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Thread: system restore fails to complete

  1. #1
    abbey Guest

    system restore fails to complete

    I am Running Vista and tried to run system restore twice. I followed the
    directions and picked the recommended date.

    I get a message telling me that Windows failed to shut down and asks me to
    select safe mode or regular windows. I tried both, it seems to start up (I
    see a blue screen with "stuff" on it) but then the screen goes blank and the
    machine restarts. Upon restart I get a message that "system restore failed
    to complete".

    Any ideas? There seems to be very little about troubleshooting system
    restore anywhere. Thanks in advance.

  2. #2
    John Inzer Guest

    Re: system restore fails to complete

    abbey wrote:
    > I am Running Vista and tried to run system restore twice. I followed
    > the directions and picked the recommended date.
    >
    > I get a message telling me that Windows failed to shut down and asks
    > me to select safe mode or regular windows. I tried both, it seems to
    > start up (I see a blue screen with "stuff" on it) but then the screen
    > goes blank and the machine restarts. Upon restart I get a message
    > that "system restore failed to complete".
    >
    > Any ideas? There seems to be very little about troubleshooting system
    > restore anywhere. Thanks in advance.

    =======================================
    It may be worth a try to run System Restore
    from Safe Mode. Maybe the following links
    will offer some ideas:

    Windows Vista
    System Restore FAQ
    http://tinyurl.com/u6z5p

    Using Windows Vista
    System Restore
    http://tinyurl.com/2qhd77

    Windows Vista -
    Start your computer in safe mode
    http://tinyurl.com/397vhf

    --

    John Inzer
    MS Picture It! -
    Digital Image MVP

    Digital Image
    Highlights and FAQs
    http://tinyurl.com/aczzp

    Notice
    This is not tech support
    I am a volunteer

    Solutions that work for
    me may not work for you

    Proceed at your own risk




  3. #3
    Chad Harris Guest

    Re: system restore fails to complete

    Hi abbey--

    I'm a bit confused here. You say you tried to run system restore twice.
    That implied you did it from Windows Vista. Then you said you can't boot to
    Vista on startup and you get a BSOD. And I assume after that when it
    restarts you are getting that message that "system restore failed to start"
    but you're not up in Windows when you get it.

    Assuming that you have some restore points or at least one, depending on
    whether you have a Vista DVD or not, I'd try these options. You have
    several safe modes at the F8 menu, and one may work when another does not,
    and you also have Last Known Good Configuration on that menu.

    http://supcontent.gateway.com/suppor...ootOptions.gif


    If you have a Vista DVD, you have the additional options of Startup Repair
    and also you can run system restore from that Recovery link as well.

    Instructions on how to do this are below:

    ***Startup Repair from the Vista DVD***

    How to Use The Vista DVD to Repair Vista (Startup Repair is misnamed by the
    Win RE team and it can be used to fix many Vista components even when you
    ***can boot to Vista):

    http://www.windowsvista.windowsreins...rtup/index.htm

    If you elect to run Startup repair from the Vista DVD (it can fix major
    components in Vista--I've verified this many many times; it's good for more
    than startup problems, and the Win RE team simply screwed up when they named
    it not understanding its full functionality):

    Startup Repair will look like this when you put in the Vista DVD:

    http://www.vistaclues.com/wp-content...r-computer.png

    You run the startup repair tool this way (and system restore from here is
    also sometimes effective):

    http://support.microsoft.com/kb/925810/en-us

    How To Run Startup Repair In Vista Ultimate (Multiple Screenshots)
    http://www.windowsvista.windowsreins...rtup/index.htm

    It will automatically take you to this on your screen:

    http://www.vistaclues.com/wp-content...r-computer.png

    That will allow you to go to the Vista setup that has a Repair link on
    thelower left corner>click it and then you'll see a gray backgrounded list
    and I want you to click Startup Repair from it and follow the directions.

    The gray screen after you click the first link in the above pic will look
    like this:

    http://www.windowsreinstall.com/winv...ir/Image17.gif

    Click Startup Repair, the link at the top and after it scans>click OK and
    let it try to repair Vista. It will tell you if it does, and if it
    doesn't, try System Restore from the Recovery Link on the DVD. If these
    don't work booting into Safe Mode by tapping the F8 key and using System
    Restore from one of the safe modes besides VGA may work. That means you
    have the option to try 4 different safe modes to get to system restore, (one
    from the Recovery link on the DVD) and sometimes one will work when the
    others won't.


    You could also try a Repair Install with Vista which is done exactly the
    same way as in XP:

    ***Repair Install Steps*** (can be used for Vista) MVP Doug Knox
    http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/u...ps/doug92.mspx


    ***Using the F8 Environment***

    ***Taking Full Advantage of the F8 Options (Windows Advanced Options Menu)
    by starting the PC and tapping F8 once per second when the firmware screen
    with the pc manufacturer's name shows a few seconds after restarting***:

    The F8 options in Vista are the same as XP, and the link for Safe Mode Boot
    options is labled XP by MSFT but they are the same for Vista (they haven't
    updated to add Vista to the title as they have with several MSKBs that apply
    to both).

    Again, pressing F8 repeatedly when you seem the firmware screen may be is a
    generic way to launch Windows RE on some OEM Vista computers.

    You could also:

    Think: I have 4 different ways to get back my XP at F8 and try 'em in order.
    1) Safe Mode 2) Safe Mode with Cmd to Sys Restore which is simply a cmd
    prompt in safe mode 3) Safe Mode with Neworking 4) LKG or Last Known Good
    Configuration


    Try to F8 to the Windows Adv Options Menu>try 3 safe modes there (I don't
    use WGA) and Last Known Good>then I go to Win RE in Vista. That gives you a
    choice of Safe Mode, Safe Mode with Networking,and Safe Mode with Command
    Prompt.

    These methods are outlined in

    A description of the Safe Mode Boot options in Windows XP/and Vista
    http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315222/

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding System Restore from MSFT:

    http://www.microsoft.com/technet/pro.../faqsrwxp.mspx

    System Restore can be run from the Win RE recovery environment from the same
    link as Startup Repair, and sometimes it will work from one F8 safe mode
    location or from the Win Recovery Environment when it won't work from other
    locations.

    How to start the System Restore tool at a command prompt in Windows XP

    http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;304449

    Good luck,

    CH



    "abbey" <abbey@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
    news:5D01833D-F3E0-4C86-B2F5-0053E2D8F4EC@microsoft.com...
    >I am Running Vista and tried to run system restore twice. I followed the
    > directions and picked the recommended date.
    >
    > I get a message telling me that Windows failed to shut down and asks me to
    > select safe mode or regular windows. I tried both, it seems to start up
    > (I
    > see a blue screen with "stuff" on it) but then the screen goes blank and
    > the
    > machine restarts. Upon restart I get a message that "system restore
    > failed
    > to complete".
    >
    > Any ideas? There seems to be very little about troubleshooting system
    > restore anywhere. Thanks in advance.



  4. #4
    abbey Guest

    Re: system restore fails to complete

    Sorry for my lack of details..
    I mentioned Vista...I don't know why. That's the OS I'm using but duh, I
    guess I'd be posting elsewhere if I didn't. Anyway..
    I ran system restore from "regular" windows environment and once from Safe
    Mode. Each time I thought it was complete because the machine restarted and
    put me at my login screen. AFTER I log in, and the desktop is restored, a
    message comes up about the restore being incomplete.

    Another oddity - the system restore I did from Safe Mode doesn't show up in
    the list of operations. The other one I did (that supposedly didn't finish)
    is there. Is there a way to check to see if it really did "restore" and
    perhaps the error message i some fluke?

