What to Do If System Restore is Not Working

System Restore is a feature that is available in Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7. It allows the roll back of system files, registry keys, installed programs, etc., to a previous state in the event of a system failure. It is a very handy tool which provides you with an opportunity to undo certain unwanted changes that you made to your computer. It automatically saves snapshots or restore points of your Windows system settings and files. If anything goes wrong, for instance, if negative changes made by viruses in the system folders or registry have to be reversed, at such critical times, an enabled System Restore will restore your system to a previous working state. In case of Windows 7, you can also create your own restore points. The problem starts when this feature fails. If this feature does not work, you cannot create restore points and therefore, cannot get your computer to a prior check point. Thus, it is unable to run in the way you want it to run. Let’s find out ways to solve this issue.

How to Fix System Restore

If this feature doesn’t work when you boot normally, try restoring your computer in safe mode. Since this is a simpler operating system setup, running this feature will be rendered easier for your system. To boot in safe mode, you need to repeatedly tap the F8 button when your computer is booting up, and select the option that enables you to start your computer in safe mode from the list. When you get into Windows in safe mode, try running this feature. Once you restart, you will be out of safe mode. If it does not even work in safe mode, you have the option of using the System Restore disk. If you have this disk in your optical drive when your computer boots, the computer must boot to the restore disk, and not to your hard drive. Adjustment of the BIOS settings would be required for making your computer boot from the restore disk. Once you see the disk menu, follow the instructions. Sometimes, a virus attack or problems in the anti-virus software could be responsible for causing problems. Scan for viruses and check if you need a better anti-virus program. That might solve the problem. These instructions can be followed in case this feature is not working in Windows 7, Windows XP and Windows Vista as well.

How to Fix Windows XP System Restore

Sometimes corrupted restore points could be the issue. This problem can be solved by restarting from an earlier restore point. Lack of space on your hard drive could be reason why this feature may not be working. This feature requires at least 200 MB, in case you don’t have that much free space, that might cause problems in functioning of this feature. If you’re very low on disk space, you can dump some files or run a disk defragmentation. It would be a good idea to perform disc cleanup to free up space.

If the aforementioned methods don’t help, you could boot your system from your Windows XP CD. You need to set your BIOS to boot from the CD drive. After putting the XP CD in the drive, restart your computer. When your computer boots up, look for ‘Automated System Recovery’ at the screen. There will be a scan and this program will find the required files from your XP CD. You must then reboot your computer, and then the reconfiguration of the system files will take place.

Now you know what to do if this feature is not working in Vista, Windows XP and Windows 7. So, the next time you find System Restore not working on your computer, don’t get hassled. Follow these instructions in order to solve the problem.