Member Avatar for Techno22

And manually created points disappear after a short time.
Would appreciate help with this.
Tried to increase the Shadow Copy allocation to 3GB but it
only increased the storage association to 3 GB.
Figures are;
Used Shadow Copy storage space 0 B
Allocated Shadow Copy storage space 0 B
Maximum Shadow Copy storage space 3 GB.
When I tried to increase the allocated space to 3 GB I was
advised that I had "successfully resized the Shadow Copy storage association."
It seems to be impossible to increase the Shadow Copy allocation.

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Brief diagnosis and context: In Windows Vista, System Restore uses the Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) to create and keep restore points in the hidden System Volume Information store on each protected volume. A vssadmin report that shows a storage association (Maximum = 3 GB) but “Used 0 B / Allocated 0 B” usually means the quota exists but no persistent shadow copies are present; changing the shadow-storage association can cause previously existing snapshots to disappear. Reinstalling or resetting the System Restore component (as suggested) commonly rebuilds the repository and allows new points to be created, but that reset will remove older points. (learn.microsoft.com)

Practical checklist (applied in order makes diagnosis faster): confirm System Protection is enabled for the system volume (System Properties -> System Protection); verify the Volume Shadow Copy and Microsoft Software Shadow Copy Provider services are not disabled and can start; inspect shadow storage and existing shadow copies with vssadmin; review Event Viewer for VSS / System Restore errors; run integrity checks. Sample commands for an elevated command prompt:

vssadmin list shadowstorage
vssadmin list shadows
vssadmin list writers
sfc /scannow
chkdsk C: /f

The vssadmin tools report associations and existing snapshots; sfc/chkdsk will find disk or file-corruption issues that can prevent restore points. If the System Restore repository is corrupt, a component reset will clear it (expected) and allow fresh points to be created. (learn.microsoft.com)

Common causes and follow-up: restore points are removed when System Protection is turned off, when the shadow-storage quota fills (oldest points deleted), or by third-party cleaners/antivirus or pagefile fragmentation; dual-booting with older Windows versions can also remove Vista-era shadow copies. Windows Update and installers normally trigger restore-point creation, which explains the OP’s observation that points reappeared after updates. Longer-term protection should include a larger shadow-storage quota, periodic full-image backups (not just restore points), and monitoring Event Viewer for recurring VSS errors. (techtarget.com)

Notes tying back to the thread: ’s timeline (points returning after component reset and updates) matches the behavior above; ’s comment about the “show more restore points” UI is a separate UI quirk and does not affect whether VSS actually has saved snapshots. If the problem recurs, gather vssadmin output and recent Event Viewer entries before resetting components again—those data points speed diagnosis.

Recommended Answers

All 19 Replies

Member Avatar for ChemE_Programma

I would suggest to upgrade to Windows 7 or downgrade to Windows XP.

Member Avatar for Reverend Jim

I've noticed that in Windows 7 when you go to restore from a system checkpoint that few checkpoints are shown, however, there is usually a link that says "show more restore points". Perhaps Vista is the same. Personally, I'd rather be presented with the entire list right up front.

Member Avatar for Techno22

Chem E I have an XP machine and also a Windows 7 Laptop
so your suggestion doesn't really appeal.
I like to have a Vista machine as well.
Many thanks for taking the trouble to respond.

Rev Jim Like yourself, I would prefer to see the entire list
up front as well.
Thanks for your reply.

Member Avatar for Techno22

Still no System Restore points being created after more than a week.
If anyone can help in getting System Restore going again that help would be appreciated.

Member Avatar for gerbil

You could try reinstalling it with the inf file. In a cmd winodw, or just Run...:
%Windir%\Inf\sr.inf
That procedure will totally reset it, removing all current points.

Edited by gerbil
Member Avatar for Techno22

Thanks gerbil.
Restore points are again being created but seem to disappear when I fully
shut down.
There is one there now for 15/10/2013 17:48:25 System Scheduled Checkpoint
Can't be sure that it will still be there after I switch off.
As it is the only restore point that I have I am wondering if I should go for one of the options in your reply?

Member Avatar for gerbil

I wouldn't be without ERUNT....
SysRestore is capable of some file restoration, though...
This is interesting.... apply to you?..

Edited by gerbil
Member Avatar for Techno22

Many thanks for that, gerbil.
There are now 3 restore points in System Restore and it seems to be
coming back.
Laptop was shut down and they did not disappear.
This coincides with a large number of updates from Microsoft.
I don't know about you, but I find that Microsoft are getting extremely
careless with their updates and that it is not unusual for them to cause
disruption.
There does not seem to be the same attention to detail from Microsoft
updates of late.
If I am wrong about that I sincerely apologise to Microsoft, but it seems
to be beyond coincidence to me at this stage.
Anyhow, thanks again for that, gerbil, it made interesting reading.

Member Avatar for caperjack

diddo,on the errors after windows updates,i see it in all versions,

Member Avatar for Techno22

Hi Caperjack.
Yes, it is becoming more frequent, unfortunately.

Member Avatar for gerbil

I think some of M$'s problems with updates could stem from their effects on 3rd party and M$ softwares not being able to be tested fully with updated system files. It's a scarily complex comuting world out there... in over a billion different systems and configurations something aint gunna be accounted for.
Me? I've never had a problem with an XP security or system update.... reaching out to touch desk.. [wood].

Member Avatar for gerbil

So where did that silly aphorism come from..?

Member Avatar for Techno22

I can understand you reaching out.
Seems that you have been very lucky with the updates.
You make a fair point, but I am still of the opinion that attention to detail has slipped regarding Microsoft updates.

Member Avatar for gerbil

Oh, true... I remember reading of one or two that disturbed the system itself. Now they don't have much excuse for that.

Member Avatar for fchenaj

restore points". Perhaps Vista is the same. Personally, I'd rather be presented with the entire list right up front.

Edited by happygeek because: fake sig (spam) removed
Member Avatar for Techno22

gerbil, I see now that Microsoft are admitting that Security Essentials is
a very poor performer and nearer the bottom of the pack.
I have relied on that programme for a long time, often wondering just how
effective it was.
Originally I dropped Avast for it, but I think it is time to be returning.
System Restore is working extremely well!

Member Avatar for Techno22

Sound bar graph is back!
A box for Wistron has been accidentally unchecked in the
startup menu.
My thanks to everyone who contributed to the post.

Member Avatar for Techno22

Sorry, that refers to another post - the sound bar graph problem which has been solved.
The System Restore problem returned today after shutdown, when all restore points disappeared, and remains unresolved.

Member Avatar for Techno22

System Restore has been working well for a while now.
Problem seems to have resolved itself.
Sincere thanks to all who contributed.

Edited by Techno22 because: mis spelling
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