System restore won't work

  • Thread starter Thread starter MG.
  • Start date Start date
M

MG.

Hello to all.
I'm running Win XP SP2 and have had VERY FEW issues over the years with
this machine & the OS. I do however, have an issue now. I changed a few
settings, installed a new display driver (not really needed) anbd the
easiest thing would be to restore the system to an earlier date. However,
when I pick a date, regardless of when, I get the message "Can not restore
to... No changes have been mnade"
Is there a simple fix for this issue? I would much rather restore than go
through the process of fixing things one by one.

Thanks and regards,
morey G
 
In normal case this is not a problem. It is just becuase there is no change
in windows that System Restore can track after that date.
And If you want your old display driver back then go to device manager and
choose your display driver - right click it - properties - in driver tab
click on "Roll Back Driver".
 
Thanks for the info, but I am afraid I've been down those roads
already...Real Player upgrade, Norton Protection Disabled, Starting
Services from a Command Prompt...I'm totally frustrated. I don't recall
the last time I used it, I usually don't but this time, since I can't find
the install CD for my Radeon 9600, I can't roll back the driver. I fixed
the security settings I changed so now it's just the display driver issue
AND the System Restore not working.

Thanks again for the help. The only thing I haven't done yet is to delete
some of the older restore points.
Best regards
Morey
 
Yes. The driver rollback was successful. I managed to locate the ATI
install CD and rolled it back to the original, which
took care of the original issue, but NOT the non-functioning system
restore. I'm not much for playing around with the OS, but it's awfully
nice to have system restore functioning when you need it. It has saved me
in the past and I'd sure like to get it working.

Thanks again
MG
 
At this point I would suggest disabling System Restore to delete all the
existing restore points. Then enable it, but only let SR monitor the
partition Windows is installed on. Then test SR.

How to Disable and Enable System Restore:
http://bertk.mvps.org/html/disablesr.html

Then test SR.
Create a new restore point named TEST.
Create a new shortcut on the desktop and point it to My Computer or any
other file of your choice and name it TEST.
Now restore to the Test restore point.
The system will now reboot, and you will receive a message if the
restore was successful, and the Test shortcut on the desktop will be
gone.
 
Hi Bert.
I thought I replied to this but I guess it didn't post; yes, I did the
driver rollback and it worked. I am however, reluctant to leave System
Restore inoperative. Even though I don't tinker MUCH with the OS, it is
reassuring to have the rollback to a prior date available.

I'm still stumped as to what the heck is preventing it from working.
I tried safe mode early on, thinking that I would get it for sure. Then I
tried the Norton Fix, then the manual start of services, and I think,
everything one after the other. I was reluctant to lose prior restore
points, but I guess if nobody has any other suggestions, there is no reason
to keep restore points I can not access.
So I guess a re-install would be the final option?
Regards again
Morey
 
MG. said:
Hi Bert.
I thought I replied to this but I guess it didn't post; yes, I did the
driver rollback and it worked. I am however, reluctant to leave System
Restore inoperative. Even though I don't tinker MUCH with the OS, it is
reassuring to have the rollback to a prior date available.

I'm still stumped as to what the heck is preventing it from working.
I tried safe mode early on, thinking that I would get it for sure. Then I
tried the Norton Fix, then the manual start of services, and I think,
everything one after the other. I was reluctant to lose prior restore
points, but I guess if nobody has any other suggestions, there is no reason
to keep restore points I can not access.
So I guess a re-install would be the final option?
Regards again
Morey
news:[email protected]...
Click to expand...


You don't need to reinstall just yet. Turn off system restore which
will delete all restore points. Then turn it back on, create a restore
point and see if you can restore to it.

Btw You did reply before, not sure why you can't see it, and Bert
replied to you.
 
Thnx Rock. Not sure why I couldn't see it either, but I do see this.

Do I need to turn off Norton before CREATNG the restore point? Do you
think that still could be an issue?
Again, I thank all for the help.
BTW, is it true that MS will no longer use the "restore" feature as part of
Vista?

Regards
Morey
 
Thnx Rock. Not sure why I couldn't see it either, but I do see this.

Do I need to turn off Norton before CREATNG the restore point? Do you
think that still could be an issue?
Click to expand...

Norton products are always suspect!

Did you turn SR off then on again as Rock suggested. Doing so will
delete all existing restore points and create one new one in the
process.
Again, I thank all for the help.
BTW, is it true that MS will no longer use the "restore" feature as
part of Vista?
Click to expand...

System Restore in Vista has been totally resigned.

--
Regards,
Bert Kinney MS-MVP Shell/User
http://bertk.mvps.org
Member: http://dts-l.org

 
MG. said:
Thnx Rock. Not sure why I couldn't see it either, but I do see this.

Do I need to turn off Norton before CREATNG the restore point? Do you
think that still could be an issue?
Again, I thank all for the help.
BTW, is it true that MS will no longer use the "restore" feature as part of
Vista?

Regards
Morey
Click to expand...

I prefer not to use Norton/Symantec products. System Restore is in
Vista, but redesigned.
 
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