How do I fix Windows XP system restore?

Question

I have encountered a problem, and I tried to do a system restore and it does not work. I keep getting an error that says " missing file C:\minint\system\restore.log" or "cannot find restore.log file" I have my system restore running, the storage set at maximum allowed space, and I cannot find this error on the MSN Knowledge Database. I have a system recovery disk that came with my eMachine computer, but it also brings up the same errors. When I go into my Program list and attempt to bring up the System Restore, I just get a blank screen. Thank you.

Answer 1

Re-install your XP program instead. I used to have that same problem on my office pc and that was the only solution. Mine was caused by virus that attached itself to that specific software.

Answer 2

I found an explanation of how System Restore works that might have a clue to the problem, but it doesn't sound as if there's a work-around or fix (I'll keep looking):



"By designed and under normal conditions System Restore will automatically create a new restore point every 24 hours.



When the allotted disk space is reached, the oldest restore point will be purged on a first in first out (FIFO) basis. Otherwise, restore points over 90 days are purged automatically by default.



Each one of these restore points are chained (or linked) together with previous restore points. When a restore point is chosen, all restore point created prior to that restore point are also required to complete the restoration.



While all of this is going on, in real time, a log is being created or updated that tracks the consistency between the files System Restore is monitoring, and the files that are actually backed up. If an inconsistency is found between the log file and the files located in the System Volume Information folder, restore point corruption can occur. In turn this causes the chain to become broken and any prior restore points to become useless, thus causing System Restore to fail at a restore. At this point all restore points would have to be purged to remove the corruption. So you can see, backing up and restoring restore points would cause an inconsistency in the restore log thus causing corruption and the loss of all restore points.



Note: Any changes made within the System Volume Information folder (where System Restore stores restore information) will almost certainly cause the same corruption."



added: only tip I could find was to try running System Restore from Safe Mode.

Answer 3

RC--

It sounds as though whatever this "problem" is that you have "encountered" -- has fritzed with your registry -- at least 80 % of the time -- when "can't find" a file comes up -- it has to do with the registry being fouled in some manner !!

My suggestion here is to run a really good malware program first -- whatever this "problem" is -- if it is screwing with your registry -- it will not stop there !! And, if the registry tags are fouled to the System Restore -- your restore points are probably gone anyway !!

Next would be to straighten out the registry problems -- hopefully you have a program like -- Advanced Windows Care -- it is a free program that is a miracle worker with registry problems !! It can be found at http://www.download.com/

If this doesn't set things back to center for you -- it will be time to call in the geeks !!!

Answer 4

Common Cause:

look at how much disk space you have left, if to little you might recieve that error. what happen's if it fall's below 50mbps of space system restore will switch into standby mode and stop's creating restore point's and delete's all other's prior to that. it will not kick back in till it has 200 mbps of free space.

also you can check your event log's, clock on your system. could be you have a possible virus as well.

Answer 5

As far as I know, you have to hit ctrl + F10 (keep tapping f10 while continueing to hold down ctrl key)

You have to do this as soon as your computer manufacturer screen comes up when you first turn it on and before it disappears.

This should get you into the restore mode.

Otherwise, I would call techsupport at the manufacturer.

Good Luck.

Answer 6

Have you ever created a restore point?



the registry creates backups by itself

and that is sometimes called restore



but the restore function you are talking about

requires you to set a restore point

then it writes a .log file or "snapshot"

Answer 7

F10 alone takes you to the Restore (no ctrl needed) ... i agree with the first and second person... their answers sound...logical?.. mm.. they just sound like they would work best...the restore is where you cant get to.. so why would you hit F10 if thats where it takes you?