System Restore not keeping restore points

[magineer02]

I have a Dell Dimension 8200 with XP, SP3 , Windows Firewall, Avast antivirus, Spywareblaster, and run Firefox for the Internet and all the programs work well together and are up to date.

Recently I noticed that System Restore isn’t storing the restore points I’ve made.

The only other issue is that I have is that Live Messenger will not complete a previous upload process and I’ve tried (6) times but it seems it’s caught in a loop. I’ve tried using system restore to finish the process but it never does yet I keep having these pop-ups saying a new version is available. I'm trying to log-in to Hotmail via Live Messenger;I can always log-in via a web browser but I was hoping to still use Live Messenger as my client application. Although as I understand it Live Messenger is being phased out in favor of Skype so I will have to find some other client application, perhaps via MSN but that is the only other issue I have at present.

Any thoughts/suggestions would be appreciated

Thanks,
Robert

 

[(PeteCresswell)]

Per (e-mail address removed):

Any thoughts/suggestions would be appreciated

Am I the only one that thinks there is a fallacy in system restore
points?

To wit, the system can acquire a root kit or some other type of malware
and the system restore point is not going to help.

This is from somebody who professes little or no technical knowledge...
but my money is on keeping system images instead of restore points.

 

[Andy]

Per (e-mail address removed):





Am I the only one that thinks there is a fallacy in system restore

points?



To wit, the system can acquire a root kit or some other type of malware

and the system restore point is not going to help.



This is from somebody who professes little or no technical knowledge...

but my money is on keeping system images instead of restore points.

It's easier to use a disk imaging program and store the images on another drive.

If you have downloaded files since your last image backup, copy them to another drive before you create the new image.

System restore is unreliable.

Andy

 

[(PeteCresswell)]

Per Andy:

It's easier to use a disk imaging program and store the images on another drive.

If you have downloaded files since your last image backup, copy them to another drive before you create the new image.

What I do:

- Learn the discipline of not saving data to C:\

- Assume that the discipline will not always have been
followed 100%.

- Before re-imaging, take a "Just-In-Case" image of
C: using a tool that allows the image to be mounted
as if it were another drive.

- Set up my backup utility to copy those files that
just *have* to be on C: to a staging area every time
a daily backup is done.

- After re-imaging, copy any files from the staging area
back on to C:

As far as files that just *have* to be on C: are concerned,
I find vanishingly few of them. Mostly they only seem
to have to be on C: because the app cannot handle working
over a LAN share - so moving them to the D: partition works.

 

[Twayne]

In

Per (e-mail address removed):

Am I the only one that thinks there is a fallacy in
system restore points?

To wit, the system can acquire a root kit or some other
type of malware and the system restore point is not going
to help.

This is from somebody who professes little or no
technical knowledge... but my money is on keeping system
images instead of restore points.

Restore Points are a reasonably fast, usually useful first attempt when you
have a problem. Especially if something went awry during an install, say, or
file corruption in the registry.

If it works, one has possbly saved themselves many hours of work. Worst
case, it finds nothing and the first Restore POint tried can be rolled back
to the latest version.

Nothng is perfect, and that includes ALL AV and anti-malware programs out
there! But they certainly have their place before attempting anything as
rash as a full system reinstall including deletion of and replacement of the
partition/s when one suspects a rootkit or otherwse.

Rather than concentrate on the weak points, you should instead provide
something useful that a poster can actually use, or ask questions to pin
down better descriptions, etc..

HTH,

Twayne`

 

[magineer02]

In









Restore Points are a reasonably fast, usually useful first attempt when you

have a problem. Especially if something went awry during an install, say,or

file corruption in the registry.



If it works, one has possbly saved themselves many hours of work. Worst

case, it finds nothing and the first Restore POint tried can be rolled back

to the latest version.



Nothng is perfect, and that includes ALL AV and anti-malware programs out

there! But they certainly have their place before attempting anything as

rash as a full system reinstall including deletion of and replacement of the

partition/s when one suspects a rootkit or otherwse.