    Thanks-Abbey

    "Chad Harris" wrote:

    > Hi abbey--
    >
    > I'm a bit confused here. You say you tried to run system restore twice.
    > That implied you did it from Windows Vista. Then you said you can't boot to
    > Vista on startup and you get a BSOD. And I assume after that when it
    > restarts you are getting that message that "system restore failed to start"
    > but you're not up in Windows when you get it.
    >
    > Assuming that you have some restore points or at least one, depending on
    > whether you have a Vista DVD or not, I'd try these options. You have
    > several safe modes at the F8 menu, and one may work when another does not,
    > and you also have Last Known Good Configuration on that menu.
    >
    > http://supcontent.gateway.com/suppor...ootOptions.gif
    >
    >
    > If you have a Vista DVD, you have the additional options of Startup Repair
    > and also you can run system restore from that Recovery link as well.
    >
    > Instructions on how to do this are below:
    >
    > ***Startup Repair from the Vista DVD***
    >
    > How to Use The Vista DVD to Repair Vista (Startup Repair is misnamed by the
    > Win RE team and it can be used to fix many Vista components even when you
    > ***can boot to Vista):
    >
    > http://www.windowsvista.windowsreins...rtup/index.htm
    >
    > If you elect to run Startup repair from the Vista DVD (it can fix major
    > components in Vista--I've verified this many many times; it's good for more
    > than startup problems, and the Win RE team simply screwed up when they named
    > it not understanding its full functionality):
    >
    > Startup Repair will look like this when you put in the Vista DVD:
    >
    > http://www.vistaclues.com/wp-content...r-computer.png
    >
    > You run the startup repair tool this way (and system restore from here is
    > also sometimes effective):
    >
    > http://support.microsoft.com/kb/925810/en-us
    >
    > How To Run Startup Repair In Vista Ultimate (Multiple Screenshots)
    > http://www.windowsvista.windowsreins...rtup/index.htm
    >
    > It will automatically take you to this on your screen:
    >
    > http://www.vistaclues.com/wp-content...r-computer.png
    >
    > That will allow you to go to the Vista setup that has a Repair link on
    > thelower left corner>click it and then you'll see a gray backgrounded list
    > and I want you to click Startup Repair from it and follow the directions.
    >
    > The gray screen after you click the first link in the above pic will look
    > like this:
    >
    > http://www.windowsreinstall.com/winv...ir/Image17.gif
    >
    > Click Startup Repair, the link at the top and after it scans>click OK and
    > let it try to repair Vista. It will tell you if it does, and if it
    > doesn't, try System Restore from the Recovery Link on the DVD. If these
    > don't work booting into Safe Mode by tapping the F8 key and using System
    > Restore from one of the safe modes besides VGA may work. That means you
    > have the option to try 4 different safe modes to get to system restore, (one
    > from the Recovery link on the DVD) and sometimes one will work when the
    > others won't.
    >
    >
    > You could also try a Repair Install with Vista which is done exactly the
    > same way as in XP:
    >
    > ***Repair Install Steps*** (can be used for Vista) MVP Doug Knox
    > http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/u...ps/doug92.mspx
    >
    >
    > ***Using the F8 Environment***
    >
    > ***Taking Full Advantage of the F8 Options (Windows Advanced Options Menu)
    > by starting the PC and tapping F8 once per second when the firmware screen
    > with the pc manufacturer's name shows a few seconds after restarting***:
    >
    > The F8 options in Vista are the same as XP, and the link for Safe Mode Boot
    > options is labled XP by MSFT but they are the same for Vista (they haven't
    > updated to add Vista to the title as they have with several MSKBs that apply
    > to both).
    >
    > Again, pressing F8 repeatedly when you seem the firmware screen may be is a
    > generic way to launch Windows RE on some OEM Vista computers.
    >
    > You could also:
    >
    > Think: I have 4 different ways to get back my XP at F8 and try 'em in order.
    > 1) Safe Mode 2) Safe Mode with Cmd to Sys Restore which is simply a cmd
    > prompt in safe mode 3) Safe Mode with Neworking 4) LKG or Last Known Good
    > Configuration
    >
    >
    > Try to F8 to the Windows Adv Options Menu>try 3 safe modes there (I don't
    > use WGA) and Last Known Good>then I go to Win RE in Vista. That gives you a
    > choice of Safe Mode, Safe Mode with Networking,and Safe Mode with Command
    > Prompt.
    >
    > These methods are outlined in
    >
    > A description of the Safe Mode Boot options in Windows XP/and Vista
    > http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315222/
    >
    > Frequently Asked Questions Regarding System Restore from MSFT:
    >
    > http://www.microsoft.com/technet/pro.../faqsrwxp.mspx
    >
    > System Restore can be run from the Win RE recovery environment from the same
    > link as Startup Repair, and sometimes it will work from one F8 safe mode
    > location or from the Win Recovery Environment when it won't work from other
    > locations.
    >
    > How to start the System Restore tool at a command prompt in Windows XP
    >
    > http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;304449
    >
    > Good luck,
    >
    > CH
    >
    >
    >
    > "abbey" <abbey@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
    > news:5D01833D-F3E0-4C86-B2F5-0053E2D8F4EC@microsoft.com...
    > >I am Running Vista and tried to run system restore twice. I followed the
    > > directions and picked the recommended date.
    > >
    > > I get a message telling me that Windows failed to shut down and asks me to
    > > select safe mode or regular windows. I tried both, it seems to start up
    > > (I
    > > see a blue screen with "stuff" on it) but then the screen goes blank and
    > > the
    > > machine restarts. Upon restart I get a message that "system restore
    > > failed
    > > to complete".
    > >
    > > Any ideas? There seems to be very little about troubleshooting system
    > > restore anywhere. Thanks in advance.

