Windows Vista Has reduction in storage space stopped my "System Restore" working??

A few days ago I read an article about how much storage space "Sytem Restore" uses.

In Vista the default is 15% apparently. On my 500GB HD that is 75GB. OS is Vista Home Premium(64 bit).

The author suggested that this was excessive and suggested a limit of 1% ie. 5GB in my case---- thus saving 70GB of space. He did say some old restore points would be lost (famous last words! Iwish I had thought about this logically).

He gave instructions about how to achieve this in "Command Prompt" by using the "vssadmin" tool. Worked a treat and I reduced space used to 5GB.

HOWEVER, when I now go to "Sytem Restore" it says "No restore points have been created on your computer's system disk. To create a restore point open System Protection ".

I do so. There is a tick next to my HD and "None" against "Most recent restore point ".

I try to create a restore point. No good--but I get the following message----- "The restore point could not be created for the following reason: The shadow copy provider had an unexpected error whilst trying to process the specified operation (0x8004230F) ".

So, it occurs to me that my enthusiasm to save space on an HD that alreaady had 300GB spare (!!) has b******* up my "System Restore" good and proper.

Perhaps I ought to reverse the process ?!

Go back to "Command Prompt" (run as admin) and try appropriate "vssadmin "instructions. Very careful with syntax. NO GOOD! Every time I get "Error: Unexpected falure: catastrophic failure ". Tried "vssadmin?" and was told--- "_ _ _is not recognised as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file ".

So, I've really messed up. Left with no operable "System Restore "-- but at least it's got 5GB space !!! (have I also affected "Command Prompt" tool?)

Aargh!!--can some kind soul please help me?

Thankyou,

Graham

PS:Can advise that third party progs that reqire a restore point to be creatd cannot do it.

 

Did you download any program to do it ?

 

Dear rsinfo,

Many thanks for your response.

The answer to your question is NO.I simply used the appropriate "vssadmin" commands in "Command Prompt ".

I've re-read my original post and have to say I thought I had made this clear (?)

Hope to hear from you again.

Regards,

Graham

 

I asked because the "vssadmin" command should NOT have disappeared by itself and if you had downloaded some program, it could have been malware.

 

Try to turn on System Restore from GUI - Turn System Restore on or off instead of command prompt.

 

Has reduction in storage space stopped my "System Restore" working?

Dear rsinfo,

I'm getting a little confused here.

The "vssadmin" command did not disappear. I simply received the error message mentioned in my original post

Not sure about "turn on System Restore from GUI "--went to your link-- it just seems to tell me something I've alredy done (sorry, not made clear previously). I've removed and put back the tick next to my HD in "System Protection ". Still cannot "create" a restore point--geting error 0x8004230F --as mentioned in my original post.

So, the status quo remains.

Two points here.I know squat about "Command Prompt "--I simply followed instructions--exactly--well, eventually! Second, I've got myself into a position, through curiosity, where I don't know what I'm talking abou!

Hope to hear from you again. Please couch any reply in the simplest of terms!

Note my corres with Arie.

Regards,

Graham

 

Has reduction in storage space stopped my "System Restor" working??

Dear Arie,

Many thanks for taking the time to help.

Have noted all that you say.

So, I've had another go at "Command Prompt "----

vssadmin list shadowstorage------still produces "Error: Unexpected failure: Catastrophic failure. "

vssadmin resize shadowstorage /On=C: /For=C: /Maxsize=75GB---(to get it back to default.)

---got "Error:Invalid Command "---followed by a load of dialogue explaining how the command works---followed by the following--

Example Usage: vssadmin Resize ShadowStorage /For=C: /On=D: /MaxSize=900MB

So,I type---

vssadmin Resize ShadowStorage /For=C: /On=C: /MaxSize=75GB

---I get "Error: Unexpected failure: Catastrophic failure. "

Back where I started! I'm lost. What am I doing wrong? Further instructions needed! ( I did read your article.)

The syntax is bothering me. Upper case and lower case seem to be used randomly. Don't understand ref to "D ". "For" before "On " or "On" before "For "?? Also, if and when I get the "Command Prompts" to work will I get the correct opening page on "System Restore" instead of the "No restore points have been created on your computer's system disk" that I'm currently getting?

Please write back,

Regards,

Graham

 

Dear Arie,

Now maybe we are getting somewhere.

I have run the reg cleaner in "Advanced System Care" fairly recently, but I'm not sure whether this was bafore or after my little problem.

COM+Event System Started/Automatic
COM+System Application Stopped/Disabled
Microsoft Software Shadow Copy Provider Stopped/Disabled
Volume Shadow Copy Started/Automatic

At this point I've got to admit doing a diagnostic startup in msconfig a little while ago---before my problem. Looks like I might have made a bit of a boo boo in putting some services back to their correct settings !! I really ought to know better I know.

I have resisted the temptation to alter any settings until you give me the benefit of your advice.

Look forward to your response,

Regards,

Graham

 

Dear Arie,

BINGO!! All is now back to normal. SR seems AOK and the last restore pont has reappeared. Also I was able to manually "create" a restore point.

Also using "Command Prompt" I was able to amend the maxsize to 76GB( to be on the safe side!)

I've certainly learned my lesson re "services" and will not "fiddle" with them any more.

Note your comments re reg cleaners and will stop using them.

SO---thank you very much for all your help and patience.You've made an old Scotsman very happy(NOT an easy thing to do!)

All I've got to do now is sort out my Windows Update problem!!!--- but that's another story.

Thanks again,

Regards,

Graham

 

Good that you have resolved the problem.