When doing a system restore, what gets backed up?

O

ocdetails

New Member
I don't know what happened, but one second I was trying to download SP1 and the next second my computer shuts down and now it only boots up into the restore menu. I don't know if somehow all my drivers got wiped out or what, but I cannot get it to boot into Vista for the life of me. All of my system restore points failed and now I don't even have any points showing, so that is pretty frustrating too. I've been able to see the folders when I attach the hard drive to a caddy and plug them into a computer at work, but the folder I need to access is apparantly requiring password access and I don't have administrator rights on this machine. So... That is my situation.

There are files on this computer that I desperately need access to ASAP, so what I need to know before taking it to someone to pull files off is what gets backed up when you choose the "Recovery with automatic data backup" option? I did this once before and it created a backup folder with a whole lot of stuff in it. I didn't notice if large folders on the desktop were backed up or not and that is what I need. I need my Document folder, a couple personal folders on the desktop, and the pictures folder. If I can get these out myself without having to drive across town and spend an entire evening with a techie friend who I'm sure could find a way to access the folder, then I'd like to do it. I don't mind doing a system restore as long as my files will get saved, but I was under the impression that you get a ton of stuff nuked when you do that. Any help is GREATLY appreciated!
 

My Computer

System One

Did you get SP1 in your windows update, or did you manually download it?
Do you have those files you need access to encrypted? (i.e., lettering is green)
Have you tried startup repair on the advanced O/S disk options?


If you manually downloaded sp1 and it did not appear in you updates that means you have incompatabilites, and should not have installed it.
If you did a system restore this can cause lockout of EFS encrypted files if you had recently changed your admin password and restored it to a point before you changed it/ or reset password and/or attempted access from another admin account. EFS protected files require the admin password for access, and are tied to the admin account/password.

Automatic data backup (unless you specified otherwise) will back up you user files which includes documents, Pictures, desktop and can be restored from the backup. BUT if any of the files were encrypted, and you do not have the admin/EFS certificate password, then they will not be recoverable.
 
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My Computer

System One

  • CPU
    T7600G Core2Duo 2.66 Ghz
    Motherboard
    Intel 945PM + ICH7 Chipset
    Memory
    4GB DDR2 PC2-5300 667MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    Mobility Radeon x1900 256MB
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD
    Monitor(s) Displays
    WUXGA 17"
    Screen Resolution
    1920X1200
    Hard Drives
    640GB 7200RPM SATA/RAID 0 (2x320GB) and 320GB 7200RPM External
    Mouse
    Wireless Microsoft 3000
    Internet Speed
    10 mbps/2 mbps
    Other Info
    Optical Drive: Panasonic UJ-220 DL BD-RE (Blu-Ray)
Hello ocdetails, welcome to Vista forums!

Have a look at this.

So what exactly does System Restore do? Let's start with what it doesn't do... System Restore WILL NOT remove or modify any personal data files such as word processor documents, spreadsheets, music & photos, web favorites, emails, etc. More specifically, files in the Documents folder will never be touched. If you are unsure as to whether a file will be affected by System Restore, keep it in that folder. System Restore WILL affect your Windows system settings (the Windows Registry), protected system files, and recently installed software.


LAter :shock: Ted
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    * BFK Customs *
    CPU
    Intel C2Q 9550 Yorkfield
    Motherboard
    ASUS P5Q Pro
    Memory
    8GB Dominator 8500C5D
    Graphics card(s)
    XFX ATI 1GB 4870 XXX
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD 7-1
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1x 47" LCD HDMI & 2x 26" LCD HDMI
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080P & 1920x1200
    Hard Drives
    2x 500GB 7200RPM 32MB Cache WD Caviar Black
    PSU
    Corsair 620HX
    Case
    CM Cosmos RC-1000
    Cooling
    Tuniq Tower 120, 2x 140mm and 3x 120mm case fans
    Mouse
    Razer Diamondback 3G
    Keyboard
    HP Enhansed Multimedia
    Internet Speed
    18.6Mb/s
    Other Info
    My First Build ;)
Now what about a complete system restore where I want to put it back to factory settings? Typcially when I choose to not go with the "Recovery with automatic data backup" option then it wipes out everything entirely. When I recover with that option then it left certian folders intact for the most part. I would have had to reinstall all of the programs, but the folders in the Program Files were still there. Does anybody know if User Profile folders are backed up when you go that route as well? That is really what I'm looking for. I have done small steps back with the system restore before and it hasn't affected anything, but now that I don't even have any of those points to choose, I am just stressed that I have lost a hundred hours of work on some very very very important projects.

