Windows XP Restore won't work

DEBDKBW · 09-29-2006, 11:06 PM

I have the Service Pack 2 on my Windows Home Edition of XP. The system restore is setting up restore points, it will allow me to set up restore points, but when I try to restore back to any of these designated points it comes back with stmt that it was unable to restore. I've even tried setting a restore point early in the day, then late evening, then trying to restore to the earlier time that date. My system has the factory installed OEM version of Windows XP so Microsoft will not help me with this and my computer is past the 1 year warranty period. Does anyone have any idea what is wrong? Appreciate any help I can get. Thanks so much!

chauffeur2 · 09-29-2006, 11:44 PM

Greetings DEBDKBW, anmd Welcome to TSF!

I had a similar problem earlier this year, here's the link to have a look and see if it helps you too.

Post back with the outcome.

DEBDKBW · 09-30-2006, 06:27 PM

Thank you for the reply, read through everything, but haven't tried to do anything yet. Let's see, how do I explain this. I use my computer for hours each day, know mostly about the workings of the programs, i.e. Microsoft Office, etc. I'm just not sure what to do next with the information you gave me. It's kinda like I need a "walk thru" in detail. I use to be very literate in DOS, but have forgotten most of it because of the ease of use in Windows and now XP has me really spoiled. I do have a backup of my entire system as it was "factory delivered." I have never tried to hunt for any particular part of it to restore and frankly I've got so much stuff on my computer I don't want to have to start from scratch all over again. Too time consuming! And not being able to do a system restore definately makes me leary about trying something that may mess me up and I wouldn't be able to get back to an earlier time. But, I definately need to be able to do a system restore to an earlier date. So, how exactly do I start this fix? THANKS SO MUCH!!

chauffeur2 · 10-01-2006, 12:54 AM

Hi DEBDKBW,

Let's start the process by doing this.... The Windows® System File Checker [sfc].

To run sfc, you will need your Windows® Xp CD.

Here is the procedure....

Insert the CD into the CD/DVD [hold the Shift key to prevent it from autoplaying].
Go > Start > Run > type in sfc /scannow; please note the space between the "C" and "/".

A dialog box will appear on the screen and the sfc will start...it usually can take up to 50 minutes to fully complete the scan.
During the operation, you might be asked to insert the CD; if this happens, just click Retry and let SFC do its thing.
It is not advisable to do any other work on the computer whilst this is running, and when finished; remove the CD and reboot the computer.

Good Luck with it; please post back with any further concerns/questions, and of course the result.

**nickster_uk** · 10-01-2006, 01:14 AM

Hi DEBDKBW,

would you be able to list the exact error message you receive after the attempted restoration please?

DEBDKBW · 10-01-2006, 02:19 PM

To the 2 replys - First, I don't have the Windows XP CD as it is an OEM version, factory installed. Would have tried that first. Apparently I cannot get a CD of it either unless I buy one. Any more ideas?

Now to the second question - when I do a system restore it goes to that window and shows it is restoring by filling the line across the screen, the computer then restarts automatically, then I get the message on the restore screen that states RESTORATION INCOMPLETE. YOUR COMPUTER CANNOT BE RESTORED TO: DATE AND SYSTEM CHECKPOINT. NO CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE TO YOUR COMPUTER. TO CHOOSE ANOTHER RESTORE POINT, RESTART SYSTEM RESTORE. At this point I have tried many times to restore again, but it just won't do it. It does allow me to set up restore points. I do this if I am making any type change i.e. adding a program. But, if I need to go back before I added the program, too bad, this thing is running my life!
Again, Thanks so much for the replys - still looking for a fix!

**nickster_uk** · 10-01-2006, 02:44 PM

Do you have any Norton/Symantec 2006 products installed?

DEBDKBW · 10-02-2006, 10:51 AM

Yes, I have the current Norton/Symantec 2006 product. Is that part of the problem?

OMGmissinglink · 10-02-2006, 12:39 PM

get the factory disk they are not that expensive.

**Geekgirl** · 10-02-2006, 12:54 PM

Symantec Document , click the third article, the one about Norton

DEBDKBW · 10-02-2006, 08:03 PM

Okay! Thanks to all....went in and turned off Norton for 5 minutes and it restored just like it use to...obviously before I loaded Norton 2006. Now I realize I will have to do this when a restore is needed until they issue a fix.
Appreciate the help on this.

Now I have another question - when I am IMing I cannot get the people I am speaking to hear me. I check it and it says that the microphone cannot detect my voice. It's a Sony and the hardware shoes there is one installed.
Any bright folks out there know what the problem is?

Meztiso · 10-02-2006, 08:09 PM

Mic problem, is it a new problem, or has it always been like this.

Check your audio settings in control panel

DEBDKBW · 10-03-2006, 06:12 PM

Mic problem has probably been a problem since I purchased the computer (April 2005), but I did not discover it until after the 12 month warranty with Sony because frankly I had never tried to IM with a speaker until my son got a new computer and we tried to "talk" back and forth. I have been in the control panel and everything seems to be okay, but when I do a speaker check on the mic my voice does not register even though it shows there is a mic. I may have to pay Sony to find out what the problem is.

Meztiso · 10-03-2006, 07:38 PM

Have you updated the drivers ?

DEBDKBW · 10-12-2006, 06:33 PM

No, have not updated driver. How do I do this with preloaded programs

Our Communities

Automotive Communities

RV & Travel Trailer Communities

Marine Communities