system restore stopped working

[mredavis]

My system restore on Windows 7 was working. A few days ago I tried using it and I got an error message 0x80071A90: system restore could not restore the system to that restore point. I tried all the restore points and got the same message. I ran scannow which fixed some corrupted files but it did not fix the system restore. It will restore in safe mode but in safe mode you can't undo a restore so I don't want to use it.

 

[richc46]

Usually caused by file corruption

Type cmd in search (right click when it appears)
type sfc /scannow in the cmd prompt

Let us know what happens

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Hello mredavis, welcome to Seven Forums!



The next step would be to do a startup repair, if you have a Windows install disk have a look at the tutorial at the first link below, if not have a look at the second link below; be sure to post back to keep us informed.

How to Run a Startup Repair in Windows 7

How to Create a Windows 7 System Repair Disc

 

[mredavis]

Usually caused by file corruption

Type cmd in search (right click when it appears)
type sfc /scannow in the cmd prompt

Let us know what happens

I tried this again - no corrupted file problems

 

[richc46]

Read post by BFK above

 

[mredavis]

Hello mredavis, welcome to Seven Forums!



I did the startup repair - the system restore was only showing one restore point, an automatic one at 12:01 am this morning. I tried restoring to it and it worked. However, it would not undo the restore. I got that same error message again.

 

[richc46]

Am reluctant to give this advice, because you will lose all of your restore points. In your case there is nothing to lose. This actually works about 50% of the time. Turn off restore, turn off computer, reboot and cross fingers.

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Am reluctant to give this advice, because you will lose all of your restore points. In your case there is nothing to lose. This actually works about 50% of the time. Turn off restore, turn off computer, reboot and cross fingers.

This is actually a good idea, after you have system restore re-set have a look at the link below for an easy way to create restore points at will, especially option A 4 Be sure to keep us informed how it sorts out.


How to Automatically Create A System Restore Point at Startup



You may also check to see that enough space is reserved to system restore.

System Protection - Change Disk Space Usage

 

[mredavis]

still the same result as last time - I can restore to a previous point but it will not undo the restore.

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Why do you keep trying to un-do the restores?

 

[mredavis]

I have in the past done a system restore and found that the result was not what I had hoped for and indeed made more problems. I was always able to undo back to the present. Just wondered why that functionality has ceased.

 

[Michael167]

Solution 1: If system restore works in safe mode then its likely some third party application is causing interference with the system restore utility. I recommend closing down all unnecessary applications, see your system tray and process manager. Keep in mind security software and system optimization software are big culprits when it comes to messing with system restore.

Solution 2: Perform a clean startup so your computer boots with minimal startup programs and drivers, then try and run a system restore, if it works then when your computer normally boots its loading a program/s that is interferring. See How to Troubleshoot a Problem by Performing a Clean Startup in Windows 7 or Vista

Solution 3: Also try using the System File Checker tool as it will help troubleshoot corrupted files. How to use the System File Checker tool to troubleshoot missing or corrupted system files on Windows Vista or on Windows 7

Solution 4: Try running a scandisk you might have a bad sector on your hard-drive

Solution 5: Run a virus scan

Solution 6: Keep searching for answers on forums and google.