However, my lesson has been learned. Regular backups for me from now on.
 

My Computer

System One

ocdetails said:
Now what about a complete system restore where I want to put it back to factory settings? Typcially when I choose to not go with the "Recovery with automatic data backup" option then it wipes out everything entirely. When I recover with that option then it left certian folders intact for the most part. I would have had to reinstall all of the programs, but the folders in the Program Files were still there. Does anybody know if User Profile folders are backed up when you go that route as well? That is really what I'm looking for. I have done small steps back with the system restore before and it hasn't affected anything, but now that I don't even have any of those points to choose, I am just stressed that I have lost a hundred hours of work on some very very very important projects.

However, my lesson has been learned. Regular backups for me from now on.
Click to expand...


A repair using the O/S advanced recovery will repair windows leaving user folders/programs intact. I do not think Vista has a repair windows feature as XP did. You may try the disk "upgrade" option, but this may cause issues with your O/S installation being marked as not "genuine".
A full re-install or destructive reformat install will wipe out everything and restore your system to OEM settings.

Best bet is do a full destructive reformat/reinstall then use your backup to replace USER folders/files. (and YES user files are backed up with the default backup settings)
 
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My Computer

System One

  • CPU
    T7600G Core2Duo 2.66 Ghz
    Motherboard
    Intel 945PM + ICH7 Chipset
    Memory
    4GB DDR2 PC2-5300 667MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    Mobility Radeon x1900 256MB
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD
    Monitor(s) Displays
    WUXGA 17"
    Screen Resolution
    1920X1200
    Hard Drives
    640GB 7200RPM SATA/RAID 0 (2x320GB) and 320GB 7200RPM External
    Mouse
    Wireless Microsoft 3000
    Internet Speed
    10 mbps/2 mbps
    Other Info
    Optical Drive: Panasonic UJ-220 DL BD-RE (Blu-Ray)
What is the O/S advanced recovery? I'm not the most knowledgable about operating systems and such. I am the type of person who works computers and not works on computers, if you know that type.

I don't even have a VISTA CD to boot off of, but I don't know if that would make any difference. This machine is a Gateway C-140X that I ordered just about a year ago now. It came with Vista installed on it and It didn't have any nifty gold hologramed Microsoft discs with it, but I don't know if that would help anyway. Loading a new copy of windows on it would probably just kill any user profiles that exist already, right?
 

My Computer

System One

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    * BFK Customs *
    CPU
    Intel C2Q 9550 Yorkfield
    Motherboard
    ASUS P5Q Pro
    Memory
    8GB Dominator 8500C5D
    Graphics card(s)
    XFX ATI 1GB 4870 XXX
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD 7-1
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1x 47" LCD HDMI & 2x 26" LCD HDMI
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080P & 1920x1200
    Hard Drives
    2x 500GB 7200RPM 32MB Cache WD Caviar Black
    PSU
    Corsair 620HX
    Case
    CM Cosmos RC-1000
    Cooling
    Tuniq Tower 120, 2x 140mm and 3x 120mm case fans
    Mouse
    Razer Diamondback 3G
    Keyboard
    HP Enhansed Multimedia
    Internet Speed
    18.6Mb/s
    Other Info
    My First Build ;)
Here is a link that might be helpful as well... I did a system restore about three weeks ago and chose the option to do the automatic data backup. I couldn't get the folder to delete, so I did some research. I never could get it to delete, so I just did another system restore and choose not to backup any files this time. I didn't really look to carefully to see which files it backed up, but the OP in that thread I linked said that all the User folders were saved, so would that include my desktop do you think?
 

