “restore” screen when i try to boot from the repair disk. Just a that lovely little blue … scroll thing(?)…that waves by as windows is loading (its been loading for 20 hours. i’d turn it off but its become something of a joke in my house lately)
I figured it out!! A while ago actually, but I thought I’d try to help anybody with the same issue. I really only wanted to back up my newer data and then I was at wits end and ready to wipe out the computer. When it asked me which drive I wanted to restore from, I hit browse and was able to access all my files. After that I used the restore disc and just started over. Now my problem……I ordered Office 2007 from school, but got the back up disc too. However, I do not have the product key and now do not have a number for Microsoft. (I tried contacting them online and they took me to a credit card screen…bastards!)
After reading this litany of restore experiences, I have decided NEVER to attempt the procedure unless I have a crash. If F8 works, fine; if not, after almost 35 years of using pc’s, I’ll dumpsterize this HP and switch to MAC. I am not happy to have bought a new computer preloaded with Vista, that came with no user’s manual and no discs of any kind. Certainly I am not ever going to buy another pc with some new Microsoft pre-Beta operating system so eloqently loved by some arrogant Brit.
My system is up to date with all Windows updates (hopefully it’s up to full Beta status now), but I still don’t know how to create a restore disk using the system itself. Since I don’t want to lose all my media files, I’ll probably be back to this page again if Vista ever goes berserk on me.
Thanks, all, for many nuggets of information here. I especially like the idea of having a browser in reserve, in case IE crashes. But I am a little hesitant to install Firefox for fear of upsetting Vista’s delicate temperment. In the W98 days I used Netscape exclusively, but it went to crap under AOL. They did not keep up with Microdoft’s tricks to squeeze them out, even though their program became as slow and bloated as Vista. Also, I did away with both Norton and McAfee and went to Avast for Virus protection because of difficulties in renewing my subscriptions. With Avast I never get a message telling me I have a virus with no clue about how to deal with it, as happened with both Norton and McAfee. And all I would need is a subscription expiration from one of those two geeky vendors to crash my browser. No thanks.
My brother’s acer PC with vista 64 bit home premium deleted the uxtheme.dll file, he tried to do a system restore in safety mode, but when he clicked “system restore” it gave him an error message.
How would he go about doing a system restore through command prompt?
I’m having problems to enter my session, when I click in the little square for my session it apperas an Error, and some people told me that I sould restore the computer.. this is my problem.
20 minutes ago there were like 8 points of restore (dates) and I selected one and didn’t work. When I tried again, the restore points where gone, the computer didn’t find any restore point anymore.. what can I do?
I can’t enter to my session, So I don’t know how to restore my notebook from here (outside the session)
Wow, after receiving a corrupt registry error a few days ago, I thought a power spike or something nasty had happened to cause my disks to fail… (we’re having some building work done).. was gutted.. mortified… rather vexxed!!
Trawling through the web.. thinking of RMA’ing the equipment.. then came across this site… this little article absolutely saved the day
Thanks guys, you have no idea how much pain you’ve saved me!! Much respect and all!
K
Hi
I’m in safe mode – followed the system restore instructions but so far after about 10 minutes the red light indicates the pc is doing something but I’ve seen no restore points!
Help
Thanks a lot mate, this helped immensely.
hi, i bought a hp computer a month ago and started it up..but now it’s acting as if i just bought it yesterday…why? help would be appreciated
hey so we got this new printer, and the software uploaded fine to my sisters computers but not to mine.. apparently i deleted something vital… TT_TT fail…. i cant play games or watch dvds or upload software at all anymore… idk wtf i deleted… and i really need that printer! help peas and carrots?
My laptop fails to successfully start up. In safe mode I can successfully restore to an earlier point, but when the says restore successful, you must now restart your computer I’m back to square one (won’t restart). I’ve tried this multiple times with different restore points, always “successful”, but won’t restart.
Punky, you will have better luck if you take your question to the forum.
Hey is there any way i can find a date from last year (2008) to do for a system restore point, because i have no restore points for the month of January for some reason even though i’ve installed a few programs.
I have been trying to do a system restore for the past 12 hours…it is stuck on “system restore is restoring the registry”…it will not let me reboot or turn of the computer…I am running windows Vista on an HP. What do I do…HELP!!!!!
Josh, you, too.
