Can't do system restore - error message says "timed out"

Page 1 of 4 123 ... LastLast

  1. Posts : 13
    Windows 7 Home premium 32 bit
       #1

    Can't do system restore - error message says "timed out"


    Computer running extremely slow. Tried to do system restore but getting an error message that says "the creation of a shadow copy has timed out. Try this operation again. (0x81000101) - have tried again several times with no luck, Have read previous threads that say to clear restore points but am afraid that if I do this I will not be able to fix the problem had to begin with as i wont be able to go back to earlier saves. Would like to reinstall windows but the laptop came with it already installed so dont have a hard copy.
    Last edited by janice2611; 29 Jan 2012 at 22:37.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 8,398
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64/Windows 8 Consumer Preview x64/Ubuntu 11.04
       #2

    Are you running an anti-virus software? If so, disable it before continuing.

    Complete the following (taken from here):
    Verify if these two services are started and running on your computer. If it’s not started, start the services and check if you can create a system restore point.

    a) Volume Shadow Copy service
    b) Windows backup

    Also ensure that their dependency services are running.
    Verify if their dependency services are running.

    You can check this information from services.msc. To do this follow the steps below:

    a) Go to start and type services.msc in the search field.
    b) Locate the two services.
    c) Right-Click on the service one at a time.
    d) Select properties.
    e) Go to Dependencies Tab.
    f) Note the dependency services.
    g) Make sure they’re also running.
    h) To start a service, right click on it and select start.
    You should also try booting up your system in Safe Mode and then trying the System Restore.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 12,012
    Windows 7 Home Premium SP1, 64-bit
       #3

    janice2611 said:
    Would like to reinstall windows but the laptop came with it already installed so dont have a hard copy.
    If you get in a major jam and cannot otherwise recover, you can download an ISO of your exact Windows 7 version from Mydigitallife.info and then burn that ISO to a DVD. The DVD can give you a clean installation. You would need to use your current Product Key to activate any new install.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 8,398
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64/Windows 8 Consumer Preview x64/Ubuntu 11.04
       #4

    ignatzatsonic said:
    janice2611 said:
    Would like to reinstall windows but the laptop came with it already installed so dont have a hard copy.
    If you get in a major jam and cannot otherwise recover, you can download an ISO of your exact Windows 7 version from Mydigitallife.info and then burn that ISO to a DVD. The DVD can give you a clean installation. You would need to use your current Product Key to activate any new install.
    +1

    Alternatively, you can create a USB key drive and Clean Install with that.
    USB Windows 7 Installation Key Drive - Create
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 13
    Windows 7 Home premium 32 bit
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Thankyou for your help. I am currently working my way through your 1st response JaydnM - but everything is taking so long it might not be possible! Unfortunately the product key located on the base of my laptop has about 4 characters that have worn off so not if it's possible to still d/l from that site? - I have all the other numbers!
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 13
    Windows 7 Home premium 32 bit
    Thread Starter
       #6

    The computer is taking about 30 minutes to shutdown. Do you know what would case this?
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 8,398
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64/Windows 8 Consumer Preview x64/Ubuntu 11.04
       #7

    Right, forget my first post and go straight to the clean install. You can find your key by using one of the programs:
    KeyFinder
    KeyFinder | Magical Jelly Bean
    Belarc Advisor
    Belarc Advisor - Free Personal PC Audit

    After you have your key, download the ISO from My Digital Life (just go from Software -> Windows -> Official Windows 7 SP 1 ISO) and burn it to a disk using something like Daemon Tools Lite.
    DAEMON Tools Lite :: Products :: DAEMON-Tools.cc
    DAEMON Tools Lite - Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Download.com

    Finally, install a fresh copy of Windows 7 using the Clean Install Tutorial.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 13
    Windows 7 Home premium 32 bit
    Thread Starter
       #8

    JaydnM thanks again. I had already gone thru the steps in your first reply and managed to get to do system restore but that hasn't fixed the problem so is clean install the only option now? If I do, what will I lose and what should I backup to external hd? Sorry - never done this before so would prefer not to but if it's the only option I will try!!
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 12,012
    Windows 7 Home Premium SP1, 64-bit
       #9

    If you do a clean install, you will lose everything on the C drive.

    You should back up ALL personal data on that drive to an external. I don't know if you keep your personal data on C or not. Most people do, usually in sub-folders of C:\Users\Your user name whatever it is.

    Don't forget email and bookmarks. They may be somewhere else.

    It's up to you to find out where your personal data is--people have different habits. If you type up a spaghetti sauce recipe, where do you put it?

    Locate your Product Keys for any software you may use. Locate software discs.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 12,012
    Windows 7 Home Premium SP1, 64-bit
       #10

    Janice:

    Before you get too wound up in the idea of a clean install, please describe your remaining problems. I assume you can now run System Restore, but it does not resolve certain other issues.

    What are those issues?
      My Computer


 
Page 1 of 4 123 ... LastLast

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 7 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 7" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:32.
Find Us