My Computer

System One

ocdetails said:
Here is a link that might be helpful as well... I did a system restore about three weeks ago and chose the option to do the automatic data backup. I couldn't get the folder to delete, so I did some research. I never could get it to delete, so I just did another system restore and choose not to backup any files this time. I didn't really look to carefully to see which files it backed up, but the OP in that thread I linked said that all the User folders were saved, so would that include my desktop do you think?
Click to expand...

When you use the term system restore are you referring to a "MS System Restore"
or "OEM Factory System Recovery"


Later :shock: Ted
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    * BFK Customs *
    CPU
    Intel C2Q 9550 Yorkfield
    Motherboard
    ASUS P5Q Pro
    Memory
    8GB Dominator 8500C5D
    Graphics card(s)
    XFX ATI 1GB 4870 XXX
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD 7-1
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1x 47" LCD HDMI & 2x 26" LCD HDMI
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080P & 1920x1200
    Hard Drives
    2x 500GB 7200RPM 32MB Cache WD Caviar Black
    PSU
    Corsair 620HX
    Case
    CM Cosmos RC-1000
    Cooling
    Tuniq Tower 120, 2x 140mm and 3x 120mm case fans
    Mouse
    Razer Diamondback 3G
    Keyboard
    HP Enhansed Multimedia
    Internet Speed
    18.6Mb/s
    Other Info
    My First Build ;)
ocdetails said:
What is the O/S advanced recovery? I'm not the most knowledgable about operating systems and such. I am the type of person who works computers and not works on computers, if you know that type.

I don't even have a VISTA CD to boot off of, but I don't know if that would make any difference. This machine is a Gateway C-140X that I ordered just about a year ago now. It came with Vista installed on it and It didn't have any nifty gold hologramed Microsoft discs with it, but I don't know if that would help anyway. Loading a new copy of windows on it would probably just kill any user profiles that exist already, right?
Click to expand...

Without a Vista O/S disk you do not have the options available under advanced recovery.

All you can do is access the hard drives recovery partition ( this is done by hitting a key at boot and varies by OEM), reinstall your OEM Vista version, then use your backup to restore your user files.
 

My Computer

System One

  • CPU
    T7600G Core2Duo 2.66 Ghz
    Motherboard
    Intel 945PM + ICH7 Chipset
    Memory
    4GB DDR2 PC2-5300 667MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    Mobility Radeon x1900 256MB
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD
    Monitor(s) Displays
    WUXGA 17"
    Screen Resolution
    1920X1200
    Hard Drives
    640GB 7200RPM SATA/RAID 0 (2x320GB) and 320GB 7200RPM External
    Mouse
    Wireless Microsoft 3000
    Internet Speed
    10 mbps/2 mbps
    Other Info
    Optical Drive: Panasonic UJ-220 DL BD-RE (Blu-Ray)
ocdetails said:
Bare Foot Kid said:
If you had a disc you would have this option ...

http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/88236-repair-install-vista.html?ltr=R
Click to expand...

If I can get my hands on a Vista disc then would I be able to do that without losing any of my User files? I've got a co-worker who has a Vista disc that I could use. I've got the Product Key on the bottom of my laptop that should work fine, right?
Click to expand...

Have you had a look at the tutorial at that link?


Later :shock: Ted
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    * BFK Customs *
    CPU
    Intel C2Q 9550 Yorkfield
    Motherboard
    ASUS P5Q Pro
    Memory
    8GB Dominator 8500C5D
    Graphics card(s)
    XFX ATI 1GB 4870 XXX
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD 7-1
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1x 47" LCD HDMI & 2x 26" LCD HDMI
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080P & 1920x1200
    Hard Drives
    2x 500GB 7200RPM 32MB Cache WD Caviar Black
    PSU
    Corsair 620HX
    Case
    CM Cosmos RC-1000
    Cooling
    Tuniq Tower 120, 2x 140mm and 3x 120mm case fans
    Mouse
    Razer Diamondback 3G
    Keyboard
    HP Enhansed Multimedia
    Internet Speed
    18.6Mb/s
    Other Info
    My First Build ;)
Any Vista disk will work to access advanced recovery on disk.
Use your valid product key to activate Upgrade (repair) or reinstall.
 