    >
    >


  5. #5
    David Guest

    Re: system restore fails to complete

    abbey wrote:
    > Sorry for my lack of details..
    > I mentioned Vista...I don't know why. That's the OS I'm using but duh, I
    > guess I'd be posting elsewhere if I didn't. Anyway..
    > I ran system restore from "regular" windows environment and once from Safe
    > Mode. Each time I thought it was complete because the machine restarted and
    > put me at my login screen. AFTER I log in, and the desktop is restored, a
    > message comes up about the restore being incomplete.
    >
    > Another oddity - the system restore I did from Safe Mode doesn't show up in
    > the list of operations. The other one I did (that supposedly didn't finish)
    > is there. Is there a way to check to see if it really did "restore" and
    > perhaps the error message i some fluke?
    >
    > Thanks-Abbey
    >
    > "Chad Harris" wrote:
    >
    >
    >> Hi abbey--
    >>
    >> I'm a bit confused here. You say you tried to run system restore twice.
    >> That implied you did it from Windows Vista. Then you said you can't boot to
    >> Vista on startup and you get a BSOD. And I assume after that when it
    >> restarts you are getting that message that "system restore failed to start"
    >> but you're not up in Windows when you get it.
    >>
    >> Assuming that you have some restore points or at least one, depending on
    >> whether you have a Vista DVD or not, I'd try these options. You have
    >> several safe modes at the F8 menu, and one may work when another does not,
    >> and you also have Last Known Good Configuration on that menu.
    >>
    >> http://supcontent.gateway.com/suppor...ootOptions.gif
    >>
    >>
    >> If you have a Vista DVD, you have the additional options of Startup Repair
    >> and also you can run system restore from that Recovery link as well.
    >>
    >> Instructions on how to do this are below:
    >>
    >> ***Startup Repair from the Vista DVD***
    >>
    >> How to Use The Vista DVD to Repair Vista (Startup Repair is misnamed by the
    >> Win RE team and it can be used to fix many Vista components even when you
    >> ***can boot to Vista):
    >>
    >> http://www.windowsvista.windowsreins...rtup/index.htm
    >>
    >> If you elect to run Startup repair from the Vista DVD (it can fix major
    >> components in Vista--I've verified this many many times; it's good for more
    >> than startup problems, and the Win RE team simply screwed up when they named
    >> it not understanding its full functionality):
    >>
    >> Startup Repair will look like this when you put in the Vista DVD:
    >>
    >> http://www.vistaclues.com/wp-content...r-computer.png
    >>
    >> You run the startup repair tool this way (and system restore from here is
    >> also sometimes effective):
    >>
    >> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/925810/en-us
    >>
    >> How To Run Startup Repair In Vista Ultimate (Multiple Screenshots)
    >> http://www.windowsvista.windowsreins...rtup/index.htm
    >>
    >> It will automatically take you to this on your screen:
    >>
    >> http://www.vistaclues.com/wp-content...r-computer.png
    >>
    >> That will allow you to go to the Vista setup that has a Repair link on
    >> thelower left corner>click it and then you'll see a gray backgrounded list
    >> and I want you to click Startup Repair from it and follow the directions.
    >>
    >> The gray screen after you click the first link in the above pic will look
    >> like this:
    >>
    >> http://www.windowsreinstall.com/winv...ir/Image17.gif
    >>
    >> Click Startup Repair, the link at the top and after it scans>click OK and
    >> let it try to repair Vista. It will tell you if it does, and if it
    >> doesn't, try System Restore from the Recovery Link on the DVD. If these
    >> don't work booting into Safe Mode by tapping the F8 key and using System
    >> Restore from one of the safe modes besides VGA may work. That means you
    >> have the option to try 4 different safe modes to get to system restore, (one
    >> from the Recovery link on the DVD) and sometimes one will work when the
    >> others won't.
    >>
    >>
    >> You could also try a Repair Install with Vista which is done exactly the
    >> same way as in XP:
    >>
    >> ***Repair Install Steps*** (can be used for Vista) MVP Doug Knox
    >> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/u...ps/doug92.mspx
    >>
    >>
    >> ***Using the F8 Environment***
    >>
    >> ***Taking Full Advantage of the F8 Options (Windows Advanced Options Menu)
    >> by starting the PC and tapping F8 once per second when the firmware screen
    >> with the pc manufacturer's name shows a few seconds after restarting***:
    >>
    >> The F8 options in Vista are the same as XP, and the link for Safe Mode Boot
    >> options is labled XP by MSFT but they are the same for Vista (they haven't
    >> updated to add Vista to the title as they have with several MSKBs that apply
    >> to both).
    >>
    >> Again, pressing F8 repeatedly when you seem the firmware screen may be is a
    >> generic way to launch Windows RE on some OEM Vista computers.
    >>
    >> You could also:
    >>
    >> Think: I have 4 different ways to get back my XP at F8 and try 'em in order.
    >> 1) Safe Mode 2) Safe Mode with Cmd to Sys Restore which is simply a cmd
    >> prompt in safe mode 3) Safe Mode with Neworking 4) LKG or Last Known Good
    >> Configuration
    >>
    >>
    >> Try to F8 to the Windows Adv Options Menu>try 3 safe modes there (I don't
    >> use WGA) and Last Known Good>then I go to Win RE in Vista. That gives you a
    >> choice of Safe Mode, Safe Mode with Networking,and Safe Mode with Command
    >> Prompt.
    >>
    >> These methods are outlined in
    >>
    >> A description of the Safe Mode Boot options in Windows XP/and Vista
    >> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315222/
    >>
    >> Frequently Asked Questions Regarding System Restore from MSFT:
    >>
    >> http://www.microsoft.com/technet/pro.../faqsrwxp.mspx
    >>
    >> System Restore can be run from the Win RE recovery environment from the same
    >> link as Startup Repair, and sometimes it will work from one F8 safe mode
    >> location or from the Win Recovery Environment when it won't work from other
    >> locations.
    >>
    >> How to start the System Restore tool at a command prompt in Windows XP
    >>
    >> http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;304449
    >>
    >> Good luck,
    >>
    >> CH
    >>
    >>
    >>
    >> "abbey" <abbey@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
    >> news:5D01833D-F3E0-4C86-B2F5-0053E2D8F4EC@microsoft.com...
    >>
    >>> I am Running Vista and tried to run system restore twice. I followed the
    >>> directions and picked the recommended date.
    >>>
    >>> I get a message telling me that Windows failed to shut down and asks me to
    >>> select safe mode or regular windows. I tried both, it seems to start up
    >>> (I
    >>> see a blue screen with "stuff" on it) but then the screen goes blank and
    >>> the
    >>> machine restarts. Upon restart I get a message that "system restore
    >>> failed
    >>> to complete".
    >>>
    >>> Any ideas? There seems to be very little about troubleshooting system
    >>> restore anywhere. Thanks in advance.
    >>>

    >>

    are u running norton antivirus? if "yes" there is a feature you have to
    turn off in norton...

  6. #6
    Chad Harris Guest

    Re: system restore fails to complete

    Abbey--

    What is your reason for wanting to use SR--because if we know it maybe we
    can help you fix what you want to fix another way. Also Abbey do you have
    a Vista DVD or can you get your hands on one--perhaps borrow one from
    someone so you can use Startup Repair--even if you can startup because it
    can fix many things in Vista?

    The error message is usually not a fluke and this again all goes to what is
    the reason you wanted to use SR--and did you fix or change that reason?
    That would answer your question.

    So... system restore runs, you get back up to Windows, and you get the
    message that the restore wasn't complete but it doesn't tell you what the
    "wasn't complete" actually means. My question there would be Abbey how are
    things working anyway, and you restored for a reason--you wanted to fix
    something or change something--did that fix or change get done regardless of
    that "incomplete SR" message?

    The reason I ask is because I'm familiar with that message from years of
    newsgroups, but usually the whole message is that "system restore did not
    complete **** [and] your computer's files and settings were not changed."

    Is that your exact Message Abbey? One common thing that's always asked when
    someone has that message is do you by some chance have Norton Antivirus
    Running on your pc, because sometimes Norton AV will cause that to happen
    although it's not common for it to do that.

    I assumed you were using Vista. That wasn't what was hazy. What was hazy
    from your first post was where you were running System Restore from, and
    whether you could boot the first time you ran SR and not boot after you ran
    it. We do get questions here about XP and it's faster to answer them than
    to tell someone to go somewhere else for me. We also get questions about
    every other software MSFT makes and every other 3rd party software and
    hardware questions in here too, so the name Vista general--I'm not sure what
    it's supposed to mean but even in the Vista Beta testers group the vast
    majority of them couldn't post in the right place and there were over 60
    different subspecialty groups.

    If someone has a Vista DVD, they have more options to fix Vista, because
    Startup Repair is available at the Recovery Link by putting in the DVD and
    booting from it, and there is a system restore option there as well in a
    repair environment that is new with Vista called "WinRE" for Windows
    Recovery Environment. The Win RE team lables its Startup Repair as a place
    to fix Vista no boots, but it is much more than that--it can also fix
    significantly broken components of Vista when you can boot. Why they don't
    recognize that on their websites is beyond me. I've written them about it
    more than once.

    One point I like to stress for people to maximize their options to fix a no
    boot Vista is that sometimes you can run system restore by getting "in the
    door to do it" (that's a metaphor) by going to one safe mode where you can't
    get in at another safe mode location. By that I mean that there is safe
    mode at the Recovery Link on the DVD. So your chances are best if you can't
    make system restore work at one safe mode location, to try every other safe
    mode location--because one might work when the others don't. They are:

    Safe Mode from the DVD's Recovery Link
    Safe Mode by Tapping F8 and using that Menu
    Safe Mode from Command Prompt by Tapping F8 and using that Menu
    Safe Mode with Networking (i.e. you can browse in safe mode) by Tapping F8
    and using that Menu

    Last Known Good Configurtation is also at the F8 menu and it can be tried

    All of these are explained and links to them are in my previous post.

