System Restore failed

[nikster75]

Hi just want to say that this post saved me from a full re-install of Windows.

I stupidly tried to compact my registry too last night, with the same as above.

I couldn't get into system32 via dos because when I used the dir command on C:\ it only listed "program files" and "programfiles (x86)" and a shortcut link to my d drive

Though this post gave me the idea to slave the hard drive on a working system and navigate to system32\config on the slaved drive and physically find and rename the rmbak files and move the corrupted ones away.

Hooked it back up and it worked a treat - many thanks again for all the advice here.

 

[MagicMountain]

You are a life-saver

Many many thanks for the workaround on this one!

I too made the mistake of using a registry defragmenter and end up in the same place with no possibility to system restore despite available points.

This really made my week.

Thanks again!

 

[Ghiedog]

Thanks for share. Was troubleshooting a BSOD 0x000000F4 in normal and safe mode. System restore had checkpoints but they wouldn't run, got a, "turn on drive protection error".

Anyway the manual restore of the default and software hives worked for me. Saved me a reinstall.

 

[JayeeM]

Many thanks jbaileyn,

You saved me from a full system restore

 

[mandy]

Sure, GTXND. Forgive me if I oversimplify but I'll include each step in case you're not familiar with navigating command lines (I was a tech support guy in college 20 years ago; old habits die hard). Also, changing registry files can be VERY DANGEROUS... I would only do it as a last resort before reinstalling Windows 7.

I first booted from the Windows 7 install disc to get to the system recovery console. I then selected Command Line. From there, I had to change from the X: drive to the C: drive by typing "C:". I then typed "cd \windows\system32\config" to get to the registry file directory. By typing "dir" I could see that two of the five hive files (default, sam, security,software, and system) had recent copies with an "rmbak" extension: default.rmbak and software.rmbak. I then executed the following commands:

ren software software.bak
copy software.rmbak software

ren default default.bak
copy default.rmbak default

I would suggest you execute the "ren" then "copy" commands as above for any other hives that have "rmbak" backups with the same date/time stamp. This ensures your registry remains in sync. You can now reboot and see if your computer comes up.

Here is an alternative suggestion if you don't have these "rmbak" files (if the above worked, don't do these steps; these would be a last-last resort before reinstalling Windows 7). From where we left off above type "dir RegBack". See what the time/date stamp is on the hive files there. If recent (use your judgment; mine is a couple days old so I would have probably used it had I not had the rmbak files, as I hadn't installed much in that time), you could do the following to restore that backup registry:

ren default default.bak
ren sam sam.bak
ren security security.bak
ren software software.bak
ren system system.bak
copy RegBack\*.*

Reboot and see what happens. If this worked, you may have to reinstall any software that was installed after the time/date stamps of the files in the RegBack directory.

One final note: I did try to restore to an earlier restore point once I made the above fixes. It kept coming up with an error. Therefore, I suggest creating a new restore point once the computer recovers, just so you have a clean one.

u saved my life today thumbs up for u

 

[SfbTv]

Also had to say THANKYOU for the Command Prompt solution of making backups, and then copying the RegBack. Saved my entire day that I couldn't lose to ReInstalling Win after a RegDefrag.

 

[jayflea]

I also registered just to thank you jbaileyn. I did the same as geekygirl above and was able to start Windows up again!

My original symptom was a black screen as soon as the initial Windows start splash screen completed.

 

[Ausguy]

jbaileyn

jbaileyn.....You are my hero. Typed everything you suggested, and it worked like a charm. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.

 

[WhollyTerriers]

Another Satisfied Supplicant

You know, I used to have some understanding of computers, but I guess it has mostly evaporated. (I'm still using a Northgate OmniKey/Ultra keyboard if that gives you any idea of the time frame.)

In any case, even more kudos to GTXND for rescuing us from a mal-compaction of the registry by Norton Utilities. Worked like a charm.

 

[kinder]

jbaileyn you are the best!!!!