Rather than concentrate on the weak points, you should instead provide

something useful that a poster can actually use, or ask questions to pin

down better descriptions, etc..



HTH,



Twayne`

Exactly, lets not get pulled off the subject with what I should have or should do regarding storage. That's another subject entirely and as others have stated System Restore does have it's place. I've stated my problem as accurately as possible but if you need more information please ask.

As far as the other post from D. Lipman about seeking guided assistance with the following link:

http://forums.malwarebytes.org/index.php?showforum=7

If indeed it's malware that is corrupting my System Restore surely it wouldbe much better to provide a removal tool than a forum?

Thoughts/Suggestions
Robert

 

[magineer02]

Exactly, lets not get pulled off the subject with what I should have or should do regarding storage. That's another subject entirely and as others have stated System Restore does have it's place. I've stated my problem as accurately as possible but if you need more information please ask.



As far as the other post from D. Lipman about seeking guided assistance with the following link:



http://forums.malwarebytes.org/index.php?showforum=7



If indeed it's malware that is corrupting my System Restore surely it would be much better to provide a removal tool than a forum?



Thoughts/Suggestions

Robert

P.s. I forgot to add, please post all replies to this thread here as it's very confusing for me to look for separate responses and reply so that were all on one page.

Thanks,
Robert

 

[Paul in Houston TX]

I have a Dell Dimension 8200 with XP, SP3 , Windows Firewall, Avast
antivirus, Spywareblaster, and run Firefox for the Internet and all
the programs work well together and are up to date.

Recently I noticed that System Restore isn’t storing the restore
points I’ve made.

The only other issue is that I have is that Live Messenger will not
complete a previous upload process and I’ve tried (6) times but it
seems it’s caught in a loop. I’ve tried using system restore to
finish the process but it never does yet I keep having these pop-ups
saying a new version is available. I'm trying to log-in to Hotmail
via Live Messenger;I can always log-in via a web browser but I was
hoping to still use Live Messenger as my client application. Although
as I understand it Live Messenger is being phased out in favor of
Skype so I will have to find some other client application, perhaps
via MSN but that is the only other issue I have at present.

Any thoughts/suggestions would be appreciated

Thanks, Robert

Try turning off system restore, rebooting, then re-enabling it,
and creating a new restore point. I bet it will then work on
the new point that you made.
NOTE: you will lose all previous restore points. But since
they don't work anyways, it may not matter.
Can't help with the Live Hot Mess Skype Mail.
I don't and won't use any of them.

 

[David H. Lipman]

P.s. I forgot to add, please post all replies to this thread here as it's very confusing
for me to look for separate responses and reply so that were all on one page.

Thanks,
Robert

You are using Google Groups and THAT is the problem. Usenet News Groups are *BEST* served
using a News Client via NNTP connected to a News Server than the crap called Google
Groups.

The following News URL will take your default News Client to the Free AIOE News Server and
this News Group...
news://nntp.aioe.org/microsoft.public.windowsxp.general

 

[David H. Lipman]

Exactly, lets not get pulled off the subject with what I should have or should do
regarding storage. That's another subject entirely and as others have stated System
Restore does have it's place. I've stated my problem as accurately as possible but if
you
need more information please ask.

As far as the other post from D. Lipman about seeking guided assistance with the
following
link:

http://forums.malwarebytes.org/index.php?showforum=7

If indeed it's malware that is corrupting my System Restore surely it would be much
better
to provide a removal tool than a forum?

Thoughts/Suggestions
Robert

'Cause it may not be a case that the mere removal of a file by a application may correct
the issue.
Going to a forum and getting directed help from a trained person you may get a better
result.

 

[glee]

I have a Dell Dimension 8200 with XP, SP3 , Windows Firewall, Avast
antivirus,
Spywareblaster, and run Firefox for the Internet and all the programs
work well together
and are up to date.

