System Restore Won't Work ...

Loobeylou

I am on Windows XP, and have recently been having problems. Finally decided to do a system restore, and there are numerous restore points mentioned on the calendar.

However, whenever I try to do one going back to any date, it states (after my machine has shut down and started up again) that it was not possible to do a system restore, and to try another date. I have now tried several and it still will not work.

Anyone got any ideas please?

Exo

Hi, could be due to several causes.
I suggest turning off system restore and then enable again on the drives you require.
Further trouble shooting guide here.
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/getstarted/ballew_03may19.mspx

Do you use Norton security?
If yes, you have to temporarily turn it off then do a restore,

Don't forget to turn it back on again.
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/sharedtech.nsf/pfdocs/2005113009323013

If using Norton 360 and the same problem, try this:
Start Norton
Go to settings (top right)
Go to Symprotect tamper protection and uncheck
Run System restore

When system restore is complete, back to Norton and re-check Symprotect box.

Loobeylou

Many thanks for your quick response Exo, and I'm sorry to be a real pain over this, but I have printed off from one of the links you provided concerning the Norton (yes I do have Norton 360), but I am unable to follow the instructions as I cannot find the options button for temporarily turning off the product protection. It states it is in the lower left hand corner of the window .....?

Try as I might, I also cannot find the Symprotect tamper protection which you suggested.

Are you able to advise further how I might find the information?

I seem to have had problems since I downloaded Windows Service Pack 3 and an update to Java. At the same time, I had problems getting to my Yahoo mail account as the information I was putting in would not be accepted. Hence the try with the System Restore.

Exo

Hi, I do not use Norton, so I can't give any precise practical advice.
Try this:
Open N360 settings, and uncheck SymProtect tamper protection. You can leave it switched off, it will make no difference to how things run.
This may help with finding the settings page.
http://support.mozilla.com/en-US/kb/Configuring+Norton+360

Apparently this has been a longstanding issue which no fix yet available.
It is also a problem with other Norton products.
The current advice is to disable SymProtect tamper protection prior to installing SP3, which is a bit like shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted.

If you still have difficulty, system restore should work from safe mode.

If you get fed up with Norton, then it may be worth trying Avast which is free for home use.

Loobeylou

Working in safe mode I do not understand - sorry.

When I open Norton 360 I have four options four headings of PC Security, Transaction Security, Backup and Restore and PC Tuneup, plus top right headings of Tasks, Scans and Settings, My Account, Help, and Support.

Presumably I am needing to click on Scans and Settings, which then gives me
Run Scans
View Settings
Check for Updates
Manage My Account
Backup
Restore
Change Backup Settings
Change Advanced Settings
Set Up Add On Pack

Nothing about Options, nothing about SymProtect tamper protection.

I really do need to get this thing sorted, and wonder if anyone else can advise please?

mdbarber

To boot in safe mode switch off computer and when switching on immediately start pressing F8 key every second until you get a windows start options menu
select safe mode and wait for it to load

Exo

Hi, I don't know what further information I can give you. That previous link I gave you actually showed you the SymProtect Tamper Protection box under Quick Controls.
Check the link again and scroll down to the heading "Firefox Privacy Controls".
I can only assume you are not opening the correct Norton menu page.
Follow their instructions.

1. Right-click the Norton 360 icon (a yellow circle) in the system tray at the bottom right of your screen (the XP notification area previously known as the system tray). Select Open Norton 360 Main Menu. The Norton 360 window will appear.
2. Click the Settings item at the top of the Norton 360 window to open the Settings window.
3. On the right side of the window, under the Quick Controls header, click to remove the check mark beside SymProtect Tamper Protection
4. Click Close to finish making changes

Are you getting the menu as displayed on the link?

Let us know how you get on.

Loobeylou

As I said in my earlier message, I cannot find either the Quick Controls or the SymProtect Tamper Protection box. I have stated what controls are there, but there seems to be nothing for the ones you mentioned Exo. Just don't seem able to move on with this.

Can anyone advise what is the purpose of opening in Safe Mode, and does that lead to the main screen, or do I then have to try to get out of it?

sunshine54

to quote md barber
"To boot in safe mode switch off computer and when switching on immediately start pressing F8 key every second until you get a windows start options menu
select safe mode and wait for it to load"

when widows loads in safe mode (it looks basic) then just do a system restore, nothing else.
windows will then shut down and reopen normally