System Restore Inoperable after Hard drive swap

It sounds like all of the files didn't get copied to the new hard drive.  You may have to run Windows XP "repair" to fix the restore function (and possibly restore any missing OS files).

 

OK.  Having searched the OS disk and the OS files installed on the PC, I couldn't see a 'repair' option.  I don't want to reinstall Windows for fear of messing up what is otherwise functioning PC.  Know I am dumb as a dumb person but would appreciate some further guidance.

Yours dumbly

 

PP

Cheers Fireberd.  I'll give it a try.  Thanks again.

Boot to the XP cd for the Repair Option. You really would be better off with a reinstall or a complete clean install of the operating system. You will have more problems with a copied hard drive.

Yes, that's right. You can do a repair or reinstall from the cd. Search this forum for good reinstallation/repair instructions. You can also run system file checker before you do this. Go to Run on the start menu, type  SFC  /scannow to correct damaged or missing system files. There's a space after sfc.

Thanks Mary G.  Unfortunately, as a PC numbskull your clear instructions are lost on me.  Are you saying boot the PC with  the OS disk in?  Sorry, this newbie has mislaid his brain and with only basics as far as software issues goes, I am dimmer than a bag of lights.

yours embarrissingly stupid

PP

Cheers and thanks muchly, Mary G.  I'll give it a go.

later

PP

Hi tis me again, pieman.  After running SFC /scannow I did not get any error messages although System Restore is still AWOL.  I thought I would check before booting from the CD (to repair) since you would think that Mary G's scan would throw something up.  Whadya think?

PC's are like the English Football team: rubbish (mostly) with expensive parts and a flaky operating system.

Bring back paper and pencils.

PP

OK.  I didn't find a solution to my problem here (although I got some help, for which I am grateful).  So, I tried Dell look at the email I sent - at the foot of the post - and their reply.  It really is bad having parted with ones hard earned cash that lifetime support means that when you have a problem you raise a question and get an answer to a different problem?  Ho hum.  Any ideas folks?  Buy an HP machine??

''Hello Brian,

Brian, since you have fit in a new hard drive and have reinstalled
the operating system .no restore points will be created. restore
points are created only when some changes have been made to the
software. for eg. you  load a game today. a restore point will
be created.


its been a pleasure assisting you
Thank you for contacting dell

Kind Regards

Dell E support and Services


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> -----Original Message-----
> From: 
> Sent: 09 Sep 03 19:42
> To: uki_hsb_desktop_support1@exchange.dell.com
>
> 
> * * * PLEASE DO NOT CHANGE THE SUBJECT WHEN REPLYING * * *
> * * * This is a feedback message from the Dell Online Communications Center. * * *
>
> Customer Information:
> ***********************************************
> Segment: DHS
> Name:
> Email:

**********************************************
> System Label: Dimension 8200
>
> Problem: Operating System
> Operating System: Windows XP
> Error Text: Tracking number: 

> Problem Description: Tracking number: 

 
> Trouble Shooting Steps:

Thanks for your email of today.  I mentioned that I copied all the files from my old drive to the new one.  I was using the software downloaded from the Seagate website.  Since everything works and all old files are present, I can only assume that the software I used formatted the drive etc.  The only issue that remains open is the System Restore utility which does not now work.  I understand that you can do a repair install (I don't know how you do that) which presumably fixes only those elements that need fixing.  I have no means of backing up my system and since I only have one issue to resolve, undertaking a clean reinstall (if this is the right expression) seems drastic, to say the least.  You are the expert but can I not just target the lack of System Restore functionality?  Please let me know.
> ***********************************************
> Sent to: uki_hsb_desktop_support@dell.com
> Referring URL:
> Date submitted: 9/9/2003 7:42:38 PM''

Try starting a new post and maybe someone else has a better idea, but I think the only solution here is a clean install of the operating system. You just can't copy hard drives and have everything in order. Most everyone has done a clean install if they've had computers for a while. Here are good instructions: http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sg_clean.asp   &   http://michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html

I had the same problem. I fixed it by doing the following:
I went to the start menu and opened the control panel. I switched to the category view and selected performance and maintenance. Then I selected ADMINISTRATIVE TOOLS. Then SERVICES. I scrolled down to SYSTEM RESTORE SERVICE ( in the extended panel to the right.) I selected SYSTEM RESTORE SERVICE, a window opened, and turned the STARTUP TYPE to DISABLED and hit APPLY.

Then I went back to SYSTEM PROPERTIES in the CONTROL PANEL and clicked on the SYSTEM RESTORE tab. I clicked TURN OFF SYSTEM RESTORE ON ALL DRIVES (which turned it back on, because it was off from the SYSTEM RESTORE SERVICE action above). Then I went back through ADMINISTRATIVE TOOLS, SERVICES, and SYSTEM RESTORE SERVICE and set STARTUP TYPE to AUTOMATIC. Then I hit APPLY and was done.

Hope this helps.

Cheers Yappers.  Must admit I gave up on this one since the OS otherwise works fine (and I was not brave enough to risk fixing one problem only to create another - it happens right)?

take care,

PP