System restore for Windows XP won't work??

Question

Everytime I try to do a system restore, it starts out like its going to work properly but then it just stops. It says that it can't restore because the date chosen is a *system checkpoint*........What the heck is going on?

I've tried this probably 40 times, each time choosing a different day and it still won't work. I know my boyfriend has had the same thing happen on his computer and I'd really like to know why?

Anyone??? Help????

Thanks bunches!

Raymond W...is that sarcasm I'm detecting? *Tsk* I'm female...what can I say? Persistence comes in the standard package...I thought EVERYone knew this! Anyway....I've run my spyware remover, I've run my Virus protection, I've tried everything I know how to do so that is why I tried a System Restore. This computer is so slow and its barely a year and a half old. I was hoping someone out there knew the magical fix........a girl can/does dream about such things! *sigh*

Answer 1

Try this:

WindowsXP – System Restore with Registry Patrol
(a free download)
Source: http://asknerd.net/systemrestore.html?OVRAW=Windows%20XP%20restore%20factory%20default&OVKEY=window%20xp%20restore&OVMTC=advanced&OVADID=4140362511&OVKWID=11038436011

Microsoft has added the ability to reset your computer to a previous date using the " system restore " feature. This provides the user the ability to return the computer's setting to the last restore point in the system memory. It is a relatively automated procedure and can be done safely by just about any computer user.

Although not all Windows versions and systems are the same, typically the RESTORE setting is found by clicking the START menu in the lower left hand corner, and then choosing the HELP AND SUPPORT option located above the RUN and SEARCH options.

Now under PICK A TASK, select Undo changes to your computer with System Restore. A wizard will open up and guide you through the rest of the process.

Keep in mind that restoring your computer does not uninstall any software that may have caused the problem in the first place - and may not fix the problem or stop it from reoccurring. Many problems with the window's system are caused by errors or changes made to the registry and often a safer, simpler way to fix your system may be to install a registry repair program. . A tool such as Registry Patrol is a free diagnostic program that you simply download and then run on your computer. It scans all of your files and hard drives and then reports back to you any problems if finds. It's not uncommon to have it report back that it has found hundreds upon hundreds of errors.

The best part about the program is it will instantly fix those problems safely and quickly - and is a whole lot cheaper than having a technician look at your computer. It also has a feature that allows you to stop programs from loading when you turn on your computer which is often a problem for older computers with too many start up applications trying to get started every time you boot your system up. Registry Patrol will also clean what is called your cache files which will dramatically speed up your internet performance.

The program Registry Patrol is free to install and operate and it keeps a close eye on your registry to prevent and repair any types of problems it finds. You can go to the Registry Patrol site by clicking here.

NOTE: Go to the source link (above) to click on any links included here.
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Answer 2

Try running a SFC. If that doesn't work, there is a link to a Microsoft MVP page regarding reinstalling system restore at the bottom.

First update and scan your computer with your security products such as antivirus and antispyware applications. If you computer comes up clean after running your resident security products, you may want to consider running a System File Checker (SFC). This can be run in Safe Mode should you prefer. To get into Safe Mode either hold down or tap the F8 key repeatedly while the computer is starting up. To run SFC, close all applications such as Office, Messenger, Email, etc, and go to:

- Start
- Run
- Type in sfc /scannow (include the space before the " / ")

What SFC does is that it attempts to fix or replace critical operating system files. Sometimes this can be done without the installation disk, however it may prompt you for the appropriate operating system installation disk. If that is the case, then you know that you definitely have file corruption or something missing. Insert the disk if prompted. Also you should run SFC using the Administrator account.

If you have the Vista operating system, the steps are a bit different due to the UAC. See the link below.
http://vistasupport.mvps.org/system_file_checker.htm

Don't surf, play games or do anything while SFC runs. After it is completed, reboot your computer.

One of the major culprits in missing or corrupt operating system files is running a registry cleaner or optimizer. They can flag important shared files for deletion or cleanup. Another cause is malware.

NOTE: Before running any registry cleaner or editing the registry, always ensure you back it up first. If the registry cleaner you are using doesn't have that function, you can do it manually. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/322756
====================
Reinstalling System Restore
http://bertk.mvps.org/html/reinstall.html

Answer 3

I must admire your persistence. Imagine repeating the same thing 40 times before concluding it doesn't work.

Normally System Restore makes a restore point when you add a new program but a system checkpoint is a different type of restore point. It would cause system instablility if you attempted to use that point.

May be you should try another method of fixing the problem you are experiencing?

Answer 4

You can try to do it with the xp disk, but you have to go into the bios and set it up so the CD ROM is the first boot device then restart your computer and you will get a choice to repair, restore, or install. Choose to restore. then follow the directions. If that works don't forget to go back into the bios and reset your floppy drive as the first boot device.

Answer 5

By any chance is your Hard Drive full? 50MB or less?

Instead of using System restore. How about telling us more about your slow pc problem. When did you first notice it? Did you download any software around the same time? What methods have you tried so far?

Answer 6

i cant find my system restore is there a xp download that will fix it ?