    Last Known Good is a snapshot of the last time you were able to do a stable
    boot, and it works rarely, but when it does you've scored. The distinction
    between using a restore point and last known good, is say you haven't
    rebooted your computer for two weeks (some people don't rebooot that often
    unless they have to and I'm one of them) then LKG is going back to the last
    time you did. So changes you've made since aren't going to be preserved.

    In my experience using system restore an awful lot of times, SR may or may
    not preserve short cuts since the restore point, but it often does. You do
    not lose data with SR because it doesn't track data in either XP or Vista.
    However, if you can't boot and get to your data and SR works, you have saved
    your data.

    Answer my questions about the DVD and your reasons for using SR and answer
    your own question as to whether SR fixed whatever Abbey wanted to fix and we
    can help you better.

    CH








    "abbey" <abbey@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
    news:0EE5ECC8-FF5A-4E14-B54C-4997799E8CAF@microsoft.com...
    > Sorry for my lack of details..
    > I mentioned Vista...I don't know why. That's the OS I'm using but duh, I
    > guess I'd be posting elsewhere if I didn't. Anyway..
    > I ran system restore from "regular" windows environment and once from Safe
    > Mode. Each time I thought it was complete because the machine restarted
    > and
    > put me at my login screen. AFTER I log in, and the desktop is restored, a
    > message comes up about the restore being incomplete.
    >
    > Another oddity - the system restore I did from Safe Mode doesn't show up
    > in
    > the list of operations. The other one I did (that supposedly didn't
    > finish)
    > is there. Is there a way to check to see if it really did "restore" and
    > perhaps the error message i some fluke?
    >
    > Thanks-Abbey
    >
    > "Chad Harris" wrote:
    >
    >> Hi abbey--
    >>
    >> I'm a bit confused here. You say you tried to run system restore twice.
    >> That implied you did it from Windows Vista. Then you said you can't boot
    >> to
    >> Vista on startup and you get a BSOD. And I assume after that when it
    >> restarts you are getting that message that "system restore failed to
    >> start"
    >> but you're not up in Windows when you get it.
    >>
    >> Assuming that you have some restore points or at least one, depending on
    >> whether you have a Vista DVD or not, I'd try these options. You have
    >> several safe modes at the F8 menu, and one may work when another does
    >> not,
    >> and you also have Last Known Good Configuration on that menu.
    >>
    >> http://supcontent.gateway.com/suppor...ootOptions.gif
    >>
    >>
    >> If you have a Vista DVD, you have the additional options of Startup
    >> Repair
    >> and also you can run system restore from that Recovery link as well.
    >>
    >> Instructions on how to do this are below:
    >>
    >> ***Startup Repair from the Vista DVD***
    >>
    >> How to Use The Vista DVD to Repair Vista (Startup Repair is misnamed by
    >> the
    >> Win RE team and it can be used to fix many Vista components even when you
    >> ***can boot to Vista):
    >>
    >> http://www.windowsvista.windowsreins...rtup/index.htm
    >>
    >> If you elect to run Startup repair from the Vista DVD (it can fix major
    >> components in Vista--I've verified this many many times; it's good for
    >> more
    >> than startup problems, and the Win RE team simply screwed up when they
    >> named
    >> it not understanding its full functionality):
    >>
    >> Startup Repair will look like this when you put in the Vista DVD:
    >>
    >> http://www.vistaclues.com/wp-content...r-computer.png
    >>
    >> You run the startup repair tool this way (and system restore from here is
    >> also sometimes effective):
    >>
    >> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/925810/en-us
    >>
    >> How To Run Startup Repair In Vista Ultimate (Multiple Screenshots)
    >> http://www.windowsvista.windowsreins...rtup/index.htm
    >>
    >> It will automatically take you to this on your screen:
    >>
    >> http://www.vistaclues.com/wp-content...r-computer.png
    >>
    >> That will allow you to go to the Vista setup that has a Repair link on
    >> thelower left corner>click it and then you'll see a gray backgrounded
    >> list
    >> and I want you to click Startup Repair from it and follow the directions.
    >>
    >> The gray screen after you click the first link in the above pic will look
    >> like this:
    >>
    >> http://www.windowsreinstall.com/winv...ir/Image17.gif
    >>
    >> Click Startup Repair, the link at the top and after it scans>click OK and
    >> let it try to repair Vista. It will tell you if it does, and if it
    >> doesn't, try System Restore from the Recovery Link on the DVD. If these
    >> don't work booting into Safe Mode by tapping the F8 key and using System
    >> Restore from one of the safe modes besides VGA may work. That means you
    >> have the option to try 4 different safe modes to get to system restore,
    >> (one
    >> from the Recovery link on the DVD) and sometimes one will work when the
    >> others won't.
    >>
    >>
    >> You could also try a Repair Install with Vista which is done exactly the
    >> same way as in XP:
    >>
    >> ***Repair Install Steps*** (can be used for Vista) MVP Doug Knox
    >> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/u...ps/doug92.mspx
    >>
    >>
    >> ***Using the F8 Environment***
    >>
    >> ***Taking Full Advantage of the F8 Options (Windows Advanced Options
    >> Menu)
    >> by starting the PC and tapping F8 once per second when the firmware
    >> screen
    >> with the pc manufacturer's name shows a few seconds after restarting***:
    >>
    >> The F8 options in Vista are the same as XP, and the link for Safe Mode
    >> Boot
    >> options is labled XP by MSFT but they are the same for Vista (they
    >> haven't
    >> updated to add Vista to the title as they have with several MSKBs that
    >> apply
    >> to both).
    >>
    >> Again, pressing F8 repeatedly when you seem the firmware screen may be is
    >> a
    >> generic way to launch Windows RE on some OEM Vista computers.
    >>
    >> You could also:
    >>
    >> Think: I have 4 different ways to get back my XP at F8 and try 'em in
    >> order.
    >> 1) Safe Mode 2) Safe Mode with Cmd to Sys Restore which is simply a cmd
    >> prompt in safe mode 3) Safe Mode with Neworking 4) LKG or Last Known Good
    >> Configuration
    >>
    >>
    >> Try to F8 to the Windows Adv Options Menu>try 3 safe modes there (I don't
    >> use WGA) and Last Known Good>then I go to Win RE in Vista. That gives
    >> you a
    >> choice of Safe Mode, Safe Mode with Networking,and Safe Mode with Command
    >> Prompt.
    >>
    >> These methods are outlined in
    >>
    >> A description of the Safe Mode Boot options in Windows XP/and Vista
    >> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315222/
    >>
    >> Frequently Asked Questions Regarding System Restore from MSFT:
    >>
    >> http://www.microsoft.com/technet/pro.../faqsrwxp.mspx
    >>
    >> System Restore can be run from the Win RE recovery environment from the
    >> same
    >> link as Startup Repair, and sometimes it will work from one F8 safe mode
    >> location or from the Win Recovery Environment when it won't work from
    >> other
    >> locations.
    >>
    >> How to start the System Restore tool at a command prompt in Windows XP
    >>
    >> http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;304449
    >>
    >> Good luck,
    >>
    >> CH
    >>
    >>
    >>
    >> "abbey" <abbey@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
    >> news:5D01833D-F3E0-4C86-B2F5-0053E2D8F4EC@microsoft.com...
    >> >I am Running Vista and tried to run system restore twice. I followed
    >> >the
    >> > directions and picked the recommended date.
    >> >
    >> > I get a message telling me that Windows failed to shut down and asks me
    >> > to
    >> > select safe mode or regular windows. I tried both, it seems to start
    >> > up
    >> > (I
    >> > see a blue screen with "stuff" on it) but then the screen goes blank
    >> > and
    >> > the
    >> > machine restarts. Upon restart I get a message that "system restore
    >> > failed
    >> > to complete".
    >> >
    >> > Any ideas? There seems to be very little about troubleshooting system
    >> > restore anywhere. Thanks in advance.

