Vista 64bit has been running really well on my desktop after a clean install in March. Suddenly, Windows update is failing to install, because it can't create a systen restore point. When I try to create one in System Restore, manually, it fails also, citing the shadow file timeout, or some such.....I am worried, because I can't use backup, either! Anyone know what's going on?

Diskeeper is working, but not for backing up system files, etc.

kivatrader:

Unless you are already fully backed up external to your computer, do so now.
Copying the files in your <Username> folder to writable DVDs should do.

Next go to:

Start > Control Panel > Classic view (left pane) > System >
Advanced System Settings (left pane ) > System Protection tab.

Look to see if there's an odd extra C (none) drive listed.
If so uncheck it,and check the normal C: box. Restart computer and try to set a restore point.
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If there is no extra C: there,uncheck C:. Then, replace the check mark in the C: box that you just removed.

Restart computer,try to set a Restore Point.

Let me know whether this works.


Ardneh

Ardneh;
Thanks, but it doesn't make a difference. I get a very slow progress window, and then an error window saying the Restore point could not be created:
The creation of a shadow copy has timed out -- try again the operation (0x81000101) Please try again. I've tried six times today, with no luck at all.
I'm going to turn the restore system off (uncheck the C: drive) and reboot, then re-check the C: drive to see if that works.

I notice also that Windows update will not work proerl,y, and I get a message saying the Windows Modules Installer has stopped running -- I use the ADVANCED SYSTEMS/SERVICES APPLET TO CHECK tRUSTED inSTALLERS PROPERTIES, BUT THEY ARE ALL AS THEY SHOULD BE WITH A MANual (dammned caps lock key!) start.

Any other ideas?

kivatrader:

This may help:

Repair Install For Vista

You may need to borrow somebody's retail Vista-SP2-Integrated
install disc to make this work, if your situation doesn't meet the
prerequisites, described at the link.

Just remember to use your Product Key if re-activation is needed.

Ardneh

Maybe there is an allocation problem with your shadowstorage. To check that, type. VSSADMIN LIST SHADOWSTORAGE into Command Prompt (run as admin). See what is maximum and allocated. Typically you should have 15% of your OS disk partition as maximum.

You should also make sure Volume Shadow Copy service is correct set:

Start>>Search>>services.msc

and make sure Volume Shadow Copy service is set: MANUAL