System Restore did not complete successfully – Fix for Windows 7

Get the fix for the error  System restore did not complete successfully on Windows 7.

About “System restore did not complete successfully”

The following information on this error has been compiled by NeoSmart Technologies, based on the information gathered and reported by our global network of engineers, developers, and technicians or partner organizations.

Description and Symptoms

The error messages, alerts, warnings, and symptoms below are tied to this error.

Symptom 1: “System restore did not complete successfully” error screen when System Restore is finished

Follow this guide fix System Restore if it shows following error: System Restore did not complete successfully.

The full error message is:

System Restore did not complete successfully. Your computer’s system files and settings were not changed.

Details:
System Restore could not access a file. This is probably because an anti-virus program is running on the computer. Temporarily disable your antivirus program and retry System Restore.
An unspecified error occurred during System Restore. (0x80070005)

You can try System Restore again and choose a different restore point. If you continue to see this error, you can try an advanced recovery method. For more information, see What is recovery?

Run System Restore | Cancel

On Windows 8 systems, the error message is similar:

Causes of this Error

This error has been known to occur as a result of one of the following causes:

Cause 1: Antivirus software is interfering with System Restore

The most common cause of this error is the antivirus software that blocks System Restore’s work.

Cause 2: System Protection settings are corrupt

Another possible cause of this error is the System Protection service that prevents System Restore from completing.

Cause 3: System files are corrupt

Another possible cause of this error is a corrupt or missing system file. This may happen because of disk write errors, power outages or virus attacks.

Fix System Restore did not complete successfully

Fix #1: Disable antivirus software

If you’re running an antivirus software, disable it.

In most cases, the System Restore did not complete successfully error appears because an antivirus program is already running on the computer and System Restore is trying to use a file that’s also being used by the antivirus.

Fix #2: Check System Protection settings

Your Windows System Protection settings can be corrupted and your System Restore can throw the System Restore did not complete successfully error.

To verify if the System Protection settings are correct, follow these steps:

1. Boot into Windows
2. Click Start
3. Right-click on Computer
4. Click Properties
5. Click System Protection
6. Check if your hard disk has the Protection column value set to On. If the value of the Protection column is Off, select the hard disk and click Configure.

Fix #3: Run clean boot

Performing a clean boot of your Windows system might fix the System Restore did not complete successfully error.

Follow these steps:

1. Boot into your computer and click Start
2. Type msconfig.exe in the search box
3. Click msconfig from the list
4. At the General tab, uncheck the Load startup items from the Selective startup radio button
5. At the Service tab, check Hide all Microsoft services and then click Disable all
6. Click OK
7. Click Restart

Fix #4: Run System Restore from Safe Mode

To bypass the System Restore did not complete successfully error, you can try to run System Restore from Safe Mode:

1. Restart your computer and press F8 before the Windows logo appears
2. Select Safe Mode and press Enter
3. Once Windows is done loading, open System Restore and follow the wizard steps to continue

Fix #5: Run sfc

The sfc utility will report any corrupt system files that can be the cause for the System Restore did not complete successfully error.

1. Boot into Windows
   Click Start and type command prompt in the search box to open Command Prompt
2. Right-click on Command Prompt
3. Click Run as administrator
   
4. When Command Prompt has loaded, type:

   sfc /scannow

5. Press Enter

Fix #6: Install Hotfix

Windows 7 users with SP1 installed can install this hotfix to fix the error.

More Information

Linked Entries

• sfc

Support Links

• Easy Recovery Essentials for Windows – our repair and recovery disk.
  
  It’s an easy-to-use and automated diagnostics disk. It’s available for Windows 8, Windows 7 and Windows Vista. It’s also available for Windows XP and Windows Server.

  Read more at Windows Recovery Disks.

• The NeoSmart Support Forums, member-to-member technical support and troubleshooting.
• Get a discounted price on replacement setup and installation discs: Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8.

Applicable Systems

This Windows-related knowledgebase article applies to the following operating systems:

• Windows Vista (all editions)
• Windows 7 (all editions)
• Windows 8 (all editions)
• Windows 8.1 (all editions)

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