    >>
    >>



  7. #7
    Chad Harris Guest

    Re: system restore fails to complete

    Abbey--

    I'm going to play the odds and assume you don't have Norton AV running which
    can but doesn't have to be the cause for your error--but it's always
    mentioned on forums and groups as a possible remedy for that error. The
    error is not listed in MSFT's Knowledge Base at http://support.microsoft.com
    where you can look up many errors and ways to do things with MSFT software,
    and the SR team from MSFT has listed common errors but not yours here:

    http://blogs.technet.com/filecab/pag...-problems.aspx

    Again the key questions to get you to answer are

    1) What were you trying to fix with System Restore in the first place?
    2) Did System Restore fix that problem or didn't it?
    3) Do you have a Vista DVD from which to run Startup Repair??? The DVD also
    has an option to run system restore from it, and you can also access the cmd
    prompt from it to run SR from the command prompt with the command I supplied
    in my original post.

    Good luck,

    CH



    "abbey" <abbey@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
    news:0EE5ECC8-FF5A-4E14-B54C-4997799E8CAF@microsoft.com...
    > Sorry for my lack of details..
    > I mentioned Vista...I don't know why. That's the OS I'm using but duh, I
    > guess I'd be posting elsewhere if I didn't. Anyway..
    > I ran system restore from "regular" windows environment and once from Safe
    > Mode. Each time I thought it was complete because the machine restarted
    > and
    > put me at my login screen. AFTER I log in, and the desktop is restored, a
    > message comes up about the restore being incomplete.
    >
    > Another oddity - the system restore I did from Safe Mode doesn't show up
    > in
    > the list of operations. The other one I did (that supposedly didn't
    > finish)
    > is there. Is there a way to check to see if it really did "restore" and
    > perhaps the error message i some fluke?
    >
    > Thanks-Abbey
    >
    > "Chad Harris" wrote:
    >
    >> Hi abbey--
    >>
    >> I'm a bit confused here. You say you tried to run system restore twice.
    >> That implied you did it from Windows Vista. Then you said you can't boot
    >> to
    >> Vista on startup and you get a BSOD. And I assume after that when it
    >> restarts you are getting that message that "system restore failed to
    >> start"
    >> but you're not up in Windows when you get it.
    >>
    >> Assuming that you have some restore points or at least one, depending on
    >> whether you have a Vista DVD or not, I'd try these options. You have
    >> several safe modes at the F8 menu, and one may work when another does
    >> not,
    >> and you also have Last Known Good Configuration on that menu.
    >>
    >> http://supcontent.gateway.com/suppor...ootOptions.gif
    >>
    >>
    >> If you have a Vista DVD, you have the additional options of Startup
    >> Repair
    >> and also you can run system restore from that Recovery link as well.
    >>
    >> Instructions on how to do this are below:
    >>
    >> ***Startup Repair from the Vista DVD***
    >>
    >> How to Use The Vista DVD to Repair Vista (Startup Repair is misnamed by
    >> the
    >> Win RE team and it can be used to fix many Vista components even when you
    >> ***can boot to Vista):
    >>
    >> http://www.windowsvista.windowsreins...rtup/index.htm
    >>
    >> If you elect to run Startup repair from the Vista DVD (it can fix major
    >> components in Vista--I've verified this many many times; it's good for
    >> more
    >> than startup problems, and the Win RE team simply screwed up when they
    >> named
    >> it not understanding its full functionality):
    >>
    >> Startup Repair will look like this when you put in the Vista DVD:
    >>
    >> http://www.vistaclues.com/wp-content...r-computer.png
    >>
    >> You run the startup repair tool this way (and system restore from here is
    >> also sometimes effective):
    >>
    >> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/925810/en-us
    >>
    >> How To Run Startup Repair In Vista Ultimate (Multiple Screenshots)
    >> http://www.windowsvista.windowsreins...rtup/index.htm
    >>
    >> It will automatically take you to this on your screen:
    >>
    >> http://www.vistaclues.com/wp-content...r-computer.png
    >>
    >> That will allow you to go to the Vista setup that has a Repair link on
    >> thelower left corner>click it and then you'll see a gray backgrounded
    >> list
    >> and I want you to click Startup Repair from it and follow the directions.
    >>
    >> The gray screen after you click the first link in the above pic will look
    >> like this:
    >>
    >> http://www.windowsreinstall.com/winv...ir/Image17.gif
    >>
    >> Click Startup Repair, the link at the top and after it scans>click OK and
    >> let it try to repair Vista. It will tell you if it does, and if it
    >> doesn't, try System Restore from the Recovery Link on the DVD. If these
    >> don't work booting into Safe Mode by tapping the F8 key and using System
    >> Restore from one of the safe modes besides VGA may work. That means you
    >> have the option to try 4 different safe modes to get to system restore,
    >> (one
    >> from the Recovery link on the DVD) and sometimes one will work when the
    >> others won't.
    >>
    >>
    >> You could also try a Repair Install with Vista which is done exactly the
    >> same way as in XP:
    >>
    >> ***Repair Install Steps*** (can be used for Vista) MVP Doug Knox
    >> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/u...ps/doug92.mspx
    >>
    >>
    >> ***Using the F8 Environment***
    >>
    >> ***Taking Full Advantage of the F8 Options (Windows Advanced Options
    >> Menu)
    >> by starting the PC and tapping F8 once per second when the firmware
    >> screen
    >> with the pc manufacturer's name shows a few seconds after restarting***:
    >>
    >> The F8 options in Vista are the same as XP, and the link for Safe Mode
    >> Boot
    >> options is labled XP by MSFT but they are the same for Vista (they
    >> haven't
    >> updated to add Vista to the title as they have with several MSKBs that
    >> apply
    >> to both).
    >>
    >> Again, pressing F8 repeatedly when you seem the firmware screen may be is
    >> a
    >> generic way to launch Windows RE on some OEM Vista computers.
    >>
    >> You could also:
    >>
    >> Think: I have 4 different ways to get back my XP at F8 and try 'em in
    >> order.
    >> 1) Safe Mode 2) Safe Mode with Cmd to Sys Restore which is simply a cmd
    >> prompt in safe mode 3) Safe Mode with Neworking 4) LKG or Last Known Good
    >> Configuration
    >>
    >>
    >> Try to F8 to the Windows Adv Options Menu>try 3 safe modes there (I don't
    >> use WGA) and Last Known Good>then I go to Win RE in Vista. That gives
    >> you a
    >> choice of Safe Mode, Safe Mode with Networking,and Safe Mode with Command
    >> Prompt.
    >>
    >> These methods are outlined in
    >>
    >> A description of the Safe Mode Boot options in Windows XP/and Vista
    >> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315222/
    >>
    >> Frequently Asked Questions Regarding System Restore from MSFT:
    >>
    >> http://www.microsoft.com/technet/pro.../faqsrwxp.mspx
    >>
    >> System Restore can be run from the Win RE recovery environment from the
    >> same
    >> link as Startup Repair, and sometimes it will work from one F8 safe mode
    >> location or from the Win Recovery Environment when it won't work from
    >> other
    >> locations.
    >>
    >> How to start the System Restore tool at a command prompt in Windows XP
    >>
    >> http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;304449
    >>
    >> Good luck,
    >>
    >> CH
    >>
    >>
    >>
    >> "abbey" <abbey@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
    >> news:5D01833D-F3E0-4C86-B2F5-0053E2D8F4EC@microsoft.com...
    >> >I am Running Vista and tried to run system restore twice. I followed
    >> >the
    >> > directions and picked the recommended date.
    >> >
    >> > I get a message telling me that Windows failed to shut down and asks me
    >> > to
    >> > select safe mode or regular windows. I tried both, it seems to start
    >> > up
    >> > (I
    >> > see a blue screen with "stuff" on it) but then the screen goes blank
    >> > and
    >> > the
    >> > machine restarts. Upon restart I get a message that "system restore
    >> > failed
    >> > to complete".
    >> >
    >> > Any ideas? There seems to be very little about troubleshooting system
    >> > restore anywhere. Thanks in advance.