Thanks to Duncan, I forgot the key to get into Acer Recovery. And odd side note that when entering Acer recovery it booted Windows XP… Hmmm.. a suggestion of why Microsoft has SO many problems?? perhaps.
so, I have read this whole post and have come to a very easy rules for Vista (or any Microsoft product really) users.
1) go and buy a external Hdd to save any files you actually want to keep.
Dont install programs and such on this drive use it for pics/email/etc.
2) Figure out how to do a total system recovery from the boot menu.
EVERY manufacturer has a pre-load on a partition of your Hdd that will allow this. (it’s part of getting around giving you disks when you buy the system) Generally you cant save or access in any way this partition. I would say that Alt-f10 or Alt-f11 at your manufactures screen will do it.
3) Dont bother with system restore. After a year of Vista’s crap I notice Restore does more harm than good. Just be prepared to restore to factory settings after installing/removing a dozen programs or so.
Windows has ALWAYS had this problem with removing software. It’s slows down and slows down and slows down until it is basically useless. Get used to it.
And btw a suggestion was made to ‘limit your additional programs’. now, I know that this comment was made in good faith and trying to help, but really? is that what we are reduced to now? Why exactly do we own computers if we arent going to do stuff on them? If all we are going to ’safely’ be able to do is run windows and their crappy products then why not go back to windows 3.1?
The bottom line is that Windows is one of the worst operating systems ever made (Vista in particular), Microsoft is a underhanded company (why else would they completly remove all support for any BUT Vista after it’s launch) and we have to use it.
I guess we just live with it. Or buy a Mac.. I think thats a WAY better plan..
Just thought I would update people on the Nightmare of recovering a crashed Vista Machine.
I used the Manufactures alt-f10 restore to factory defaults.
4 times..
This is the 5th.
I have no idea why a hardware driven Factory Reset would crash 3 times and lose a file (winloader.exe) but it seems that it has..
Maybe 5th time is the charm?
My opinion.. get xp on ANY new machine.. XP sucked but at least it worked!
*gawd i hate Microsoft*
Using Recovery Manager
Follow the steps below to select and perform a recovery task.
Back up your essential files and folders. For more information, see Back up your files.
Click here to launch HP Backup and Recovery Manager.
Click Advanced options to access the task list.
Click an option. A short description of the option appears. Click Next.
Warning: If you choose System recovery, the recovery will begin immediately after you click Next, and the process cannot be stopped. All personal data will be erased. Do not click Next unless you are sure that you want to return your entire hard disk to its original factory state.
Follow the instructions provided by the wizard.
If anyone is having System Restore problems resulting in ‘Unspecified Error’ and has any Norton programs installed, then I suggest they look at http://bertk.mvps.org/html/symantecdoc1.html, which explains the cause of the problem and its solution.
I did a system restore and now I have a blank screen. It won’t boot up. what can i do?
plz can help me in restore my system it is not allowing me to restore my computer and it only provides me with one system restore date and it does not seem to go any where when the restore is going through its process …… if there is any one including the geek that can help me plz contact me on my e-mail add
thnx for listening
Kaanthan
=D
I used system restore some weeks ago. I’m not sure if anyone here can help me with this, but I think system restore destroyed some of my files, mostly files connected to my games, such as my CoD4 profiles and GTA4 saved game files. The problem with my CoD4 profile is that whenever I make progress in the game it jumps back to where it was before i used system restore, and my saved game files seems to be corrupted or something since my computer wont recognize them.. they’re there, but…
Hope someone can help
Help!!! System restore (started from safe mode) has been running over 24hours now! ??? This is on an HP w/ Vista. Screen says, “Please wait while your Windows files & setting are being restored. System restore is initializing…” Blue ring continues to spin. Can I shut down using power button? Restore point was for 2.5 days prior. Out of fear of losing client images & files I am scared to do anything! HELP!! Please!
I have a vista home premium.last night it stopped connecting to my Mobile broadband it say6s critical socket error and when tried to restore says no restore points identified and also an error messaging poppping up saying windows system event notification service has failed ..what to do
I am a medical transcriptionist. i recently purchased an Inspiron 530 Dell computer. On 03/04/2009 my desktop icons and everything became with enlarged letters. I tried to do a system reboot thinking that this would put it back in the same shape that it started. However, it has done nothing but a caused a nightmare.
