Unable to restore windows vista

However, there are some types of applications that do not function properly when the utility is active. And some programs may not uninstall correctly when using Windows System Restore to roll back to a previous restore point.

Programs that may not function or roll back properly with Windows System Restore include various anti-virus and anti-malware programs; applications used to monitor and clean the Windows registry; and other system files. In fact, when using many of these applications, you may be prompted to disable Windows System Restore completely before running scans or other tasks.

Besides incompatibility issues between Windows System Restore and some security applications, there are a few other common reasons the utility might fail to function properly. If System Restore is enabled, and still not working, some other things to check include the following:. If Windows is storing multiple restore points, the Max Usage setting in the System Protection window may be set to a value too small to contain a new restore point.

Therefore, try increasing the Max Usage setting to increase system restore storage space or remove unneeded restore points manually. If you created a restore point while running applications not compatible with Windows System Restore, the restore point may be corrupt even if no errors or warnings were displayed.

To determine if this is the case, try to roll back to another restore point in the System Restore window. In some cases, you might have to go back one or two restore points to roll back to one that works the way it should. If Windows is failing to work properly because of hardware driver errors or errant startup applications or scripts, Windows System Restore may not function properly while running the operating system in normal mode.

Hence, you may need to start the computer in Safe Mode, and then attempt to run Windows System Restore. You should be aware, though, that if you roll back to a restore point while in Safe Mode, you will not be able to reverse the roll back later.

While System Restore can be useful in restoring Windows functionality in some instances, the utility has as many limitations as it does benefits.

Some of the things that prevent System Restore from being a real backup option for Windows include the following:. As mentioned above, Windows System Restore does not allow you to back up or restore files you create in Windows. This means that if you create documents or other important files and they are subsequently lost or deleted, rolling back a restore point will not help you recover them.

This differs greatly from a true backup application, which is intended to do just that — back up the files most valuable to you. While restore points can help you restore program and system settings in Windows, they can only be used on the system on which they were created.

Hence, if you purchase a new system or perform major hardware upgrades to an existing system, you cannot use restore points created on the old system or old hardware to restore programs and settings. With better backup applications, such as Acronis True Image, you can restore files and settings on new systems or dissimilar hardware.

As mentioned and demonstrated above, Windows System Restore is not intuitive or easy to use. There are no ready-to-use shortcuts for System Restore in the program menu or in Control Panel, which means even accessing the utility is a bit difficult.

A good Windows backup and recovery application should not only be powerful but easy to use as well. In this regard, System Restore leaves a lot to be desired. As a result, restore points are a favorite hiding place of malware and viruses.

Acronis True Image is such a solution. It lets you create a complete Windows backup image of your system quickly and efficiently. Thanks again Evan. Your Welcome. Glad you got your computer problem sorted out. I'll take your advice with the back ups, although I've seen some new and very clear indicators of malware since getting running again, so I've been detoxing and upping security.

I generally manage to avoid that sort of thing very successfully so it's not likely to just be a coincidence. Thanks again for your help! You must log in or sign up to reply here. Show Ignored Content. Share This Page Tweet. Your name or email address: Do you already have an account? After the computer restarts, click Close to confirm that the System Restore process has finished successfully.

Use an appropriate method to log on. For example, log on by using an older password, or log on by using another computer account. After you log on, you must follow additional steps, depending on the scenario that you experience. After you log on, use the User Accounts item in Control Panel to create a new protected administrator account. Log on by using the new protected administrator account.

Then, delete the older protected administrator account that was restored. Skip to main content. Just reinstall the Operating System and the password will get erased.

But there is a catch as always! Unfortunately, doing this will erase all the data from the System partition as well. So, most of the users avoid implementing this method. But if you have no problem of all your files getting erased then follow the instructions below to reset Windows Vista password :.

Step 1: Insert the Windows install disk into the computer and reboot. Keep in mind, this is an effective method on how to unlock Vista password but it will erase all the files from that particular partition of your hard drive, also it will not work without the CD.

All these methods are excellent if you want to unlock Windows Vista password. As you can see, all the methods above have their own limitations except the recovery tool. You will definitely find it easier and effective to use the Windows Password Recovery Tool. Go for it! Method 1. So, if you have the reset disk, follow the user guide below: Step 1: Run your Windows Vista computer, type the wrong password at the login screen.