System Restore won't work

  • Thread starter Thread starter Wayne
  • Start date Start date
W

Wayne

I have a brand new Dell Dimension 4600. (2 weeks old!)
My problem is, as I tried to set up a network connection
it failed to set up using the wizard. I thought no
problem, I will restore my computer back to a previous
state, and work on it later. This is where the real
problem is! It will not do a system restore. It goes
through the process, but when it reboots, it goes back to
the restore window and states that it can not restore the
system back to the date I selected. Contacted Dell
support....after hours of useless tech support, they told
me to use the Win XP disc and restore all the Window
files from it. Still did not work....now they tell me I
must reformat, and reinstall all original software.
There has got to be a simpler answer. Any help on this
matter will be "greatly" appreciated!!!!!
 
It sounds as though the System Restore file store is corrupted. The fix is
to turn it off, reboot, turn it back on and reboot. NOTE: this will delete
all restore points up to this time but at the moment, that is a moot point.

Open Control Panel, open System, go to the System Restore tab, place a check
next to "Turn off System Restore on all drives," click apply and ok, reboot
the system, return to the same place, remove the check, click apply and ok
and reboot. Then try making a manual restore point to see if it is now
functioning.

That said, if you are having problems as a result of network setup that
didn't take, assuming you have a Dell recovery CD, you'll need to follow
there recovery procedure. This will wipe the drive and start over clean.
If you do this, once again check out System Restore. Recovery disks often
restore an image as opposed to going through setup and this can create the
problem of corrupting the SR file store as mentioned above.
 
Michael,

Thank you for your prompt reply! When Dell had me
reinstall the Windows files, it cleaned out all the
restore points that were previously there. It then
created a new one, from that starting point. I added some
files for a test, and then went back to try and restore
to the original restore point. Same problem...wouldn't
restore to its original state. Any ideas??
Thanks,
Wayne
 
I can't say for sure what Dell did but before we go any further, I ask that
you at least try what I've suggested because you actually need to shutdown
System Restore and turn it back on. It sounds as though the Dell procedure
may have corrupted or re-corrupted the System Restore file store. You need
to do this or we can't rule it out.
 
Michael,

Your suggestion worked great!! :) Thank you for your
expertise! I just wish I knew why I spent 4 hours with
Dell tech support trying to do the same thing you did in
two minutes! Any suggestions as to how I should proceed
with my network setup. This machine uses XP and the
other uses 98. When I went through the network
connection wizard, it said it couldn't automatically set
up the network for me, I would have to do it manually. So
do you have any special suggestions or steps I should
take?
Thank you again for your time & assistance!
Wayne
 
You're welcome, Wayne.

I can't say why Dell didn't know that trick for fixing System Restore.

First, have you tried running the XP Network Setup Wizard since you fixed
System Restore.

Second, when you do so, be sure to turn off all firewalls including the XP
firewall, any antivirus applications or any other security applications on
all computers during the run of the wizard. If you are connecting through a
router, be sure nothing in the router is set to block setup. Some routers
in addition to their hardware features have software that might interfere.
For the record, the XP firewall is in the following location. Open Control
Panel, go to Network Connection, right click "Local Area Connection," select
properties, go to the Advanced tab and be sure and be sure there is no check
next to "Protect my computer and network..."

If you manage to run the wizard, at some point during the wizard, the user
is asked how this computer connects to the Internet. An incorrect answer in
this location can block network access. Many home users select the "Hub"
option and they end up unable to connect. Usually, it is the "Gateway"
option that gets things going.
 
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