Viewing Windows System Restore Points

[ralphjramirez]

Is there a way of seeing what System Restore Points have been taken? I know how to delete all but the most current but I would like to see what is available to restore to and also to verify that restore points are being created at least on a weekly basis. I did a search and couldn't find my answer although I did find out about deleting restore points.

Thanks.............Ralph

 

[richc46]

Welcome Ralph

Read the tutorial entitled how to do a system restore It will show you what is available http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/700-system-restore.html

 

[ralphjramirez]

Welcome Ralph

Read the tutorial entitled how to do a system restore It will show you what is available http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/700-system-restore.html

Hello, thank you very much that answered my question however; that brings up another related question. The only restore point available was the one I ran today manually. I thought the system authomatically created a restore point on a weekly basis. Is there something I have to do other than have protection set to on for my C: disk?

Thanks again...............

 

[richc46]

Do it again. When you see the point that was created; I think on the bottom left, there is a box, "see more points". Just take your time look at each screen, you will see what I mean. Good luck

 

[ralphjramirez]

Do it again, when you see the point that was created, I think on the bottom left. There is a box, "see more points". Just take your time look at each screen, you will see what I mean. Good luck

Richard, thank you very much. I see that there was one other restore point taken on 2/03/10 due to an install of C++ 2005 Redistributable. I did however; expect more than one additional restore point.

You were not only accurate on answering my questions but unbelievably quick. Your help is greatly appreciated.

Best Wishes.............Ralph

 

[richc46]

Want to change the system restore schedule, to make more points?

 

[richc46]

Since I can see that you are still logged in, but you did not answer, I will provide the method to change the System Restore point schedule. I will be logging off soon.

This is one of our fine tutorials, provide by Brink.

System Restore Task - Change Automatic Restore Point Schedule - Vista Forums

 

[ralphjramirez]

Since I can see that you are still logged in, but you did not answer, I will provide the method to change the System Restore point schedule. I will be logging off soon.

This is one of our fine tutorials, provide by Brink.

System Restore Task - Change Automatic Restore Point Schedule - Vista Forums

Sorry I didn't get back to you, had a chore to do. Looks a little complicated and I don't want to mess up so will wait until tomorrow when I am fresher and can concentrate better. Thanks again. I will be updating this post late morning or early afternoon tomorrow as I have a busy morning schedule. Forgot to ask, the change you indicate is for Vista, does the same process apply for Windows 7?

Many thanks again..............Ralph

 

[ralphjramirez]

Since I can see that you are still logged in, but you did not answer, I will provide the method to change the System Restore point schedule. I will be logging off soon.

This is one of our fine tutorials, provide by Brink.

System Restore Task - Change Automatic Restore Point Schedule - Vista Forums

Sorry I didn't get back to you, had a chore to do. Looks a little complicated and I don't want to mess up so will wait until tomorrow when I am fresher and can concentrate better. Thanks again. I will be updating this post late morning or early afternoon tomorrow as I have a busy morning schedule. Forgot to ask, the change you indicate is for Vista, does the same process apply for Windows 7?

Many thanks again..............Ralph

Richard, I successfully changed the daily restore point to weekly. History was disabled, should it be? If not, how do I turn it on?

Thanks again. I will be in and out today so my response may be delayed.

Best Regards..........Ralph

 

[whs]

The easiest way to see the system restore points is via elevated Command Prompt.

1. for the whole restore point storage area (shadowstorage), use this command:

vssadmin list shadowstorage

2. To see all restore points, use this command:

vssadmin list shadows

 

[richc46]

I think what you are referring to can be enabled easily. Go to task scheduler, click on action menu and then enable all tasks. I have also provided information about system restore that can be found in our excellent tutorial provided by our own Brink.

System Restore Task - Change Automatic Restore Point Schedule - Vista Forums

 

[richc46]

Be sure to post back and let us know how you made out with the system restore history.

One point that is not commonly known, but I found out by hit and miss. If you have System Restore set up to make a point once a week and a day or so before that time, you make a manual restore point or a point is made for any reason, the scheduled restore point will be delayed until the following week. When I had my prior OS, Vista, I thought that the system was not operating properly, but found out, via the Vista Forum, that what I was experiencing was a built in feature. I am just trying to save you some potentially time comsuming leg work in the future.

 

[ralphjramirez]

The easiest way to see the system restore points is via elevated Command Prompt.

1. for the whole restore point storage area (shadowstorage), use this command:

vssadmin list shadowstorage

2. To see all restore points, use this command:

vssadmin list shadows

Hello, I am assuming the command is issued in the windows start command line so that is where I entered both commands. What I get is a quick popup window that goes away immediately, so fast I can't determine what it refers to. Am I doing something wrong?

Thank you.............Ralph

 

[ralphjramirez]

Be sure to post back and let us know how you made out with the system restore history.