I had tried various forum "solutions", none worked, this was right on! I followed your steps, ended up using the second option as I did not have the "rmbak" files. Just caution everyone for some reason when I first did the steps it switched me to the "X:" drive, just make sure you switch back to the "C:" drive before executing the second option if you find the first doesn't work. I have never posted a reply on a forum, but had to register just to reply and say THANK YOU!!!!

 

[Green18]

Hey.
I have a Netbook so i can not use any CD or so.
I followed the steps in the second option till "RegBack"
Now i have a problem do do theses steps:
ren default default.bak
ren sam sam.bak
ren security security.bak
ren software software.bak
ren system system.bak
copy RegBack\*.*

I tried to run the commands but it simply won't work.I get " 'system.bak' is not recogmized as an internal or external command, operable programm or batch files."
How do i exactly type in the above commandy after C:\Windows\System32\config>

It would make my life so much easier right now if i could get this fixed. Thank you very very much for your help! =)

Sure, GTXND. Forgive me if I oversimplify but I'll include each step in case you're not familiar with navigating command lines (I was a tech support guy in college 20 years ago; old habits die hard). Also, changing registry files can be VERY DANGEROUS... I would only do it as a last resort before reinstalling Windows 7.

I first booted from the Windows 7 install disc to get to the system recovery console. I then selected Command Line. From there, I had to change from the X: drive to the C: drive by typing "C:". I then typed "cd \windows\system32\config" to get to the registry file directory. By typing "dir" I could see that two of the five hive files (default, sam, security,software, and system) had recent copies with an "rmbak" extension: default.rmbak and software.rmbak. I then executed the following commands:

ren software software.bak
copy software.rmbak software

ren default default.bak
copy default.rmbak default

I would suggest you execute the "ren" then "copy" commands as above for any other hives that have "rmbak" backups with the same date/time stamp. This ensures your registry remains in sync. You can now reboot and see if your computer comes up.

Here is an alternative suggestion if you don't have these "rmbak" files (if the above worked, don't do these steps; these would be a last-last resort before reinstalling Windows 7). From where we left off above type "dir RegBack". See what the time/date stamp is on the hive files there. If recent (use your judgment; mine is a couple days old so I would have probably used it had I not had the rmbak files, as I hadn't installed much in that time), you could do the following to restore that backup registry:

ren default default.bak
ren sam sam.bak
ren security security.bak
ren software software.bak
ren system system.bak
copy RegBack\*.*

Reboot and see what happens. If this worked, you may have to reinstall any software that was installed after the time/date stamps of the files in the RegBack directory.

One final note: I did try to restore to an earlier restore point once I made the above fixes. It kept coming up with an error. Therefore, I suggest creating a new restore point once the computer recovers, just so you have a clean one.

 

[rillsley]

Wowwwwwwwww

I still can't believe that worked. Some of the commands said "Command not found". But I typed in exactly what was said. Pressed Restart. Chose boot normally.BAM, there was my logon. Best feeling ever. thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[dbutch1976]

Here is an alternative suggestion if you don't have these "rmbak" files (if the above worked, don't do these steps; these would be a last-last resort before reinstalling Windows 7). From where we left off above type "dir RegBack". See what the time/date stamp is on the hive files there. If recent (use your judgment; mine is a couple days old so I would have probably used it had I not had the rmbak files, as I hadn't installed much in that time), you could do the following to restore that backup registry:

ren default default.bak
ren sam sam.bak
ren security security.bak
ren software software.bak
ren system system.bak
copy RegBack\*.*

Reboot and see what happens. If this worked, you may have to reinstall any software that was installed after the time/date stamps of the files in the RegBack directory.

One final note: I did try to restore to an earlier restore point once I made the above fixes. It kept coming up with an error. Therefore, I suggest creating a new restore point once the computer recovers, just so you have a clean one.