Recently I noticed that System Restore isn’t storing the restore points
I’ve made.

The only other issue is that I have is that Live Messenger will not
complete a previous
upload process and I’ve tried (6) times but it seems it’s caught in a
loop. I’ve tried
using system restore to finish the process but it never does yet I keep
having these
pop-ups saying a new version is available. I'm trying to log-in to
Hotmail via Live
Messenger;I can always log-in via a web browser but I was hoping to
still use Live
Messenger as my client application. Although as I understand it Live
Messenger is being
phased out in favor of Skype so I will have to find some other client
application, perhaps
via MSN but that is the only other issue I have at present.

Any thoughts/suggestions would be appreciated

Thanks,
Robert

Troubleshooting steps to take when System Restore fails to create an
automatic restore point:
http://bertk.mvps.org/html/srauto.html

Troubleshooting missing restore points:
http://bertk.mvps.org/html/missingrps.html

Tips on keeping System Restore healthy:
http://bertk.mvps.org/html/healthy.html

I can't access Hotmail from Windows Live Messenger:
http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/...ea?msgId=3943d128-81ac-4ff9-987c-59f7ddb078e3

 

[glee]

Troubleshooting steps to take when System Restore fails to create an
automatic restore point:
http://bertk.mvps.org/html/srauto.html

Troubleshooting missing restore points:
http://bertk.mvps.org/html/missingrps.html

Tips on keeping System Restore healthy:
http://bertk.mvps.org/html/healthy.html

I can't access Hotmail from Windows Live Messenger:
http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/...ea?msgId=3943d128-81ac-4ff9-987c-59f7ddb078e3

 

[Twayne]

In

.


It's easier to use a disk imaging program and store the
images on another drive.

If you have downloaded files since your last image
backup, copy them to another drive before you create the
new image.

System restore is unreliable.

Andy

Not unreliable; but very misunderstood.

 

[magineer02]

Troubleshooting steps to take when System Restore fails to create an

automatic restore point:

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



Troubleshooting missing restore points:

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



Tips on keeping System Restore healthy:

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



I can't access Hotmail from Windows Live Messenger:

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/...ea?msgId=3943d128-81ac-4ff9-987c-59f7ddb078e3



--

Glen Ventura

MS MVP Oct. 2002 - Sept. 2009

CompTIA A+

Hello Glen

I followed the links and my responses:

First link: I checked the Task Scheduler and System Restore Service were running, checked Task Scheduler; startup type is automatic, at command promptI type Services.msc and all show that they started.

Tried a test restore point and created a desktop test folder to see if system restore is working properly. It removed the test folder proving system restore is working properly.

I couldn’t open the links to check the frequency at which System Restore is set to create automatic restore points.

Second link: I right clicked My Computer and selected Properties to check for monitored drives and to disable them but I saw no System Restore tab. Did I do something wrong?

Checked for free space
C: partition 12.2 GB Used Space, 32.3 free space – 44.5 GB total
D: partition 9.6 GB Used Space, 38.5 free space – 47.7 GB total
F: Partition 6.17 GB Used Space, 50.5 free space -56.7 GB total

I briefly looked at the Live Messenger link but will come back to that.

The only thing that appears odd is that there wasn’t a System Restore tabunder My Computer > Properties?

Thoughts/Suggestions?
Robert

 

[magineer02]

Troubleshooting steps to take when System Restore fails to create an

automatic restore point:

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



Troubleshooting missing restore points:

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



Tips on keeping System Restore healthy:

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



I can't access Hotmail from Windows Live Messenger:

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/...ea?msgId=3943d128-81ac-4ff9-987c-59f7ddb078e3



--

Glen Ventura

MS MVP Oct. 2002 - Sept. 2009

CompTIA A+

I followed the link to resolve the Live Messenger issue but in the first post I couldn't find the profile bar to sign out of Windows Live Mail. In thesecond post I couldn't find the connections tab.