For one thing I have what you can a ready reference bookshelf program the that Stedman’s a company that provides books and electronic references for the medical profession. I had installed on my computer a list of electronic book references in what you called Lippencott Wilkins and Wolters and this reference ready bookshelf had several programs that were installed by CDs. I cannot get into this book anymore. I have done several system restores and they have failed to let me get back into or they cannot be installed on my computer anymore.
Is there anything that I can do or you can call me and help me through it. You can send me the instructions via the e-mail. My email is bebelyster (at) windstream.net. I would appreciate it very much if you could me. As I am desperate this situation under control. I spent 3 hours on the telephone with Stedman’s IT department and they also failed to get it back where it was previously. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I have Windows Vista Home Premium on the my computer and also where on this computer do you find the safe mode.
hi there recently when i went on to youtube the videos are not working and then is says Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe’s Flash Player. Get the latest Flash player , i went on to get the flash player and its doesnt work so if u could pleae help me
ive got vista home premium light and it dosent come with system restore where can i download one
my acer laptop has windows vista and when i try system restore it says system restore is not functioning properly what do i do now?
thank you
I followed all the directions and tried to restore in the safe mode, but it said that there was an unspecified error and wouldn’t accept my restore point. I tried a couple more restore points, but received the same error. Where do I go from here. Nothing is working on my HP Pavillion.
I am having problems with System Restore in Vista Home Premium. I haven’t been able do to a successful restore for some time. Also I see my last system checkpoint was 45 days ago. Do not find it in Task scheduler either and can’t seem to pull it up to add it. I just did a manual restore point but I haven’t changed anything so running it wouldn’t be useful. Anyone have ideas on how to get it scheduled in task manager as I can’t seem to do it? Or does anyone have any experience with zaperrors tool for Vista … is it asking for trouble to use it? Thanks for your ideas.
Hi all,
I’m trying to fix my young nephew’s dell xps m1330 laptop. I think he has windows vista, though I’m not sure. I’m a mac user and am trying my best to troubleshoot this. He was able to boot the computer in safe mode. While in safe mode, I clicked on a system restore point. Then the screen turned black and it has been this way for about 1 hour. Is this normal? Total black screen? Should I power it off, or will that damage the computer? Even worse, I’m visiting from out of town and have only 2 days to fix the computer. They don’t have money nor another tech savvy family member that can help them. Many thanks for any help or advice!
Hi,
I’m using Windows Vista HP and I am doing the system restore for more than 10 hours now, saying “Please wait while your Windows files and settings are being restored System Restore is initializing…” How long should I wait for my system restore to finish? I tried to cancel the SR ealier but decided to continue again because my laptop is really slow and I dont know why. Please help me. Thank you.
Marga
I got the same problem Guy, I though it was a virus but not a virus realized that finally?
any clue why system restore fail?
windows vista home basic…
I will appreciate your help
Hey Marga, the problem is iwht your system perfromances, you need to register cleaning, disk cleanup and defragmentation.
reply back if not work…
I will be with you.
GOT AN ERROR WHILE DOING A SYSTEM RESTORE: UNSPECIFIED ERROR AND THE SYSTEM CANNOT BE RESTORED….GAVE FULL PERMISSION TO ALL USERS AND IT WORKED..ANOTHER WAY WUD B CREATING A NEW USER ACCOUNT AND CHECKING.IF IT WORKS,DELETE OLD USER ACCOUNT AND SHIFT FILES ON A NEW ONE…
Thanks a lot for restore info !!!
I was able to restore my computer successfully.
i was wondering if you go back to a system restore date will it bring back photos music or anything else like that back?
I NEED HELP! I have a Toshiba Satellite with Windows Vista home premium. I always use my mac but I am going to study abroad program this summer and need to take this computer with me. I don’t remember the password for admin. I don’t care about any of my old files I just want access to my computer. I tried the F8 option on start up and then go to restore but it still asks for a admin password. I don’t know the password. Then if I go to the option box it shows admin, guest, or my name. But I can’t put anything for admin or guest because every time I do it says account locked. The only one I can attempt is the one with my name on it but I don’t know the password. I tried leaving password blank or *. But no luck. I just want to reset the computer to get access. I don’t have a CD or USB. Please help
If unable to boot in safemode…. go to bios….. and load defaults… save and exit…. then try booting in safemode….it works…
F10-> F9 -> F10 ->….. load setup defaults in bios…..