This worked like a charm for me on Windows 8. I was really stuck, can't believe that the MS tools can't perform such a simple fix automatically, what the &*^*%( is the automatic fix trying to do if it doesn't try this?

 

[mariamenounous]

System restore

Hello Doug,

You can try doing the following.. I hope you will be able to recover from it..
Run System Restore in Safe Mode

Start Windows in safe mode. To run Windows in safe mode, turn on or restart your computer. When the splash screen from the PC’s manufacturer is displayed, hold down the F8 key. You will see a text based screen with several options appear that will look a lot like Figure 1 below. Using the up and down arrow keys, select the option “Safe Mode”, then hit the enter key on your keyboard. The computer will start Windows in safe mode which is Windows with a limited set of files and drivers. If Windows loads normally, try repeating the instructions above.
Next start System Restore. You can access System Restore from the System Tools menu in the Accessories group. Select the restore point that you want and follow the onscreen instructions. Your computer will restart, Windows will load and present a dialog box telling you whether or not System Restore was successful. If System Restore was not successful, try the next approach.

Run System Restore in a Clean Boot Environment
Start Windows by performing a clean boot. Below, there are links to instructions for different versions of
Next start System Restore. You can access System Restore from the System Tools menu in the Accessories group. Select the restore point that you want and follow the onscreen instructions. Your computer will restart, Windows will load and present a dialog box telling you whether or not System Restore was successful.

 

[jmrpjb]

System Restore Failed

Where do I click to indicate that this has been solved? I only see links for "unsolved".

 

[Northernsoul55]

Where do I click to indicate that this has been solved? I only see links for "unsolved".

Hi Pamela,

I've answered your query by PM

Cheers

Dave

 

[suraido]

Found a work around to get system restore to work when it gives you this error. Did all the rest of the things everyone proposed but all no go. Although i still have to find out if the restore will work correctly or not, as it is working on the laptop as i'm typing this on my desktop. So, the trick was to change up drive letters in command line with diskpart command. Here are the steps to do so, as soon as you have the command prompt going.

-type "diskpart" in the command line (don't type in any of the quotes on any command, just using those to simplify determining where the command starts and stops)
-type "list volume"
-Now it shows you which volume is assigned which letter. in my case system reserved was volume 1 and windows drive was volume 2. so we need to remove the C from system reserved and swap out the letters.
-for my case, i typed "select volume 1" to select system reserved, just use volume number you got from previous step.
- then type "remove letter=c"
-then select windows drive volume, for my it was volume 2, so i typed "select volume 2"
-now type "assign letter=c"
-after that you need to go back to system reserved volume, as it needs a letter to be read and is needed for system restore. so again type "select volume 1" or whatever number you had.
-and finally type "assign letter=d"
-now you just have to type "exit" to get out of diskpart.

Then either go to c:\windows\system32 and type "rstrui" or exit the command prompt and click system restore. That should've done the trick and you will not get the system protection error anymore and will be able to restore like normal. Hope this helps some of you!! enjoy!

 

[lady17bug]

you saved me

Jbaileyn - I never get what I need from forums...until now

Thanks for sending your advice and writing in such a way that anyone unfamiliar with command prompt could follow along. I thought I was going to have to take out in to a "professional". I'm glad I found your reply before I did...Thank you!!!

 

[Davephl]

Hi.
I have found a way to resolve this problem The command should be:
Rstrui.exe /offline:C:\windows=active thats all, you will be able to restore system...

 

[ljpengel]

location of the Registry backup in Windows 8.1 x64

Dear all, thanks to your post http://www.sevenforums.com/backup-restore/12152-system-restore-failed-2.html#post409456, I also found a solution for my registry problem.

When running Windows 8.1 x64 a copy of the registry information is saved in c:\windows\system32\config\RegBack so you can make a copy of these registry files to your c:\windows\system32\config directory and that solved the issue I had of Windows 8.1 not starting up correctly after some modfication had been made manually to my registry (while using the PC Tune-Up application).

Success !