Resolved Repair Registry or Complete Re-Install?

When it come to the Registry, I'm a dummy.
I would like to know if it is possible, with help, to determine if anything is missing in my registry that enables System Restore's operation.

I have used AVG Antivirus since 2005. I am pretty sure that, at one point in the past, I "deleted" a file in the registry, that was moved to the virus vault by AVG, that had something to do with System Restore. The problem is that I can't recall if I did this before or after my last complete system re-install (at least a year ago)and, if at all possible, I don't want to go through that again.

If there is a file missing in the registry that I had foolishly deleted from the virus vault after infection, is it possible to re-install that portion of the registry?

I have numerous "restore points" on the calendar that is presented when attempting to perform a system restore but, after running the process, the last screen that appears states that "System restore is incomplete." Please attempt to restore to a different date." I suspect that something is missing in the registry that prevents System Restore from working. I haev tried numerous restore points with the same negative results.

I have already attempted running in safe mode with the same results.
Any suggestions? Thank you.
I

 

You could try a Repair, different to restore if you have a Windows XP CD.
Have a read here:

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

 

I have two disks available but do not know if either will qualify. Could you please advise.
One is a Gateway 820Gm Restore DVD with a ton of cab files and technical tools on it that intimadate me. This is a list of the tools files:
Release Notes (Readme.htm) for Windows Support Tools for Microsoft Windows XP Professional
This document contains important information that is not included in the online Help for the Microsoft® Windows® Support Tools for Microsoft Windows® XP Professional, including information not available from other sources about setting up the Windows Support Tools for Microsoft Windows XP Professional. Also included are very important corrections and new information related to the Windows Support Tools and documentation.


Contents
About the Tools

Setup for Support Tools Software

Tools Documented But Not Installed In This Release

Tools Not Documented

General Setup Instructions

Installing from the Command Prompt

Unattended Installation

Individual Tool Release Notes

Bitsadmin.exe (BITS Administration Tool)

Httpcfg.exe (HTTP Configuration Tool)

Ipseccmd.exe (IPSec Configuration Tool)

Dumpchk.exe (Dump Check Utility)

Rasdiag.exe (RAS Diagnostics Tool)

Activate.exe (Production Activation Tool)

Online Documents

Support Policy

The other disk that I have is an Upgrade CD for Windows XP Home Edition. I don't know if that is of any use (I do have the product code for it).

 

First off we need to know what version of XP you are running is it XP Pro or XP Home.
To run a Repair you need to have a Retail OS CD for either Pro or Home.
If you don't have one you can borrow one if need be.
Restore CD's will not work.

 

I don't know how to answer this question. All that I know is that it is Windows Media Edition 2002. If there is somewhere on my computer where you can point me to determine this, I'd like to do so. I did not get a windows CD with this computer when I purchased it because I'm cheap and bought an open box unit at Best Buy and it was missing a lot of "accessaries ". I did get the Recovery CD but no system CD. Where may I look within my unit to determine which version of XP software is intalled as "Media Center Edition? "

 

See what the tag on the case says. Even though it could be wrong as somebody installed something differnet on it. To make sure, go to My Computer and it should tell you right there.

 

I think that I made the answer harder than it really was. After chatting with Gateway, I've determined that the OS is Windows XP and NOT Windows XP PRO.

 

The tag on the Back of the Computer and the Start/right click onMyComputer/Properties info indicates Windows XP Media Edition...hence, Windows XP, not PRO.

 

papernpaste, it would probably be easier to just post your system details...

Please enter your System Details. It helps us in answering your questions!

 

Have you ever emptied the Vault in AVG? If not, it should still be there unless updating to a newer version deleted it.

A recovery disc/CD is a general term for media containing a backup of the original factory condition or a favored condition of a computer as configured by an original equipment manufacturer or an end-user. OEM supplied recovery media is commonly shipped with most computers to allow the user to reformat the hard drive and reinstall the operating system and pre-loaded software as it was when it was shipped.

You could always save anything you need and do a complete reinstall of the OS.

Try this site. Scroll down to System Restore and see if there is any help there. http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_abc.htm

 

Hi papernpaste

MrBill may well be on to something:

There is that chance,but it depends on your settings.
If your settings for the vault are to delete entries older than a certain number of days, you won't find those entries any more if that time is exceeded.

There may also be another factor at work and that is AVG itself.
It might interfere with the System Restore procedure.
I know this was a problem with Norton, but I don't know about AVG,since I don't use either one anymore.

The following applies to any OS ,whether XP or later:
To successfully SET a Restore Point:
1.Make sure the System Restore Service is set to Automatic.(and running)
2.Make sure that the Volume Shadow Copy Service is started
3.Close all running programs,Browsers etc
4.Stop running services ,like Indexing Service, AV or other anti-malware scanners, automatic defraggers, program updaters etc.