    >>
    >>



  8. #8
    Dwarf Guest

    RE: system restore fails to complete

    Hi abbey,

    It sounds as though you might have a corrupted restore point which is
    preventing system restore from completing properly. Try restarting using the
    option 'Last Known Good Configuration' and if you manage to log on without
    problems then go into system restore, turn it off (this will delete all
    restore points) and then turn it back on again. Manually create a restore
    point. If this fails, then you might need to reinstall Vista. Before you do
    this, you might like to save any important files to a writeable CD or DVD or,
    if you have one, to an external hard drive. These can then be restored once
    you have reinstalled Vista.
    Dwarf


    "abbey" wrote:

    > I am Running Vista and tried to run system restore twice. I followed the
    > directions and picked the recommended date.
    >
    > I get a message telling me that Windows failed to shut down and asks me to
    > select safe mode or regular windows. I tried both, it seems to start up (I
    > see a blue screen with "stuff" on it) but then the screen goes blank and the
    > machine restarts. Upon restart I get a message that "system restore failed
    > to complete".
    >
    > Any ideas? There seems to be very little about troubleshooting system
    > restore anywhere. Thanks in advance.


  9. #9
    Chad Harris Guest

    Re: system restore fails to complete

    Hi Dwarf--

    If LKG were successful, she wouldn't need to use a restore point. Restore
    points are most often corrupted by dirty shut downs, and I doubt if the new
    VSS system in Vista changes that much.

    Manually creating a restore point might help insure that if they were
    corrupted before, future points would not be, however it's not going to help
    to fix the mysterious and unrevealed problem that SR was being deployed to
    fix in the first place since any manually created restore points will be
    from the date created.

    If the Vista DVD were available, Startup Repair or a Repair Install might
    fix whatever the problem is as two options that would not require backing up
    (which is always something that should be mandatory) and reinstalling the
    entire OS.

    CH


    "Dwarf" <Dwarf@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
    news:00C4AE56-140B-4CA5-914D-5E4FA475B24F@microsoft.com...
    > Hi abbey,
    >
    > It sounds as though you might have a corrupted restore point which is
    > preventing system restore from completing properly. Try restarting using
    > the
    > option 'Last Known Good Configuration' and if you manage to log on without
    > problems then go into system restore, turn it off (this will delete all
    > restore points) and then turn it back on again. Manually create a restore
    > point. If this fails, then you might need to reinstall Vista. Before you
    > do
    > this, you might like to save any important files to a writeable CD or DVD
    > or,
    > if you have one, to an external hard drive. These can then be restored
    > once
    > you have reinstalled Vista.
    > Dwarf
    >
    >
    > "abbey" wrote:
    >
    >> I am Running Vista and tried to run system restore twice. I followed the
    >> directions and picked the recommended date.
    >>
    >> I get a message telling me that Windows failed to shut down and asks me
    >> to
    >> select safe mode or regular windows. I tried both, it seems to start up
    >> (I
    >> see a blue screen with "stuff" on it) but then the screen goes blank and
    >> the
    >> machine restarts. Upon restart I get a message that "system restore
    >> failed
    >> to complete".
    >>
    >> Any ideas? There seems to be very little about troubleshooting system
    >> restore anywhere. Thanks in advance.



  10. #10
    Dwarf Guest

    Re: system restore fails to complete

    Hi everyone,

    I think you are getting a bit confused between Last Known Good Configuration
    (LKGC) and system restore. Both of these, and also driver rollback, can
    restore functionality to your system. Indeed, both LKGC and driver rollback
    can be considered to be a subset of system restore. You can roll back a
    driver to the previous version if the current one is giving problems, you can
    use LKGC (which actually affects only the registry; it loads the copy of the
    registry that is saved automatically following a successful startup), or you
    can use system restore if you need to go further back in time. If none of
    these work and you are unable to solve your problem then you might have to
    reinstall windows. Please refer to my previous post in this thread for more
    information.
    Dwarf

    "Chad Harris" wrote:

    > Hi Dwarf--
    >
    > If LKG were successful, she wouldn't need to use a restore point. Restore
    > points are most often corrupted by dirty shut downs, and I doubt if the new
    > VSS system in Vista changes that much.
    >
    > Manually creating a restore point might help insure that if they were
    > corrupted before, future points would not be, however it's not going to help
    > to fix the mysterious and unrevealed problem that SR was being deployed to
    > fix in the first place since any manually created restore points will be
    > from the date created.
    >
    > If the Vista DVD were available, Startup Repair or a Repair Install might
    > fix whatever the problem is as two options that would not require backing up
    > (which is always something that should be mandatory) and reinstalling the
    > entire OS.
    >
    > CH
    >
    >
    > "Dwarf" <Dwarf@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
    > news:00C4AE56-140B-4CA5-914D-5E4FA475B24F@microsoft.com...
    > > Hi abbey,
    > >
    > > It sounds as though you might have a corrupted restore point which is
    > > preventing system restore from completing properly. Try restarting using
    > > the
    > > option 'Last Known Good Configuration' and if you manage to log on without
    > > problems then go into system restore, turn it off (this will delete all
    > > restore points) and then turn it back on again. Manually create a restore
    > > point. If this fails, then you might need to reinstall Vista. Before you
    > > do
    > > this, you might like to save any important files to a writeable CD or DVD
    > > or,
    > > if you have one, to an external hard drive. These can then be restored
    > > once
    > > you have reinstalled Vista.
    > > Dwarf
    > >
    > >
    > > "abbey" wrote:
    > >
    > >> I am Running Vista and tried to run system restore twice. I followed the
    > >> directions and picked the recommended date.
    > >>
    > >> I get a message telling me that Windows failed to shut down and asks me
    > >> to
    > >> select safe mode or regular windows. I tried both, it seems to start up
    > >> (I
    > >> see a blue screen with "stuff" on it) but then the screen goes blank and
    > >> the
    > >> machine restarts. Upon restart I get a message that "system restore
    > >> failed
    > >> to complete".
    > >>
    > >> Any ideas? There seems to be very little about troubleshooting system
    > >> restore anywhere. Thanks in advance.

    >
    >


  11. #11
    abbey Guest

    RE: system restore fails to complete

    Wow - thanks for all the help! I'm starting to wonder if I should even
    bother or if I should find an alternative. The reason why I wanted to do
    this was because I downloaded something I shouldn't have. (This is the place
    where I smack myself in the forehead).

    McAfee didn't notice, Windows Defender did and stopped one thing but I
    allowed another. Spybot removed something but I'm not sure the computer is
    all "clean". And I'm paranoid. My intent was to revert back to everything
    before my idiotic mistake, and the system restore seemed like a good option.
    I'm annoyed that something like that doesn't work.

    Supposedly Windows defender and everything else says I'm "OK" but I'm not
    convinced. Especially after I ran the Windows Live Safety Scanner (beta
    version for Vista) which found two things but then couldn't do anything about
    them.