Thoughts/suggestions,
Robert

 

[glee]

Hello Glen

I followed the links and my responses:

First link: I checked the Task Scheduler and System Restore Service
were running, checked
Task Scheduler; startup type is automatic, at command prompt I type
Services.msc and all
show that they started.

Tried a test restore point and created a desktop test folder to see if
system restore is
working properly. It removed the test folder proving system restore is
working properly.

I couldn’t open the links to check the frequency at which System
Restore is set to create
automatic restore points.

Second link: I right clicked My Computer and selected Properties to
check for monitored
drives and to disable them but I saw no System Restore tab. Did I do
something wrong?

Checked for free space
C: partition 12.2 GB Used Space, 32.3 free space – 44.5 GB total
D: partition 9.6 GB Used Space, 38.5 free space – 47.7 GB total
F: Partition 6.17 GB Used Space, 50.5 free space -56.7 GB total

I briefly looked at the Live Messenger link but will come back to that.

The only thing that appears odd is that there wasn’t a System Restore
tab under My
Computer > Properties?

Thoughts/Suggestions?
Robert

The links to the script to see the frequency setting for System restore
work here. What do you man by you "couldn't open them"? What happens
when you click this link?
http://bertk.mvps.org/html/srscripts.html

What happens when you click the link on that page to the
XPSystemRestorePointFrequency.vbs script?
http://bertk.mvps.org/XPSystemRestorePointFrequency.zip


Regarding the missing System Restore tab, are you working in a user
profile with administrative rights.... and admin profile? There will be
no System Restore tab if you are in a Standard User profile. If you are
in a Standard User profile, log into your Admin profile to see the SR
settings.

If you are logged into an admin profile and there's no tab for SR in
System properties, you may have a policy set in the Registry that is
hiding it. This can be a side effect of malware that was or is on the
system.

In the Registry Editor (regedit.exe), you cab navigate to this key:
HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows NT\SystemRestore

If there is an entry in the SystemRestore key named "DisableSR", delete
that entry. There should only be the generic Default entry with 'value
not set' in that key.


I don't use any Windows Live programs and can't support it for you....
it is not part of XP anyway, so you are in the wrong place for Live
Essentials or Hotmail support. Ask your questions about that, here:
http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windowslive/forum?tm=1360331869578

 

[magineer02]

The links to the script to see the frequency setting for System restore

work here. What do you man by you "couldn't open them"? What happens

when you click this link?

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



What happens when you click the link on that page to the

XPSystemRestorePointFrequency.vbs script?

http://bertk.mvps.org/XPSystemRestorePointFrequency.zip





Regarding the missing System Restore tab, are you working in a user

profile with administrative rights.... and admin profile? There will be

no System Restore tab if you are in a Standard User profile. If you are

in a Standard User profile, log into your Admin profile to see the SR

settings.



If you are logged into an admin profile and there's no tab for SR in

System properties, you may have a policy set in the Registry that is

hiding it. This can be a side effect of malware that was or is on the

system.



In the Registry Editor (regedit.exe), you cab navigate to this key:

HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows NT\SystemRestore



If there is an entry in the SystemRestore key named "DisableSR", delete

that entry. There should only be the generic Default entry with 'value

not set' in that key.





I don't use any Windows Live programs and can't support it for you....

it is not part of XP anyway, so you are in the wrong place for Live

Essentials or Hotmail support. Ask your questions about that, here:

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windowslive/forum?tm=1360331869578



--

Glen Ventura

MS MVP Oct. 2002 - Sept. 2009

CompTIA A+

When I click the link provided I get a page, System Restore Scripts and Utilities with other links with VBS extensions (which I have no idea what they are). When I try clicking those links including the second link you gave I got the following responses:

A utility to view and change the frequency that Windows XP System Restore creates automatic Restore Points. The default is 24 hours. FOR WINDOWS XP ONLY! It showed 24 so I didn’t change anything


A utility to change the number of days Windows XP System Restore maintains Restore Points. The default is 90 days. FOR WINDOWS XP ONLY! This showed 90show I didn’t change anything

I decided not to do the 3rd or 4th links because it didn’t seem to deal with the problem at hand and prefer not to add things unless needed.

