[RESOLVED] System Restore says it can't restore

[Dr Seven]

I had a minor problem with the operation of my computer and so I went to System Restore to try to take the computer back a day or so to where the problem ddin't exist. I was told that System Retore was unable to restore my computer to the restore point. It didn't matter how far back I went it kept telling me that System Restore failed.

Is there anyway I can fix this without having to wipe my hard drive and reinstall Windows? I don't want to have to back up tons of files.

System Restore did work on my computer. I used it. My computer is only a year old. Why would system restore fail that quick?

I found a place on Google that claims the steps included are the steps to troubleshoot the problem. Is it safe to follow these steps?

Here is the URL:

http://bertk.mvps.org/html/srfail.html

BTW: When I try to open more than one window on the internet, I can't. It will go away from the one I am trying to save minimized, then to the next page. Is there anyway I can get around that so that I can open two pages on the internet at the same time? I'm asking because I tried to open the window to check the link listed above before I posted this and couldn' t do it. It left here and I had to come back and redo the post.

[SpywareDr]

Is it safe to follow these steps?

Here is the URL:http://bertk.mvps.org/html/srfail.html

Yes.

I'd start with trying to run System Restore in Safe mode. (Manually create a restore point in Normal mode first though).

[dunedin]

Dr Seven

Yes, I agree. That is a good troubleshooter.
Do you have Norton? It is often the cause.

Open in a new window
1.IE/Tools/Internet Options.

2.Click the Advanced tab.

3.In the Settings box, Navigate to the Browsing section.

4.Uncheck the box “Reuse windows for launching shortcuts”.

5.Click the OK button.

Elaine

[SuperSparks]

Unfortunately when this happens usually the only way to get System Restore working again is to go to Control Panel>System, check "Turn off System Restore", reboot the PC then go and turn it back on again. Regrettably you will lose all your previous restore points though, so it isn't going to help you fix your existing problem

[Welshjim]

Do you use Norton AntiVirus? There is a setting in Options|NAV|Miscellaneous that blocks System Restore from functioning.
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT...05113009323013
Assuming the box mentioned is checked (and this is the only problem), once you uncheck the box, your existing System Restore points will work again.
I suspect there are other AV's and Spyware Detectors that do the same. I see that BertK's article mentions ZoneAlarm.
I run NAV and just unchecked that box permanently. The "protection" offered is only to protect NAV, not your PC's overall functions.

[Dr Seven]

Unfortunately when this happens usually the only way to get System Restore working again is to go to Control Panel>System, check "Turn off System Restore", reboot the PC then go and turn it back on again. Regrettably you will lose all your previous restore points though, so it isn't going to help you fix your existing problem

I've already tried what you mentioned here. It still doesn't restore after doing this.

[Dr Seven]

[QUOTE=dunedin]Dr Seven

Yes, I agree. That is a good troubleshooter.
Do you have Norton? It is often the cause.

Open in a new window
1.IE/Tools/Internet Options.

2.Click the Advanced tab.

3.In the Settings box, Navigate to the Browsing section.

4.Uncheck the box “Reuse windows for launching shortcuts”.

5.Click the OK button.



Do I try system restore after clicking OK? I did it, but I mean, now what?

[Dr Seven]

It was the Norton interferring. I turned that off and the System Restore worked.

[dunedin]

That`s good. You have System Restore fixed. I thought it might be Norton

A bit of confusion here

Open in a new window
1.IE/Tools/Internet Options.

2.Click the Advanced tab.

3.In the Settings box, Navigate to the Browsing section.

4.Uncheck the box “Reuse windows for launching shortcuts”.

5.Click the OK button.

This is to try to cure the problem of not being able to open more than one window on the internet

Elaine

[Welshjim]

Dr Seven--Thanks for posting back. Glad to hear the good news.

[ttodd]

..and to ensure this won't happen again it might be in your best interests to remove all of Norton's programs off your computer and replace with equivalent. I have heard over a period now of ten years how bad Norton is for your PC..
Don't believe me? Ask Google that question.