How to troubleshoot the System Restore tool in Windows XP (302796)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional
This article was previously published under Q302796

INTRODUCTION

This article describes how to perform basic troubleshooting for issues that involve the System Restore tool in Microsoft Windows XP.

MORE INFORMATION

To troubleshoot System Restore issues, use one or more of the following methods:
  • If you receive an error message that is related to System Restore, always make sure that you first record the error message, and then follow the instructions that the error message contains to try to resolve the issue. Most System Restore issues generate an error message that contains a description of the issue and suggestions for how to resolve the issue.
  • Make sure that you have sufficient disk space on all the drives where System Restore is enabled.
  • Make sure that the System Restore service is running. To do this, use one of the following methods:
    • Look in Control Panel. To do this, follow these steps:
      1. Click Start, click Run, and then type compmgmt.msc in the Open box.
      2. Expand Services, and then click System Restore Services.
    • Open a command prompt window. To do this, follow these steps:
      1. Click Start, click Run, and then type CMD.
      2. Press ENTER, and then type Net Start at the command prompt to make sure that the System Restore service is up and is running.
  • Make sure that System Restore is enabled on the drives where you want System Restore enabled.
  • Try to run System Restore in Safe Mode.
  • If you suspect that you do not have as many restore points as you should have, make sure that the data store is the size that you want the data store to be.
  • View the event logs to investigate System Restore service errors. To do this, follow these steps:
    1. Click Start, click Control Panel, and then click Performance and Maintenance.
    2. Click Administrative Tools, click Computer Management, double-click Event Viewer, and then click System.
    3. Click the Source tab to sort by name, and then look for "sr" or "srservice." Double-click each of these services, and then evaluate the event description for any indication of the cause of the problem.
For additional information, click the following article numbers to view the articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

287505 How the System Restore utility uses drive letters

283073 How to disable the System Restore Configuration user interface

295050 Information on System Restore and password restoration

283252 Non-administrator user is unable to start System Restore utility

322246 You cannot create a restore point with a HighPoint Driver installed

299904 The System Restore utility may be suspended on a System Drive even though there is enough disk space

300044 How the System Restore tool handles hard-disk space usage

301224 System Restore "Restore Points" are missing or deleted

304449 How to start the System Restore tool from a command prompt in Windows XP

313853 System Restore tool displays a blank calendar in Windows XP

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:6/30/2004
Keywords:kbtshoot kbenv kbinfo KB302796
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