You want as little as possible to interfere with setting a Restore Point.
You're trying to take a snapshot of the system and the less active it is,
the more successful your "snapshot" will be.
If need be, disconnect from the internet. Most modems have a button to temporarily disconnect.

Coming back to the Restore part, try to restore without AVG running.
It's just a hunch, but worked for me when I used Norton.

Pete E.

 

Never had a problem with AVG with a System Restore. I don't like to use SR as it isn't a cure all. Some people think that it is.

 

That is strictly a personal opinion.
SR can be very useful for a quick fix, even with a malware infection,
provided you have an RP for that day and the infection occurred after
you set the RP (Restore Point)

I would agree that a proper backup or an image is much better, but that isn't
part of this discussion at the moment.
You may want to base your opinion on some facts.
As it is ,SR can often come to the rescue for a lot of small things.

Pete E.

 

I believe that I may have emptied the virus vault when it had a "system restore" registry file in it. I didn't fully understand what I was doing. I haven't learned enough about removing viruses and now I have paid the price.

I disconnected the internet and shut down every program that I could.
Then I attempted to run system restore, again.
This time, there were no more previous "restore dates" in bold on the calendar!
I suppose that I really don't need system restore.
I just "wanted everything to be in working order on my system."
The rest of my OS is working fine. I sort of get the impression that the "restore" part of the registry is a target for viruses, anyway.
I know how to complete the full Re-install process with the recovery disc and I do have an HP external hard drive with a fairly fresh back-up on it. I intentionally don't have it set to run a regularly scheduled back-up. Thank you for your suggestions, guys. I'm going to live with things the way that they are..

 

When offering advice concerning System Restore I have relied on this thread from Ask Leo...
http://ask-leo.com/why_cant_i_rely_on_system_restore_for_backups.html

Another good read...
http://ask-leo.com/why_isnt_there_a_restore_point_where_i_want_to_go_back_to.html

http://msmvps.com/blogs/spywaresucks/archive/2005/09/17/66724.aspx

http://www.pcqanda.com/dc/dcboard.p...&topic_id=517143&mesg_id=517143&page=3#517146

 

I stopped back in, here at the "Board," to check for any other advice and read MrBill's additional (last two) posts. I exited, IE, shut down my anti-malware and AV software, unplugged the internet and proceeded with another attempt at a System Restore with the main intent on checking to see if I had, in fact allowed the max 12% of space for Restore Points and I DID. But, when I was at that screen, low and BEHOLD! There was a restore point for the 19th that appeared out of nowhere.
Keep in mind that, when I started this quest, I had Bold Calendar Dates (indicating Restore Points) all of the way back to August 5th! This morning THEY HAD ALL DISAPPEATED! Tonight, there is a new one for the 19th!
So, I attempted to Restore to that date even though it is only 3 days old. And MY SYSTEM RESTORED TO THAT DATE!
Now, go figure that one out!
I've been told that Windows was a quirky system and I have had my issues over the years but, I usually had myself to blame.
I now believe that what I couldn't recall was that my virus-infected registry system restore file WAS BEFORE my last to OS re-install. That's the only thing that makes sense, at this point. The rest of what has happened ....well, I smell wood burning and I think that it is coming from between my ears because I just can't figure out some things. Isn't life good!

 

@ MrBill,
Thanks for the links, but the gist regarding my opinion is similar to what I said
in my short comment about it.
SR can be helpful for a quick fix ,but is definitely not a substitute for a proper
data - or image backup.

Activating the System Restore Service and the VSS service is recommended.
Whether or not you want to use it or like it is a personal decision.

I know for a fact that it can help for many small glitches that can happen during the day. If an RP were set just after bootup ,all you have to do is deploy SR. It's in a sense using CTrl-Z immediately after you delete file inadvertently or another action you want to undo
Do it right-away and it works.Wait a little ,do something else and it won't work

Pete E.

 

@ papernpaste
Interesting comeback.
Also good that you did do a System Restore.
If you want to be adventurous ,you could set a Restore Point with AVG running,
then try to do a restore after a while using that RP and see if it completes.

Personally ,I've had more than my share of AV- and anti-malware programs
interfering with the SR Service. (actually ,all scanning or indexing types of programs).

I can't explain your findings though, regarding the dis- and re- appearance of
the RPs
BTW, there is no need to keep 12% of your drive for SR,
but it depends on the size of your drive.
Generally 5% is enough but even that can be too much on a large drive.
Keep in mind that SR does neither backup nor restore personal data, since Documents and Settings (XP) are not affected by SR.

Pete E.

 

I am aware of your cautions regarding data backup and use my HP external HD for that purpose, manually, once a month. The only restore point that "reappeared" was the one that was automatically generated just a few days ago. All others did disappear. I will attempt another manual RP setting. Then in a few days, I'll attempt to retrieve it with AVG running. Thanks to all "first responders."