    Is this where I unplug my machine and take it to be looked at??

    "abbey" wrote:

    > I am Running Vista and tried to run system restore twice. I followed the
    > directions and picked the recommended date.
    >
    > I get a message telling me that Windows failed to shut down and asks me to
    > select safe mode or regular windows. I tried both, it seems to start up (I
    > see a blue screen with "stuff" on it) but then the screen goes blank and the
    > machine restarts. Upon restart I get a message that "system restore failed
    > to complete".
    >
    > Any ideas? There seems to be very little about troubleshooting system
    > restore anywhere. Thanks in advance.


  12. #12
    Dave T. Guest

    Re: system restore fails to complete

    Chad Harris wrote:
    > Abbey--
    >
    > I'm going to play the odds and assume you don't have Norton AV running
    > which can but doesn't have to be the cause for your error--but it's
    > always mentioned on forums and groups as a possible remedy for that
    > error. The error is not listed in MSFT's Knowledge Base at
    > http://support.microsoft.com where you can look up many errors and ways
    > to do things with MSFT software, and the SR team from MSFT has listed
    > common errors but not yours here:
    >
    > http://blogs.technet.com/filecab/pag...-problems.aspx
    >




    Chad, Norton AV definitely is one cause that can produce the symptom in
    question. It happened to me. Norton has "Program protection" in it's
    setup options that effectively blocks SR from completing. I turned it
    off, and the problem was gone.

    Dave T.

    --
    Some people are like a slinky.. not really good for
    anything, but you still can't help but smile when you shove
    them down the stairs.

  13. #13
    abbey Guest

    Re: system restore fails to complete

    Hi Chad-

    I posted below but you may not see it as I didn't actually reply to you. I
    downloaded something questionable that I'm not sure Windows Defender and
    spybot and McAfee caught (shows up as having been allowed in Defender).
    Windows LiveCare (?) scan found two things that it couldn't/wouldn't fix.
    After all it was the Beta version for Vista. As soon as I realized that I
    might have done something bad, I thought I could "restore" everything to the
    day before but it didn't work. The idea of "undo" is fabulous if it works.

    Things are working *I think* but yesterday spybot notified me about an
    attempted registry change which I disallowed because I didn't know why it
    would be occuring. I have a bad mixture of lack of technical knowledge and
    paranoia and just want the stupid machine clean.

    I don't have Norton, I tried several different restore points both from Safe
    Mode and "regular" windows. I have not, however, tried more than two of the
    options from Safe Mode - running recovery from there or starting in Safe Mode
    then logging in and running the recovery.

    The thing I noticed last night when I tried it again after disconnecting my
    external hard drive and making sure the "teatimer" in spybot was disabled -
    when the system begins dumping (the blue screen I described) it gets up to
    100 and very briefly flashes before it shuts down. At that moment of flash I
    saw something about "call technical support" but it is so quick I can't read
    any kind of error message. After that the machine reboots and several
    minutes later the message comes up about "system restore fails to complete".
    And yes, the message you described is the same.

    I didn't try the "last know good configuration since the machine has
    rebooted every time after I've done one of these repair attempts so I figure
    it wasn't worthwhile. From what I've understood, that eliminates that
    solution.

    I did a backup onto my external hard drive last night in case I need to
    reinstall Vista but will that work for my potential problem of possible
    spyware/malware? I have the DVD from DELL but I didn't see anything other
    than reinstall Vista so I stopped wonderering if I should bother.

    If there is a security forum (I don't remember seeing one) perhaps I should
    concentrate on finding something to "clean up" the machine. I hope that
    gives you more to work with and again - I really appreciate the help -any
    other ideas you have would help!
    abbey

    "Chad Harris" wrote:

    > Abbey--
    >
    > What is your reason for wanting to use SR--because if we know it maybe we
    > can help you fix what you want to fix another way. Also Abbey do you have
    > a Vista DVD or can you get your hands on one--perhaps borrow one from
    > someone so you can use Startup Repair--even if you can startup because it
    > can fix many things in Vista?
    >
    > The error message is usually not a fluke and this again all goes to what is
    > the reason you wanted to use SR--and did you fix or change that reason?
    > That would answer your question.
    >
    > So... system restore runs, you get back up to Windows, and you get the
    > message that the restore wasn't complete but it doesn't tell you what the
    > "wasn't complete" actually means. My question there would be Abbey how are
    > things working anyway, and you restored for a reason--you wanted to fix
    > something or change something--did that fix or change get done regardless of
    > that "incomplete SR" message?
    >
    > The reason I ask is because I'm familiar with that message from years of
    > newsgroups, but usually the whole message is that "system restore did not
    > complete **** [and] your computer's files and settings were not changed."
    >
    > Is that your exact Message Abbey? One common thing that's always asked when
    > someone has that message is do you by some chance have Norton Antivirus
    > Running on your pc, because sometimes Norton AV will cause that to happen
    > although it's not common for it to do that.
    >
    > I assumed you were using Vista. That wasn't what was hazy. What was hazy
    > from your first post was where you were running System Restore from, and
    > whether you could boot the first time you ran SR and not boot after you ran
    > it. We do get questions here about XP and it's faster to answer them than
    > to tell someone to go somewhere else for me. We also get questions about
    > every other software MSFT makes and every other 3rd party software and
    > hardware questions in here too, so the name Vista general--I'm not sure what
    > it's supposed to mean but even in the Vista Beta testers group the vast
    > majority of them couldn't post in the right place and there were over 60
    > different subspecialty groups.
    >
    > If someone has a Vista DVD, they have more options to fix Vista, because
    > Startup Repair is available at the Recovery Link by putting in the DVD and
    > booting from it, and there is a system restore option there as well in a
    > repair environment that is new with Vista called "WinRE" for Windows
    > Recovery Environment. The Win RE team lables its Startup Repair as a place
    > to fix Vista no boots, but it is much more than that--it can also fix
    > significantly broken components of Vista when you can boot. Why they don't
    > recognize that on their websites is beyond me. I've written them about it
    > more than once.
    >
    > One point I like to stress for people to maximize their options to fix a no
    > boot Vista is that sometimes you can run system restore by getting "in the
    > door to do it" (that's a metaphor) by going to one safe mode where you can't
    > get in at another safe mode location. By that I mean that there is safe
    > mode at the Recovery Link on the DVD. So your chances are best if you can't
    > make system restore work at one safe mode location, to try every other safe
    > mode location--because one might work when the others don't. They are:
    >
    > Safe Mode from the DVD's Recovery Link
    > Safe Mode by Tapping F8 and using that Menu
    > Safe Mode from Command Prompt by Tapping F8 and using that Menu
    > Safe Mode with Networking (i.e. you can browse in safe mode) by Tapping F8
    > and using that Menu
    >
    > Last Known Good Configurtation is also at the F8 menu and it can be tried
    >
    > All of these are explained and links to them are in my previous post.
    >
    > Last Known Good is a snapshot of the last time you were able to do a stable
    > boot, and it works rarely, but when it does you've scored. The distinction
    > between using a restore point and last known good, is say you haven't
    > rebooted your computer for two weeks (some people don't rebooot that often
    > unless they have to and I'm one of them) then LKG is going back to the last
    > time you did. So changes you've made since aren't going to be preserved.
    >
    > In my experience using system restore an awful lot of times, SR may or may
    > not preserve short cuts since the restore point, but it often does. You do
    > not lose data with SR because it doesn't track data in either XP or Vista.
    > However, if you can't boot and get to your data and SR works, you have saved
    > your data.
    >
    > Answer my questions about the DVD and your reasons for using SR and answer
    > your own question as to whether SR fixed whatever Abbey wanted to fix and we
    > can help you better.
    >
    > CH
    >
    >
    >
    >
    >
    >
    >
    >
    > "abbey" <abbey@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
    > news:0EE5ECC8-FF5A-4E14-B54C-4997799E8CAF@microsoft.com...
    > > Sorry for my lack of details..
    > > I mentioned Vista...I don't know why. That's the OS I'm using but duh, I
    > > guess I'd be posting elsewhere if I didn't. Anyway..
    > > I ran system restore from "regular" windows environment and once from Safe
    > > Mode. Each time I thought it was complete because the machine restarted
    > > and
    > > put me at my login screen. AFTER I log in, and the desktop is restored, a
    > > message comes up about the restore being incomplete.
    > >
    > > Another oddity - the system restore I did from Safe Mode doesn't show up
    > > in
    > > the list of operations. The other one I did (that supposedly didn't
    > > finish)
    > > is there. Is there a way to check to see if it really did "restore" and
    > > perhaps the error message i some fluke?
    > >
    > > Thanks-Abbey
    > >
    > > "Chad Harris" wrote:
    > >
    > >> Hi abbey--
    > >>
    > >> I'm a bit confused here. You say you tried to run system restore twice.
    > >> That implied you did it from Windows Vista. Then you said you can't boot
    > >> to
    > >> Vista on startup and you get a BSOD. And I assume after that when it
    > >> restarts you are getting that message that "system restore failed to
    > >> start"
    > >> but you're not up in Windows when you get it.
    > >>
    > >> Assuming that you have some restore points or at least one, depending on
    > >> whether you have a Vista DVD or not, I'd try these options. You have
    > >> several safe modes at the F8 menu, and one may work when another does
    > >> not,
    > >> and you also have Last Known Good Configuration on that menu.
    > >>
    > >> http://supcontent.gateway.com/suppor...ootOptions.gif
    > >>
    > >>
    > >> If you have a Vista DVD, you have the additional options of Startup
    > >> Repair
    > >> and also you can run system restore from that Recovery link as well.
    > >>
    > >> Instructions on how to do this are below:
    > >>
    > >> ***Startup Repair from the Vista DVD***
    > >>
    > >> How to Use The Vista DVD to Repair Vista (Startup Repair is misnamed by
    > >> the
    > >> Win RE team and it can be used to fix many Vista components even when you
    > >> ***can boot to Vista):
    > >>
    > >> http://www.windowsvista.windowsreins...rtup/index.htm
    > >>
    > >> If you elect to run Startup repair from the Vista DVD (it can fix major
    > >> components in Vista--I've verified this many many times; it's good for
    > >> more
    > >> than startup problems, and the Win RE team simply screwed up when they
    > >> named
    > >> it not understanding its full functionality):
    > >>
    > >> Startup Repair will look like this when you put in the Vista DVD:
    > >>
    > >> http://www.vistaclues.com/wp-content...r-computer.png
    > >>
    > >> You run the startup repair tool this way (and system restore from here is
    > >> also sometimes effective):
    > >>
    > >> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/925810/en-us
    > >>
    > >> How To Run Startup Repair In Vista Ultimate (Multiple Screenshots)
    > >> http://www.windowsvista.windowsreins...rtup/index.htm
    > >>
    > >> It will automatically take you to this on your screen:
    > >>
    > >> http://www.vistaclues.com/wp-content...r-computer.png
    > >>
    > >> That will allow you to go to the Vista setup that has a Repair link on
    > >> thelower left corner>click it and then you'll see a gray backgrounded
    > >> list
    > >> and I want you to click Startup Repair from it and follow the directions.
    > >>
    > >> The gray screen after you click the first link in the above pic will look
    > >> like this:
    > >>
    > >> http://www.windowsreinstall.com/winv...ir/Image17.gif
    > >>
    > >> Click Startup Repair, the link at the top and after it scans>click OK and
    > >> let it try to repair Vista. It will tell you if it does, and if it
    > >> doesn't, try System Restore from the Recovery Link on the DVD. If these
    > >> don't work booting into Safe Mode by tapping the F8 key and using System
    > >> Restore from one of the safe modes besides VGA may work. That means you
    > >> have the option to try 4 different safe modes to get to system restore,
    > >> (one
    > >> from the Recovery link on the DVD) and sometimes one will work when the
    > >> others won't.
    > >>
    > >>
    > >> You could also try a Repair Install with Vista which is done exactly the
    > >> same way as in XP:
    > >>
    > >> ***Repair Install Steps*** (can be used for Vista) MVP Doug Knox
    > >> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/u...ps/doug92.mspx
    > >>
    > >>
    > >> ***Using the F8 Environment***
    > >>
    > >> ***Taking Full Advantage of the F8 Options (Windows Advanced Options
    > >> Menu)
    > >> by starting the PC and tapping F8 once per second when the firmware
    > >> screen
    > >> with the pc manufacturer's name shows a few seconds after restarting***:
    > >>
    > >> The F8 options in Vista are the same as XP, and the link for Safe Mode
    > >> Boot
    > >> options is labled XP by MSFT but they are the same for Vista (they
    > >> haven't
    > >> updated to add Vista to the title as they have with several MSKBs that
    > >> apply
    > >> to both).
    > >>
    > >> Again, pressing F8 repeatedly when you seem the firmware screen may be is
    > >> a
    > >> generic way to launch Windows RE on some OEM Vista computers.
    > >>
    > >> You could also:
    > >>
    > >> Think: I have 4 different ways to get back my XP at F8 and try 'em in
    > >> order.
    > >> 1) Safe Mode 2) Safe Mode with Cmd to Sys Restore which is simply a cmd
    > >> prompt in safe mode 3) Safe Mode with Neworking 4) LKG or Last Known Good
    > >> Configuration
    > >>
    > >>
    > >> Try to F8 to the Windows Adv Options Menu>try 3 safe modes there (I don't
    > >> use WGA) and Last Known Good>then I go to Win RE in Vista. That gives
    > >> you a
    > >> choice of Safe Mode, Safe Mode with Networking,and Safe Mode with Command
    > >> Prompt.
    > >>
    > >> These methods are outlined in
    > >>
    > >> A description of the Safe Mode Boot options in Windows XP/and Vista
    > >> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315222/
    > >>
    > >> Frequently Asked Questions Regarding System Restore from MSFT:
    > >>
    > >> http://www.microsoft.com/technet/pro.../faqsrwxp.mspx
    > >>
    > >> System Restore can be run from the Win RE recovery environment from the
    > >> same
    > >> link as Startup Repair, and sometimes it will work from one F8 safe mode
    > >> location or from the Win Recovery Environment when it won't work from
    > >> other
    > >> locations.
    > >>
    > >> How to start the System Restore tool at a command prompt in Windows XP
    > >>
    > >> http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;304449
    > >>
    > >> Good luck,
    > >>
    > >> CH
    > >>
    > >>
    > >>
    > >> "abbey" <abbey@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
    > >> news:5D01833D-F3E0-4C86-B2F5-0053E2D8F4EC@microsoft.com...
    > >> >I am Running Vista and tried to run system restore twice. I followed
    > >> >the
    > >> > directions and picked the recommended date.
    > >> >
    > >> > I get a message telling me that Windows failed to shut down and asks me
    > >> > to
    > >> > select safe mode or regular windows. I tried both, it seems to start
    > >> > up
    > >> > (I
    > >> > see a blue screen with "stuff" on it) but then the screen goes blank
    > >> > and
    > >> > the
    > >> > machine restarts. Upon restart I get a message that "system restore
    > >> > failed
    > >> > to complete".
    > >> >
    > >> > Any ideas? There seems to be very little about troubleshooting system
    > >> > restore anywhere. Thanks in advance.
    > >>
    > >>

    >
    >


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