System Restore Points - Manually Extract Files and Folders

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    System Restore Points - Manually Extract Files and Folders

    System Restore Points - Manually Extract Files and Folders

    How to Extract Files and Folders from System Restore Points in Windows 7 and Vista
    Published by
    Designer Media Ltd


    How to Extract Files and Folders from System Restore Points in Windows 7 and Vista

       Information
    This will show you how to use a free program System Restore Explorer to be able to mount specific restore points to be able to browse and copy individual files and folders from a mounted restore point back into Windows 7 and Vista without having to use Previous Versions or to do a full System Restore. When finished copying and restoring what you like from the mounted restore point, you could unmount the restore point.

    You must be logged in as an administrator to be able run System Restore Explorer.

       Note
    You could also use the System Restore Explorer program to delete specific restore points. See OPTION FOUR here for more on this feature.





    Here's How:

    1. If you have not already, download and install the free program System Restore Explorer and run it.


    Download



    2. To Mount a Restore Point

       Note
    Mounting a restore point will create a shortcut to that particular restore point on the root directory of the Windows C: drive which will allow you to be able to browse and copy files and folders from the mounted restore point.

    A) In System Restore Explorer, select a specific restore point that you would like to mount, and click on the Mount button. (see screenshot below)
    System Restore Points - Manually Extract Files and Folders-mount-1.jpg
    B) This will now open the mounted restore point in a Windows Explorer window where you can now browse and copy any file and folder you like. (see screenshot below)
    System Restore Points - Manually Extract Files and Folders-mount-2.jpg
    C) The shortcut of the mounted restore point will stay in the root directory of the Windows C: drive until you unmount it in step 3 below. If you like, you could leave the restore point mounted for as long as you like though for easy access. (see screenshot below)
    System Restore Points - Manually Extract Files and Folders-mount-3.jpg
    3. To Unmount a Mounted Restore Point

       Note
    Unmounting a selected mounted restore point will remove the shortcut of the mounted restore point from the root directory of the Windows C: drive.

    Unmounting a mounted restore point will not delete the restore point.

    A) Do either step B or C below to unmount a mounted restore point.

    B) In System Restore Explorer, select a specific mounted restore point that you would like to unmount, and click on the Unmount button. (see screenshot below)
    System Restore Points - Manually Extract Files and Folders-unmount-1.jpg
    OR

    C) In the root directory of the Windows C: drive, right click on the shortcut of a specific mounted restore point that you would like to unmount, and click on Delete. (see screenshot below)
    System Restore Points - Manually Extract Files and Folders-mount-3.jpg
    4. When finished, you can close System Restore Explorer.


    That's it,
    Shawn




  1.    #1

    This is just fantastic.

    I wonder how much data could be saved if this were wider known.

    I can't believe how much there is still to learn here.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 13
    Windows 7 X64
       #2

    Does anyone know which folder system retores are saved in as I want to save some initial restore points on a disc other than drive C. Question comes about after a repair install and a relatively modest SSD as the C drive.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 71,959
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Hello Shag00,

    Sorry, but that wouldn't work. Restore points can only be saved on the drive that they are created for.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 13
    Windows 7 X64
       #4

    Brink,

    I understand the system only saves to the drive the restore was created for, what I want to do is a restore of the C drive then manually copy that restore point file to another drive for safe keeping and manually copy it back to the "restore" folder when I need it (when the restore is created it must be saved as a file in a folder). Again, I fully understand there are no Windows settings I can use to accomplish this.

    When you say it can't be done do you mean it is one of those system files which Windows won't let you copy to/from, or does Windows have some mechanism for recording valid restore point files?
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 71,959
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Exactly. Even if you were able to, doing so would corrupt the restore point and make it unseen by Windows to be usable.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 11
    Windows 7 Ultimate x86
       #6

    Hi Shawn,

    Can I manually reach to System Restore Points folders?

    Becaue I used this "Windows 7 Manager" software and made some changes in customization tab. Then I wanted to restore the changes and clicked restore. I wanted to restore those changes I had done with it, nothing more. But, it changed all changes I made since I installed windows 7 and changed somethings in entirely system. For example I couldn't open registry and when I double click on computer it goes to manage. These ones are fine now. But in start menu, all sections below account picture have gone or it changed appearence and order of desktop files&documents, it changed pointer speed of mouse (sensitivity), it changed all files views, there was a mouse section under the "hardware and sound" in control panel, it has gone etc.



    Then I thought that maybe I can use System Restore to undo these changes. They gave me two option: after the insalling of "Windows 7 manager" or before it. (Because when I installed it, it created a new system restore point.) I selected after one, but the system couldn't do it. Then I wanted to select before one, but it was gone, deleted.

    We can recover deleted files in Windows with some programs. Can I recover that deleted system restore point with this way? Or, can I undo all these canges in another way?

    I'm waiting for your respond, thank you.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 71,959
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Thread Starter
       #7

    Hello Erchamion, and welcome to Seven Forums.

    If the restore point has been deleted, then it's gone for good.

    You might see if undoing the system restore you last did may help to see what you have available afterwards.

    System Restore - Undo
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 11
    Windows 7 Ultimate x86
       #8

    You're talking about undo the last system restore? After unsuccessful restore, the program offered me undo this system restore, and I did it. I think it created a new system restore point before restoring to give me an option to return if it does nothing or damage more. I think this one replaced the oldest one.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 71,959
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Thread Starter
       #9

    Just to clarify, is the restore you did from Windows "System Restore" or the program's backup/restore feature?
      My Computer


 
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