I am working on a User Account with User rights, I also have an Administrative Account with Administrator rights. I go to the Administrative Account only for updates and system restore and the like. I use the User Account to surf the web.

I checked the System Restore while I was on the Administrative Account.

Ummmmmm you have to be more specific about the registry editor as anything to do with regedit is tricky at best. Just how do I get to the Registry Editor via Run?

As far as Hotmail via Live Messenger I’m not going to worry about it since Microsoft is phasing it out anyway in favor of Skype. I only mentioned itas the only other issue I was having at this time.


Thanks,
Robert

 

[glee]

When I click the link provided I get a page, System Restore Scripts
and Utilities with
other links with VBS extensions (which I have no idea what they are).
When I try clicking
those links including the second link you gave I got the following
responses:

A utility to view and change the frequency that Windows XP System
Restore creates
automatic Restore Points. The default is 24 hours. FOR WINDOWS XP ONLY!
It showed 24 so I
didn’t change anything


A utility to change the number of days Windows XP System Restore
maintains Restore Points.
The default is 90 days. FOR WINDOWS XP ONLY! This showed 90 show I didn’t
change anything

I decided not to do the 3rd or 4th links because it didn’t seem to deal
with the problem
at hand and prefer not to add things unless needed.

I am working on a User Account with User rights, I also have an
Administrative Account
with Administrator rights. I go to the Administrative Account only for
updates and system
restore and the like. I use the User Account to surf the web.

I checked the System Restore while I was on the Administrative Account.

Ummmmmm you have to be more specific about the registry editor as
anything to do with
regedit is tricky at best. Just how do I get to the Registry Editor
via Run?

As far as Hotmail via Live Messenger I’m not going to worry about it
since Microsoft is
phasing it out anyway in favor of Skype. I only mentioned it as the
only other issue I
was having at this time.

So, you are saying that even in your Admin account, there is no System
Restore tab in System properties? If that's the case, you may have that
policy set to hide it. If you are not familiar with using the Registry
Editor, then we have to adjust it a different way, because you can do
damage in the Registry if you do the wrong things there.

Are you using XP Home or XP Pro?

 

[magineer02]

So, you are saying that even in your Admin account, there is no System

Restore tab in System properties? If that's the case, you may have that

policy set to hide it. If you are not familiar with using the Registry

Editor, then we have to adjust it a different way, because you can do

damage in the Registry if you do the wrong things there.



Are you using XP Home or XP Pro?

--

Glen Ventura

MS MVP Oct. 2002 - Sept. 2009

CompTIA A+

Ok, I went back to look for the System Restore tab and found it this time. Maybe I was logged on my User Account when I tried previously. In any case,I tried to disable the drives D and F and all went well until I received the message :

New volume D:
You have choosen to turn off System Restore on this drive. If you continue,you will not be able to track or undo harmful changes to this drive.

Do you want to turn off System Restore on this drive?

I said no until I heard back from you and also because we haven’t resolved whether I have another issue or not? I would hate to say yes when I mighthave a malware or other issue that hasn’t been resolved. On the other hand this also may correct my System Restore issue.

I’m using XP Home version.

Thoughts/Suggestions?

Robert

 

[Twayne]

In

....


Ummmmmm you have to be more specific about the registry
editor as anything to do with regedit is tricky at best.
Just how do I get to the Registry Editor via Run?

n the Run box, (Start; Run) enter regedt and hit OK. That will start
the registry editor.
It's smart, before you delete/chang anything in the registry, to export
that entry. They will be .REG files and puttiing them back into the Registry
is as simple as clicking on them. It's for your own protection; trash the
registry and iit could trach your abaility to boot.

HTH,

Twayne`