More Laptop Woes - Help With System Restore Please ....

[Gizmonster]

Further to my last question:

https://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Technology/Computers/Question1588036.html

.... I've been in touch with Microsoft and they've advised me to do a system restore.
However, when I try and perform the restore, I get the following error message:

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii200/Burnleymoonbeam/system%20restore%20error_zpszuedwpoe.png

I tried turning my anti-virus programme off (Defender), but I still get the same error message.

Also, the earliest point I can go back, probably isn't far enough back - is there a way to go back further?? I've clicked the box to show more restore points, but it doesn't go back far enough.

Failing this, I'm considering resetting my laptop. I know it's drastic, but it's a last resort ad I want this sorting now 'cos it's bugging me.
Just how drastic is a reset?? Will I need a Windows disc, as I don't have one and will it keep all my personal files/folders, etc. I don't mind losing all the programmes that I've installed along the way, as I keep a note of what I've installed, so it should be fairly straightforward!!!!

Thanks again for any help :)

[SlackAlice]

Have you tried system restore in W10 "safe mode" ?

http://www.thewindowsclub.com/boot-windows-10-in-safe-mode

Very strong possibility of you losing all of your documents/photo's/music doing a re-set, because it will re-set everything back to the original. Along with any programs you installed. You are aware that you will have to update Windows to bring it up-to-date

I would copy/paste your "My Documents/My photo's/My Music" folders across to a usb connected external drive plus export your favorites and bookmarks from your browser.

[Old_Geezer]

Picture seems too blurred to read :-(

[Zacs-Master]

Did you restart the machine after switching off the anti-virus?

[Gizmonster]

//// Picture seems too blurred to read :-( ////

Error message reads, "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 antivirus programme is running on the computer. Temporarily disable your antivirus programme and retry system restore.
An unspecified error occurred during system restore. (0x80070005)

//// Did you restart the machine after switching off the anti-virus? ////
To be honest, I'm not sure if I did, so I'll retry again, but restart my laptop after I turn Defender off.

Failing that, I'll try system restore in safe mode.

Thanks for the replies and watch this space :)

[Gizmonster]

Well that didn't help - turned off Defender and rebooted .... it must be a built in safety mechanism, 'cos Defender turned itself back on after the reboot.
Next step is a restore in safe mode ..... back later :)

[Tuvok]

System reset is the ultimate last resort as it will wipe the computer and your files.

Sinceyour backup works on a different computer, try creating a new user account on your computer and try installing it on there.

If that works its something in your current user account causing problems.

[TheChair]

In Windows 10, Reset this PC offers you the option of either a clean install (for example, if you are selling you computer) or "Keep my Files" which will remove any programs that you've installed your self, but will leave your data (documents, music, pictures, etc.) intact.

[Gizmonster]

Just tried recovery in safe mode - still get the error message.

Looks like I'll be going down the, "reset this PC" route ...... when I eventually get round to it :)

[TTG]

Bit late, sorry. You can download Windows 10 from Microsoft. You pay for the licence key so this is perfectly legal. https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/software-download/windows10