How to fix system restore not working in Windows XP

Trouble:

We just received a mail for one our readers Ravi, saying: “system restore is not working”

What is System Restore?

System Restore is a component of Microsoft’s, Windows XP systems which allows the roll back of system files, registry keys, installed programs, etc., to a previous state in the event of a system failure. It is a type systemic implementation of personal computer backup.

Normally, system restore is enabled in all the windows XP system, it is disabled mostly by some viruses which make some registry changes to disable system restore.

What would happen when system restore is disabled?

 

1. In System Properties, System Restore tab is not present at all.

2. In Services, the System Restore service is stopped.

When you try to start the system restore service you may receive the following error:

“FOLDER IS NOT EMPTY”

Let’s see how can we resolve this trouble

Fix:

To resolve this issue, you need to rename the System Volume Information folder, and then restart your computer.

Note: To do this, you must use an account with administrator permissions, if you don’t have administrative privileges, get to know how you can promote your account with admin rights here. 

You need to rename “system volume information” folder in each of your system drive like in C: ,D: ,E: etc except your CD/DVD drive, follow the steps given below with one hard disk drive at a time.

Follow the steps given below:

1. Open My computer, go to Tools >> Folder options.
2. Click on View tab, Under Advanced settings, Check Show hidden files and folders and Uncheck Hide protected operating system files, this will give a warning “You have chosen to display operating system files. Are you sure you want to display these” click Yes and click OK on folder options window.
3. If you have problem in configuring show hidden files and folders, then read this post on how to show hidden files and folders. else skip to step 4
4. Now, right click on System Volume Information folder, and select Rename and give the new name as System Volume Information2.
5. Restart your computer, check if system restore now works, if still it doesn’t work skip to step 6
6. Repeat steps from 2-5 on your next drive of the hard disk in reverse alphabetical order by drive letter (For Example: First  F: ,then D: ,E: and so on).

We hope this helps to fix the trouble.

• System Restore Does Not Work On New Laptop and Desktops
• Uninstall / Remove Windows XP Service Pack 3 – Working Procedure
• Save Disk-Space By Selectively Disabling System Restore
• Re-enable Disabled Registry, Task Manager, Command Prompt, Run Prompt, Greyed Folder Options, Disabled System Restore

Author + Admin: Rohit Khurana
Software Engineer by profession. I am a part time tech blogger and believe in blogging because I enjoy writing on technology. I also write about Cars and Bikes at www.carblogindia.com. You can catch me on twitter @rohit_khurana. Get in touch with me at RohitKhurana.in.