I have an HP550 laptop which was pre-installed with vista, i wanted to change it back to XP but could not allow me access to the HDD, i sanitized the HDD and now the machine can’t see the HDD. I want to install XP. HELP!!
Has anyone used zaperrors.com for a fix with PROPLUS.MSI ? Is this a safe site that uses REGCURE for repairs? Thanks in advance, Carl Problem with Windows XP.
my computer wont start and when i try to repair though system repair its unable to repair it and there is no restore point .I could recovery to factory setting but i dont want to lose my picture and when i try to backup picture it wont let me add a usb drive nothing works please someone help me
i didnt receive a vista disk on my laptop
while using system restore i had formatted the “C:\>” drive due to which i lost the operating system
so what should i do for getting it back……………
please reply me soooon as much as possible
Thanking you
I need to go back to a restore point that isn’t on the restore points list because it’s more than seven days old. I have Vista Home Basic and want to know, is there a way to go back to an older restore point.
I installed Norton360 3.0 and updated my microsoft the same night, the next day my administrator password won’t work, I can’t do anything on this computer without this password it won’t let me in. I have a emachine with windows vista home basic. I know absolutely nothing about computers and I am scared to try. I am a 58 year old grandmother who needs help. It took 3 times trying to get the Norton to install on it. It was suppose to come with a 30 day free trial but from the get go it said it had expired so I bought my own and it took 3 times before it would install, now this has happened. Do you think its the Norton or Microsofts fault? Or both or a dummy trying her hand at something she knows nothing about lol. Someone please help. Thanks……….
Windows vista Restore point
Go to command promt and type rstrui
Thanks
Ramesh
My problem was solved by uninstalling NOD Eset security……after reboot, network detected…..
OK there was a system restore last nite on a dell laptop and on the picture folder for example its says there are 953 files there but when you open the folder it’s empty, which would be the best method for recovery.please help!!!
I can’t get into the internet any longer …I noticed that the last thing that happend the day before …was that Vista from MS and McAffee updates were downloaded …I tried to restore from several days before but nothing worked …the log is full of errors telling me that updates had failed for some time …I tried many things with NO prevail …I was told that the OS needs to be reloaded …Laptop is an
Dell Inspiron 1720 …running VISTA Home Edition…it came preloaded …any one out there has some instructions on how to re-load the OS – it came with several CD’s
(1) OS (2) Drivers & utilities (1) Application
Thanks to anyone that can help me
I can’t get into the internet any longer …I noticed that the last thing that happend the day before …was that Vista from MS and McAffee updates were downloaded …I tried to restore from several days before but nothing worked …the log is full of errors telling me that updates had failed for some time …I tried many things with NO prevail …I was told that the OS needs to be reloaded …Laptop is an
Dell Inspiron 1720 …running VISTA Home Edition…it came preloaded …any one out there has some instructions on how to re-load the OS – it came with several CD’s
(1) OS (2) Drivers & utilities (1) Application
Thanks to anyone that can help me
I have a fujitsu siemens laptop with vista home premium, i turned it on and it says i need to insert vista instalation disc, i dont have one!!! suggestions please.
Just brought a Dell Inspiron last Tue, crashed on Fri (had only installed yahoo messenger & nothing else, not even 1 personal file) (maybe windows update did it), but then I started restore to factory default Mon 10AM…. By Mon 11 AM it was at 78%, Mon midnight, 86%, Tue 11pm 100%… its Wed 4pm, and it still is at 100% screen … what do I do????? Want to shoot the laptop through the round and round ring!!@$# BTW the OS is stupid Vista!
My laptop crashed recently so I’ve been trying to restore it to an earlier point with safe mode system restore. I waited a good three and a half hours and still nothing. Should i just give up and restore it to the factory settings or is this normal?
Hi,
We had a power cut last night whilst the computer was on. My mum was using the computer and said that everything went back to set up, so it was like how we bought it 18 months ago. All documents, pictures, music etc have gone. I tried system restore, but this only went back to 9.55pm last night, which was clearly after the damage had been done as my old files do not re appear after I had gone through the process.
Any help, please? CVs etc, very important things were saved on here and I need them back!!