One point that is not commonly known, but I found out by hit and miss. If you have System Restore set up to make a point once a week and a day or so before that time, you make a manual restore point or a point is made for any reason, the scheduled restore point will be delayed until the following week. When I had my prior OS, Vista, I thought that the system was not operating properly, but found out, via the Vista Forum, that what I was experiencing was a built in feature. I am just trying to save you some potentially time comsuming leg work in the future.

Thank you Richard. I am still trying to find out if History needs to be enabled and if so how? I noticed when changing the daily restore to weekly that History was disabled.

Thanks again..............Ralph

 

[whs]

The easiest way to see the system restore points is via elevated Command Prompt.

1. for the whole restore point storage area (shadowstorage), use this command:

vssadmin list shadowstorage

2. To see all restore points, use this command:

vssadmin list shadows

Hello, I am assuming the command is issued in the windows start command line so that is where I entered both commands. What I get is a quick popup window that goes away immediately, so fast I can't determine what it refers to. Am I doing something wrong?

Thank you.............Ralph

No, not in the start. In an elevated Command Prompt. I did say that - just have to read. Here are detailed instructions:

How to run Command Prompt (cmd)

Cmd needs to be run in elevated mode (as administrator). We want to avoid the need to set it to elevated mode every time we use it. Therefore we will make a permanent setting. These are the steps:

· Go to Start > All Programs > Accessories
· Right click on Command Prompt and go to Properties
· Click on Advanced and check the box that says Run as Administrator
· OK> Apply>OK (do not forget the Apply-else it will not be set)

From now on, cmd will always run in elevated mode. I also suggest to make a shortcut of cmd. In Accessories, right click again and either Send to Desktop or Pin to Start Menu or Pin to Taskbar.

 

[ralphjramirez]

The easiest way to see the system restore points is via elevated Command Prompt.

1. for the whole restore point storage area (shadowstorage), use this command:

vssadmin list shadowstorage

2. To see all restore points, use this command:

vssadmin list shadows

Hello, I am assuming the command is issued in the windows start command line so that is where I entered both commands. What I get is a quick popup window that goes away immediately, so fast I can't determine what it refers to. Am I doing something wrong?

Thank you.............Ralph

No, not in the start. In an elevated Command Prompt. I did say that - just have to read. Here are detailed instaructions:

How to run Command Prompt (cmd)

Cmd needs to be run in elevated mode (as administrator). We want to avoid the need to set it to elevated mode every time we use it. Therefore we will make a permanent setting. These are the steps:

· Go to Start > All Programs > Accessories
· Right click on Command Prompt and go to Properties
· Click on Advanced and check the box that says Run as Administrator
· OK> Apply>OK (do not forget the Apply-else it will not be set)

From now on, cmd will always run in elevated mode. I also suggest to make a shortcut of cmd. In Accessories, right click again and either Send to Desktop or Pin to Start Menu or Pin to Taskbar.

I'm sorry but although I read what you said I didn't understand it, I'm not technical so please bear with me. I did as you suggested and of course both commands worked. I could see my restore points and the amount of storage allocated/used by the restore points. I also enabled all history actions as you suggested and the History tab is now enabled.

Thank you so very much. Your help, and patience, has saved some of the few hairs I have left.

Best Wishes..............Ralph

 

[whs]

Ralph, you are welcome. Did not mean to play rough. But many times people don't read what one posts. If there is something that you do not understand, it is fair to come back and ask.
But regarding the info you get from the 2 cmd commands: the important number is the allocated. That tells you how much space vss has currently taken. Then maximum will tell you how much vss will ultimately take before it reuses the space. The used number is of minor interest.
When you listed the shadows, you just have to count them. But make sure you count the ones of the same disk/partition - e.g. C. That is in case you have restore points enabled on more than 1 partition/disk.

 

[richc46]

I think what you are referring to can be enabled easily. Go to task scheduler, click on action menu and then enable all tasks. I have also provided information about system restore that can be found in our excellent tutorial provided by our own Brink.

System Restore Task - Change Automatic Restore Point Schedule - Vista Forums

Ralph try the above, you should be able to enable history.

 

[richc46]

Thank you for the kind words and rep. It was really a pleasure working with you.
Think of us as your second family, now. Come back use our knowledge or share yours. Have a great day.
Richard

 

[ralphjramirez]

Ralph, you are welcome. Did not mean to play rough. But many times people don't read what one posts. If there is something that you do not understand, it is fair to come back and ask.
But regarding the info you get from the 2 cmd commands: the important number is the allocated. That tells you how much space vss has currently taken. Then maximum will tell you how much vss will ultimately take before it reuses the space. The used number is of minor interest.
When you listed the shadows, you just have to count them. But make sure you count the ones of the same disk/partition - e.g. C. That is in case you have restore points enabled on more than 1 partition/disk.

Now to show my real ignorance. What is shadows"???.....Ralph