System Restore Failure - Challenge to MVP's

[Guest]

OK, I have to admit that I'm a bit desparate here, so this is a way to
get some MVP's to help me out since my original post got a couple responses
from non-MVP's. They did give me some links to MVP's that have website hints.
etc. for getting System restore to work again, but none of them have worked.

About a week ago, I tried going back to a previous System Restore Point,
but
the computer would just hang. Turned Off System Restore, rebooted, Turned it
back on, rebooted, but System Restore still does not work. (I've done this
about 3 times now). I lost all prior System restore points as expected, but
now I can't create a System Restore point. The error message I get is "
System Restore was unable to create a restore point. Please restart your
computer and run System Restore again". However, restarting the computer
doesn't fix this problem. I've tried executing System Restore in Safe Mode,
but that doesn't work either. I've also gone into the Services options in the
Administrative Tools under Control panel and turned System Restore On and
Off, and that didn't work.
I did run across an article in MS's Knowledge Base that talked about
this exact issue, but the solution was for Windows Millenium ME, and I run XP
Media Center OS. They talked about a Registry entry change, and my guess is
that this is related to a Registry issue as well, but don't know where to go
looking. What would you suggest?

 

[JimB]

Try clicking Start | Run, enter the following:
C:\Windows\System32\Restore\rstrui.exe /makefirstrestorepoint then press
enter.

 

[Guest]

Sorry, but this didn't work. Only brought up the System Restore interface
window - with the same result of not being able to create the restore point.

 

[Guest]

Try this link
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;302796

 

[Guest]

Mike,
I've done all the things that are suggested in this article that appear
relevant to my particular circumstance. They haven't resolved this issue.

 

[John7]

Just in case a system file is broken ...
You need a WinXP pro CD including same Service Pack like on your system now
(SP2 ?).

Run the system File Checker at Start - Run: sfc.exe /scannow
If any, have all corrupted / missing files fixed.
Does Restore Point creation work now ?

HTH,
John7

 

[Guest]

John,
I had previously run "sfc.exe /scannow", and it requested some files
from my CD. However, my Software was all bundled on my hard disk from HP. and
I did not receive a separate CD. I tried having the system read the Recovery
Disks that HP asked I generate when I first brought the PC up. however, it
did not find the right files on those CD's. Unfortunately, I did not see an
option to "Browse" to search for the correct file location. Do you know how I
might get around this?

 

[Plato]

I've done all the things that are suggested in this article that appear
relevant to my particular circumstance. They haven't resolved this issue.
http://www.bootdisk.com/xptop20.htm#15

 

[R. McCarty]

Most OEM PCs have the installer folder (i386) located on the XP
system partition. You'll know you've located the right one if it has
either WinNT.Exe or WinNT32.Exe (the XP installer modules).

 

[Ron Martell]

OK, I have to admit that I'm a bit desparate here, so this is a way to
get some MVP's to help me out since my original post got a couple responses
from non-MVP's. They did give me some links to MVP's that have website hints.
etc. for getting System restore to work again, but none of them have worked.

About a week ago, I tried going back to a previous System Restore Point,
but
the computer would just hang. Turned Off System Restore, rebooted, Turned it
back on, rebooted, but System Restore still does not work. (I've done this
about 3 times now). I lost all prior System restore points as expected, but
now I can't create a System Restore point. The error message I get is "
System Restore was unable to create a restore point. Please restart your
computer and run System Restore again". However, restarting the computer
doesn't fix this problem. I've tried executing System Restore in Safe Mode,
but that doesn't work either. I've also gone into the Services options in the
Administrative Tools under Control panel and turned System Restore On and
Off, and that didn't work.
I did run across an article in MS's Knowledge Base that talked about
this exact issue, but the solution was for Windows Millenium ME, and I run XP
Media Center OS. They talked about a Registry entry change, and my guess is
that this is related to a Registry issue as well, but don't know where to go
looking. What would you suggest?

Have you checked out MVP Bert Kinney's System Restore pages:
http://bertk.mvps.org/index.html ? In particular see the following:

1. http://bertk.mvps.org/html/srfail.html especially the section "Use
Event Viewer .....".

2. http://bertk.mvps.org/html/error.html#ErrorUnableToCreate

Good luck


Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada

 

[John7]

Hi CoopCNR,


Pff, that's a tough one.

HP's helpdesk / knowledge base should be able to tell how to run SFC for
their configuration.
Keep in mind, this can only work when your current system Service Pack level
matches the Restore CD Service Pack level.

John7

 

[Plato]

I had previously run "sfc.exe /scannow", and it requested some files
from my CD. However, my Software was all bundled on my hard disk from HP. and
I did not receive a separate CD. I tried having the system read the Recovery

Demand a real XP CD from your pc maker. After all, you already paid for
XP. Why shouldn/t you also have the real cd?

 

[Bert Kinney]

As i suggested to you in another newsgroup, try reinstalling Syetem
Restore.
http://bertk.mvps.org/html/tips.html#ReinstallSR

 

[Guest]

Bert,
I did try the reinstallation, but it did not solve the problem.

 

[Guest]

John7,
I had their support techs help me run the sfc /scannow. They basically
gave up when I told them about the fact that the program requested files on
CD. They were recommending I do a System Recovery, but I see that as a last
resort. Unfortunately, if I can't get resolution soon, I may have no option
other than a System recovery.

 

[Edward W. Thompson]

Bert,
I did try the reinstallation, but it did not solve the problem.

Just give up on System Restore (SR) it is a particularly 'fragile' utility
that gives a false sense of security given its history of problems. There
is an alternative, ERUNT, that is totally reliable.

 

[John7]

CoopCNR.

It is a shame for HP as they ship their customized WinXP installation
but in case of trouble are not able to get de valuable SFC.exe going.

Shame on HP !!!

Yeah, maybe only the final option remains @#$#%^&
Don't forget to backup ALL your data to ANOTHER system
as most System Restore CD's revert to initial shipping state.

John7