System Restore Failed

DoctorWho · Feb 22, 2024

I was having trouble with an "explorer.exe application error" when shutting down and none of the things I tried helped, so I tried to do a System Restore.

I did a System Restore from a restore point about 3 weeks ago, and it said it was successful, but the computer would not restart, it got stuck in a loop.

It tried to do Automatic Repair, couldn't repair, then I chose 2/16 as a Restore Point, which was the last Windows update, and it worked.

Is this an indication that I did indeed have some sort of serious Windows problem, or is it normal for System Restores to fail like this?

Porthos · Feb 22, 2024

I have found the farther back you go the chance for failure increases.
This is the reason for 3rd party disk imaging software.

FreeBooter · Feb 22, 2024

System Restore tool not always reliable, it's always good idea to have image backup of your operating system.

allan · Feb 22, 2024

Yeah, as I've said many times, system restore is great - until it isn't. A regular routine of creating disk images is the only reliable means of insuring you have a safe haven if and when you need to "go back in time".

Flashorn · Feb 22, 2024

Hi Doc!
A successful restore point should not be more than 4 days old.
Try to get into a habit of creating one every 4 days or if you are
installing a program or an update to one of your PC's components.
Windows updates will create or should create one by itself.
I have been saved a few times by restoring the OS and so far,
have not have one failed.
I would also ask that you Exit (not uninstall) any security devices such
as third party anti-malware or firewall. Even MalwareBytes' will hinder
the restore process.

Haydon · Feb 22, 2024

Flashorn said:
Hi Doc!
A successful restore point should not be more than 4 days old.
Try to get into a habit of creating one every 4 days or if you are
installing a program or an update to one of your PC's components.
Windows updates will create or should create one by itself.
I have been saved a few times by restoring the OS and so far,
have not have one failed.
I would also ask that you Exit (not uninstall) any security devices such
as third party anti-malware or firewall. Even MalwareBytes' will hinder
the restore process.

Care to elaborate on the magic number 4?

Good point about MalwareBytes! I'll reward it with 'Great Support'!

Flashorn · Feb 22, 2024

Haydon said:
Care to elaborate on the magic number 4?

Good point about MalwareBytes! I'll reward it with 'Great Support'!

Thanks Haydon.
Not a magic number, just my experience over time with Restore.
I find that every app that you have install updates auto will have
updates on one of those apps in those 4 days. Hence create one
every 4 days. Even your background noise will have at times an
update that you won't know about. But, it's up to every individual
how they proceed and accept advice from others. I also like to have
recommendation from all of you who have been here longer than me
with allot more experience.

Haydon · Feb 22, 2024

Flashorn said:
Thanks Haydon.
Not a magic number, just my experience over time with Restore.
I find that every app that you have install updates auto will have
updates on one of those apps in those 4 days. Hence create one
every 4 days. Even your background noise will have at times an
update that you won't know about. But, it's up to every individual
how they proceed and accept advice from others. I also like to have
recommendation from all of you who have been here longer than me
with allot more experience.

I wonder if there was a way to automatically create a Restore Point right after each app update?

(Windows Update automatically creates a Restore Point)

Flashorn · Feb 22, 2024

I'll also add that before the OS has too many items to restore
I find it best to use restore before that has a chance to overwhelm
the restore process. This is just my understanding of it and my
experience. You can also click on the Scan for affected programs
that will tell you how many might not be restored.

Ghot · Feb 22, 2024

No A.I. needed.

Flashorn · Feb 22, 2024

Haydon said:
I wonder if there was a way to automatically create a Restore Point right after each app update?

You would have to know which app and at what time it has updated.
I forget where but, a few weeks ago we were talking about such a way.
Darn, I forget which member was saying that he was writing a script
to have restore create one auto. I'll try looking for that thread but, don't
hold your breath. It's been a few weeks now.

Flashorn · Feb 22, 2024

Ghot said:
No A.I. needed.

