XP System Restore Doesn't Work

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netspert

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Jul 23, 2013
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I accidentally deleted my InkJet; the Install Disk doesn't work, so I need to do a System Restore to recover it. But when I run System Restore, it tells me it cannot restore to the selected restore point, whatever date I choose. Help!
 
Solution
Scan your system for virus/malware... they can disable System Restore, cause driver issues, and even installer problems... even give false warnings. It's possible that after removing a malware threat, System Restore may start working again...

Malwarebytes Antimalware
http://www.malwarebytes.org/products/malwarebytes_pro/

Get a FREE Online Virus Scan from ESET
http://www.eset.com/us/online-scanner/
Check this thread for System Restore answers...

My system restore does not work for any date?
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/265864-45-system-restore-work-date

If nothing helps making SR work, you'll have to disable it and reenable it to make it start creating new restore points so it works the next time you need it. The previous restore points will be deleted but they have most likely become useless up to this point.

To disable SR: Control Panel > performance and maintenance > System > System Restore > put a checkmark on Disable System Restore.... Restart the computer and remove the checkmark to enable System Restore.

Another method on How to Repair Windows XP System Restore
http://www.ehow.com/how_5458598_repair-windows-xp-system-restore.html

If none of the solutions helped make SR work so recovering the printer wasn't possible, you can download the Printer driver from the HP website... this solution is probably easier than recovering the printer through SR: Download the Printer Model driver > execute the downloaded .exe file to extract the driver files to a new folder > right click on the ".inf" file and select Install, next go to the Printers folder (Start\Printers and Faxes)... Click on Add new Printer > select Local Printer > Next > A list of one to a few compatible drivers will appear... If the printer model is in the list, select it and click next... the printer will be installed.. And if the printer is not in the list, click on "Have Disk" > click on Browse, and browse to the folder where you extracted the driver files, select the .inf file, and next click on Open.. the printer will be installed.

If you have trouble finding the correct driver, I can probably find it for you with the exact Printer Model posted here.
 

netspert

Honorable
Jul 23, 2013
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10,510
Thankk you for your solution. The issues were multiple: The HP Install software I had saved on C:\ wouldn't run. It got a "Setup Error." Same with the Install software from the hP Website. It's a DeskJet 6840, not in the Windows printer list (in XP or 7), and guessing at other models from the list turned it into a monochrome printer. So I really didn't want to delete backup points. But I got lucky - I found the Install CD. It still got a "Setup Error," but somehow it got the printer going again, and in color. Now I can try to get SR working. Thanks again for the help.
 
Scan your system for virus/malware... they can disable System Restore, cause driver issues, and even installer problems... even give false warnings. It's possible that after removing a malware threat, System Restore may start working again...

Malwarebytes Antimalware
http://www.malwarebytes.org/products/malwarebytes_pro/

Get a FREE Online Virus Scan from ESET
http://www.eset.com/us/online-scanner/
 
Solution

zeroise

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Aug 13, 2014
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I had a similiar problem. No matter what date I clicked on, it wouldn't restore.
The pc was running xp professional, and it was avg anti-virus business edition that was causing it.
I disabled avg 'until restart'.
And then ran the restore. Restore worked o.k.

Just thought I might update this thread, just incase someone else with a similiar setup has the same problems. Disable any anti-virus software and then try the restore.

 

All antivirus are nowhere close to 100% effectiveness, they need virus information (deffinition updates) to do anything about them. And viruses exist that can disable and control the antivirus.. So, it would seem possible that a virus may have used the antivirus to prevent the execution of System Restore that would delete it... And as you disabled the antivirus, the virus was doomed.

In any case that's a good contribution... Thanks.
 
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