My Computer

System One

  • CPU
    T7600G Core2Duo 2.66 Ghz
    Motherboard
    Intel 945PM + ICH7 Chipset
    Memory
    4GB DDR2 PC2-5300 667MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    Mobility Radeon x1900 256MB
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD
    Monitor(s) Displays
    WUXGA 17"
    Screen Resolution
    1920X1200
    Hard Drives
    640GB 7200RPM SATA/RAID 0 (2x320GB) and 320GB 7200RPM External
    Mouse
    Wireless Microsoft 3000
    Internet Speed
    10 mbps/2 mbps
    Other Info
    Optical Drive: Panasonic UJ-220 DL BD-RE (Blu-Ray)
I have no idea what the difference is between those.

Here is what happens. I turn on the machine and it sends me to a "system recovery options" screen after I choose the OS and choose my profile and enter the password. My options are Startup Repair, System Restore, Windows Complete PC Restore, Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool, Command Prompt, and Recovery Manager. If I choose Recovery Manager it will give me the option of 'Recovery with automatic backup' or 'Full factory recovery'. None of the other options before that are working at all. I've tried startup repair and it says there isn't anything wrong. None of the restore points exist anymore, but when there were some options it wouldn't actually restore to the points I was trying to send it to. So basically my last option is to do a full on restore while trying to preserve some of the folders in the user profile.
 

My Computer

System One

ocdetails said:
I have no idea what the difference is between those.

Here is what happens. I turn on the machine and it sends me to a "system recovery options" screen after I choose the OS and choose my profile and enter the password. My options are Startup Repair, System Restore, Windows Complete PC Restore, Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool, Command Prompt, and Recovery Manager. If I choose Recovery Manager it will give me the option of 'Recovery with automatic backup' or 'Full factory recovery'. None of the other options before that are working at all. I've tried startup repair and it says there isn't anything wrong. None of the restore points exist anymore, but when there were some options it wouldn't actually restore to the points I was trying to send it to. So basically my last option is to do a full on restore while trying to preserve some of the folders in the user profile.
Click to expand...
Ummm, you may want to have a friend or someone familar with Vista/computers do the O/S, File reinstall. You may end up doing more damage resulting in your data becoming unrecoverable.
Apparently you have a corrupted O/S and your best bet is to just do a full factory recovery (i.e, OEM recovery from recovery partition), and then use your backup to replace your user files. Its a relatively simple process, but does require some basic knowledge.
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • CPU
    T7600G Core2Duo 2.66 Ghz
    Motherboard
    Intel 945PM + ICH7 Chipset
    Memory
    4GB DDR2 PC2-5300 667MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    Mobility Radeon x1900 256MB
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD
    Monitor(s) Displays
    WUXGA 17"
    Screen Resolution
    1920X1200
    Hard Drives
    640GB 7200RPM SATA/RAID 0 (2x320GB) and 320GB 7200RPM External
    Mouse
    Wireless Microsoft 3000
    Internet Speed
    10 mbps/2 mbps
    Other Info
    Optical Drive: Panasonic UJ-220 DL BD-RE (Blu-Ray)
ocdetails said:
So basically my last option is to do a full on restore while trying to preserve some of the folders in the user profile.
Click to expand...

What you are refering to is a "OEM Factory Recovery" This is a "MS System Restore"




Later :shock: Ted
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    * BFK Customs *
    CPU
    Intel C2Q 9550 Yorkfield
    Motherboard
    ASUS P5Q Pro
    Memory
    8GB Dominator 8500C5D
    Graphics card(s)
    XFX ATI 1GB 4870 XXX
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD 7-1
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1x 47" LCD HDMI & 2x 26" LCD HDMI
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080P & 1920x1200
    Hard Drives
    2x 500GB 7200RPM 32MB Cache WD Caviar Black
    PSU
    Corsair 620HX
    Case
    CM Cosmos RC-1000
    Cooling
    Tuniq Tower 120, 2x 140mm and 3x 120mm case fans
    Mouse
    Razer Diamondback 3G
    Keyboard
    HP Enhansed Multimedia
    Internet Speed
    18.6Mb/s
    Other Info
    My First Build ;)
ocdetails said:
I have no idea what the difference is between those.

