This blog post aims to fix the System Restore failed error using simple troubleshooting methods. Once the issue is fixed, you can run the System Restore successfully.
System Restore is a powerful utility in Windows that allows your system to roll back to a previous point in time. It is used to undo the changes made to your system. For instance, you have performed a driver update, and your Windows computer behaves strangely after that. By doing a System Restore, the driver update will be undone, so the issue related to the update will be fixed.
However, System Restore might not always be successful and can fail for various reasons. You may get errors (as shown in the image above) like “System Restore did not complete successfully” on Windows 11, 10, 8, or other versions. You may also see variations of this error like ‘System Restore failed,’ ‘An unspecified error occurred during System Restore,’ ‘0x80071a91 system restore’, ‘System restore Windows 10 error 0x8000fffff’, “error 0x80070091“, to name a few.
Note: If you accidentally delete any data while performing the System Restore operation or after encountering issues like the ones mentioned above, you can always rely on backups or use specialized tools like Remo Recover software to recover files from a Windows computer.
How to Fix System Restore Failed or System Restore did not complete successfully Error?
The solution to fix the error mainly depends on the cause behind the system restore failure or Windows computers showing the earlier-mentioned errors. Some of the reasons include Corrupted Restore Points, interference from Antivirus software, insufficient disk space, corrupt system files, issues with the hardware, and conflicting drivers. At times, the issue might also be due to a change in the location of the restore points, making them inaccessible.
You can try solutions like choosing a different restore point. Restoring the system through Safe Mode, checking the status of VSS, and performing an SFC scan can help. Additionally, you can also try resetting or refreshing your PC.
Solution 1: Choose a Different Restore Point
The first and easiest solution to fix a System Restore failed error is to try another restore point. The point you have selected may have become corrupted and prevented you from completing the restore successfully. Hence, by using a different restore point, you eliminate that possibility.
Please follow the steps below to choose a different restore point and perform System Restore.
1: In the Search bar, type System Restore and click Create a restore point from the list of results that appear.
2: In the System Properties window, click on the System Protection tab and select the System Restore button.
3: You will be displayed several restore points. Select the most recent point and click Next to complete the restore process.
Ideally, this should fix the System Restore failed error. If it doesn’t, and you see an error message again, please proceed to the next step.
Solution 2: Run System Restore through Safe Mode
Safe Mode starts your PC with a bare minimum set of drivers and applications. Hence, you may not see the problems when using System Restore through Safe Mode. To perform System Restore through Safe Mode.
1: Go to Settings on your PC > Update & Security > Recovery.
2: Select Restart Now to enter into the Advanced Options menu.
3: Then select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart.
4: Then select F4 to boot into Safe Mode.
Alternatively, you can enter Safe Mode by hitting the ‘F8’ key at boot time. (The key may change depending on your PC manufacturer). Just restart your computer and keep hitting the F8 key till Safe Mode appears.
Once you enter Safe Mode, type ‘recovery’ in the search bar, select Recovery from the list and select Open System Restore. Follow the on-screen instructions and perform System Restore.
If you can perform a System Restore in Safe Mode, it means there was an issue with a program or application in your system, like an anti-virus. This solution will usually fix the failed issue of System Restore in many cases.
Solution 3: Check the Status of the Volume Shadow Service
The status of the ‘Volume Shadow Service’ and other components in System Services play a role in performing a successful System Restore. So, let’s go ahead and check if they are up and running.
- Click on the Start menu and type ‘Services’ in the search box
- Click on Services from the search results and check the following services:
- Volume Shadow Copy
- Multimedia Class Scheduler
- Remote Procedure Call
- DCOM Server Process Launcher
- Plug and Play
- These services should have the Status set to ‘Started’ and the Startup Type to ‘Automatic.’
If any of these services have a different option selected, please change the Status to ‘Started’ and Startup Type to ‘Automatic’ accordingly. Now perform a System Restore and check if it progresses fine. If not, proceed to the next step.
Solution 4: Perform an SFC Scan on your Computer
Corruption in system files can cause issues and interfere with a successful System Restore. Hence, running an SFC scan is known to resolve the failed system restore issue in many cases. An SFC scan finds corrupt system files and replaces them with healthy ones. Hence, by performing an SFC, system file issues are fixed, and your system restore will function normally.
- Click the Start menu and type ‘cmd’
- From the list of results, right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator.
- Then type ‘sfc /scannow’ to start the SFC scan.
Once the SFC scan completes, try performing System Restore again. Ideally, this should help you complete the restore successfully. If not, you can try resetting/refreshing your PC to fix issues, as explained in the next step.
Solution 5: Reset/Refresh your PC if System Restore is not Working
Refreshing/resetting your PC usually resolves all issues with Windows and system files, resolving the System Restore failed error. To perform this task, first, make sure you have taken a backup of your entire system. Then follow the steps to perform a System Reset.
1: Click on the Start menu and select Settings.
2: Click Update & Security > Recovery.
3: Under Reset This PC, select Keep My Files (or remove everything only if you have a complete backup).
4: Follow the on-screen instructions and click Reset when prompted to begin the reset process.
Conclusion
These solutions will help you fix the ‘System Restore did not complete successfully error’ and allow you to continue the restore process smoothly. If you have lost files during the system restore failed process, check out Remo Recover for the simple and hassle-free recovery approach.
