System Restore

[Coldicote]

Until now I have occasionally used System Restore without problems, but for some reason it has stopped working. I have Windows XP and Norton 360 Internet Security (NIS). By going to Norton > Settings and temporarily un-ticking Norton Tamper Protection, System Restore would work well, but now it will not complete the restore job. Any suggestions please as to what has gone wrong?

[Buenchico]

Although I frequently recommend using System Restore here, I have to admit that it often doesn't work for me!

Try using it in Safe Mode:
Press F8 while the computer is going through the boot sequence. You'll find that your desktop will look very odd (because the video driver won't have loaded) but you'll still be able to access System Restore (which will have a better chance of working, because all of the programs which would normally run as soon as you booted your PC will remain inoperative).

Chris

[Coldicote]

Thank you Chris, but so far no luck. When you speak of the boot sequence I take it you mean the sequence that's part of the System Restore process. I'm a bit wary of messing things up and wonder whether to give it a try starting from scratch with the PC having been completely switched off.

[Buenchico]

>>>"When you speak of the boot sequence I take it you mean the sequence that's part of the System Restore process"

Er, no!
Restart your PC and while it's 'getting itself ready' (before you get to the Windows screen) press F8 . That's not the same as going into the BIOS (which, possibly understandably, worries some people). It simple starts Windows in its most basic form. (So none of the programs which normally load when you start your PC will be running and unnecessary drivers, such as those for your printer and video card, won't be loaded). Unlike entering the BIOS, it's 100% safe. You definitely can't damage your PC by using Safe Mode!

[Coldicote]

Computers are not simple creatures! I got part of the way but then couldn't find how/where to start System Restore. Could do with some sleep now so will have another look tomorrow. Thanks for your interest.

[Buenchico]

Thanks for your reply.

When you're wide awake tomorrow, boot into Safe Mode again.

Then (despite the very basic, and rather odd-looking, screen) you'll find that you can still go to Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore.

Sleep well!

[Coldicote]

Good Morning Chris. I've been into safe mode, found System Restore and gave it a run, but sorry to say it still did not complete the job. I'm thinking now it must be something to do with Norton Internet Security 360 that was recently updated, so will do some experimenting there. Previously, by unticking an item in NIS, Restore worked OK - but no longer. Many thanks for your interest and efforts. If I find anything useful I'll come back. 'Bye for now.

[deggers316]

personally i just do a system state back up weekly,takes 1 min (on another hard drive)
then if anything goes wrong i back up from that, i dont bother with s/r

[Coldicote]

I tried again temporarily un-ticking Norton Tamper Protection and system restore worked, as it had done several times before, and I then re-ticked Tamper Protection. BUT thereafter I had repeated warnings that part of the security system was unsafe so went through various repair options, but it would not repair. One thing led to another.... It referred me to a websiite that was so complicated I gave up. Finished up uninstalling Norton and now have a trial version of AVG which looks good.