Here is what happens. I turn on the machine and it sends me to a "system recovery options" screen after I choose the OS and choose my profile and enter the password. My options are Startup Repair, System Restore, Windows Complete PC Restore, Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool, Command Prompt, and Recovery Manager. If I choose Recovery Manager it will give me the option of 'Recovery with automatic backup' or 'Full factory recovery'. None of the other options before that are working at all. I've tried startup repair and it says there isn't anything wrong. None of the restore points exist anymore, but when there were some options it wouldn't actually restore to the points I was trying to send it to. So basically my last option is to do a full on restore while trying to preserve some of the folders in the user profile.
Click to expand...

This would be your best option!


Later :shock: Ted
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    * BFK Customs *
    CPU
    Intel C2Q 9550 Yorkfield
    Motherboard
    ASUS P5Q Pro
    Memory
    8GB Dominator 8500C5D
    Graphics card(s)
    XFX ATI 1GB 4870 XXX
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD 7-1
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1x 47" LCD HDMI & 2x 26" LCD HDMI
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080P & 1920x1200
    Hard Drives
    2x 500GB 7200RPM 32MB Cache WD Caviar Black
    PSU
    Corsair 620HX
    Case
    CM Cosmos RC-1000
    Cooling
    Tuniq Tower 120, 2x 140mm and 3x 120mm case fans
    Mouse
    Razer Diamondback 3G
    Keyboard
    HP Enhansed Multimedia
    Internet Speed
    18.6Mb/s
    Other Info
    My First Build ;)
Bare Foot Kid said:
ocdetails said:
I have no idea what the difference is between those.

Here is what happens. I turn on the machine and it sends me to a "system recovery options" screen after I choose the OS and choose my profile and enter the password. My options are Startup Repair, System Restore, Windows Complete PC Restore, Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool, Command Prompt, and Recovery Manager. If I choose Recovery Manager it will give me the option of 'Recovery with automatic backup' or 'Full factory recovery'. None of the other options before that are working at all. I've tried startup repair and it says there isn't anything wrong. None of the restore points exist anymore, but when there were some options it wouldn't actually restore to the points I was trying to send it to. So basically my last option is to do a full on restore while trying to preserve some of the folders in the user profile.
Click to expand...

This would be your best option!


Later :shock: Ted
Click to expand...

It sounds like you believe that it will save my user profile files then, right? As long as I can still get access to those files then I'll be happy. For all I know it will pretend to do the full system restore and then it will end up booting on to the same screen I'm at now. lol
 

My Computer

System One

It might be better to try a 2 pronged approach. Get a Vista disk to perform a repair install to get windows back up good enough to do a backup. Do not activate this. Then use your system recovery disk to install it factory fresh, restore your data files, and then update...
 

My Computer

System One

  • CPU
    Core Duo 2 E6700
    Motherboard
    ASUS P5W DH Deluxe
    Memory
    4g-Corsair XMS2 6400
    Graphics card(s)
    ATI 4870x2
    Hard Drives
    2 Maxtor Essential SATA2 drives Raid 0 Pioneer 212D SATA DVD-R/W
They don't have a disc!










Later :sarc: Ted
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    * BFK Customs *
    CPU
    Intel C2Q 9550 Yorkfield
    Motherboard
    ASUS P5Q Pro
    Memory
    8GB Dominator 8500C5D
    Graphics card(s)
    XFX ATI 1GB 4870 XXX
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD 7-1
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1x 47" LCD HDMI & 2x 26" LCD HDMI
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080P & 1920x1200
    Hard Drives
    2x 500GB 7200RPM 32MB Cache WD Caviar Black
    PSU
    Corsair 620HX
    Case
    CM Cosmos RC-1000
    Cooling
    Tuniq Tower 120, 2x 140mm and 3x 120mm case fans
    Mouse
    Razer Diamondback 3G
    Keyboard
    HP Enhansed Multimedia
    Internet Speed
    18.6Mb/s
    Other Info
    My First Build ;)
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