View attachment 87967

Yes, we are aware of what your feelings are on this subject LOL!
This is the second time you post this .
On that subject, do you recall which thread we were on discussing restore?
I remember one member saying he was writing a script for the automation
of restore points.

Haydon · Feb 22, 2024

DoctorWho said:
I was having trouble with an "explorer.exe application error" when shutting down and none of the things I tried helped, so I tried to do a System Restore.

I did a System Restore from a restore point about 3 weeks ago, and it said it was successful, but the computer would not restart, it got stuck in a loop.

It tried to do Automatic Repair, couldn't repair, then I chose 2/16 as a Restore Point, which was the last Windows update, and it worked.

Is this an indication that I did indeed have some sort of serious Windows problem, or is it normal for System Restores to fail like this?

I notice that the default only shows the last 2 Restore Points, you have to click a button to see earlier Restore Points.

From that POV, it does seem that only the last 2 Restore Points are recommended for restore, see also the following quote

Flashorn said:
I'll also add that before the OS has too many items to restore
I find it best to use restore before that has a chance to overwhelm
the restore process. This is just my understanding of it and my
experience. You can also click on the Scan for affected programs
that will tell you how many might not be restored.

Sir_George · Feb 22, 2024

DoctorWho said:
I was having trouble with an "explorer.exe application error" when shutting down and none of the things I tried helped, so I tried to do a System Restore.

I did a System Restore from a restore point about 3 weeks ago, and it said it was successful, but the computer would not restart, it got stuck in a loop.

It tried to do Automatic Repair, couldn't repair, then I chose 2/16 as a Restore Point, which was the last Windows update, and it worked.

Is this an indication that I did indeed have some sort of serious Windows problem, or is it normal for System Restores to fail like this?

Windows Restore is not always reliable. I wouldn't be too concerned about your first attempt not functioning properly. If everything is currently operational without any issues, I would suggest making a backup with a 3rd party application for future use.

Haydon · Feb 22, 2024

Flashorn said:
I remember one member saying he was writing a script for the automation
of restore points.

It was me who asked for a script for creating weekly Restore Points, but in light of the present discussion, it would make more sense for the script to create a Restore Point after each app update.

It would require a hook into app updates and use it as a trigger to create the Restore Point. Unfortunately, I am useless for script writing. Somebody has to pick up on the idea.

Any expert script writers here?

Flashorn · Feb 22, 2024

Haydon said:
It was me who asked for a script for creating weekly Restore Points,

Wasn't one of the members on that thread that said he would be writing one for that purpose?
Maybe wrong but, I'm sure I saw that.
Well it certainly won't be me writing a script. I know some of the members here know how to do
that but, could most likely be a long process and then trying to make it work.

Haydon · Feb 22, 2024

Found it! It was @pseymour

Create System Restore Point in Windows 11 Tutorial

This tutorial will show you how to manually create a restore point in Windows 11. Turning on system protection for a drive allows System Restore to include the drive when restore points are created so you can undo undesired system changes by reverting to a previous point in time. System...

www.elevenforum.com

But again, IMHO scripting effort would be better spent on 'after each app update' and not on 'weekly'

FWIW, I think that MS ought to do the work, i.e. create a Restore Point not just after each WU but also after each app update!

Haydon · Feb 22, 2024

Sorry, folks! I think I messed up.

I think MS creates a Restore Point BEFORE executing a WU.

Hence, if a user gives an OK to a UAC, MS ought to
create a Restore Point BEFORE executing the subject of the UAC.

Of course, a script writer could do what MS does not do.

Anyway, food for thought before spending elbow grease

allan · Feb 22, 2024

DISK IMAGING!!! (lol)

Haydon · Feb 22, 2024

Disk imaging is another tool in the toolbox indeed.

But one disadvantage of disk imaging is that you lose the most recent updates of user data from the time of creating the disk image.

System Restore does not have the disadvantage.