Help ! When i try to run system restore i get the following message, "System restore cannot run until you restart the computer. Please restart the computer and then run system restore again". If i then restart, the same message comes round again. Can anyone please advise?

I wonder- did the restore calendar show any restore points created when you went there? Try this and post back if it does not work. Go to Start\Programs\Accessories\System Tools\System Restore.... when you are there then "create" yourself a restore point and give it an unique name....do this then re-start your computer.. then do the whole thing over again and see if it will restore.

Chrissie Agree with above except that when you try to restore to the restore point you just created, it might say " can't restore - no changes have been made..." or words to that effect. Do you have the Microsoft 'fix' for Sept8th problems? If yes, in the end you may have to disable and re-enable System Restore (re-booting immediately after each). However, if you do this you will lose all previous restore points. Lesley

this is a known issue with microsoft and is a result of an incomplete software install or update.The problem is discussed on microsofts website...sorry do not have the article number. A very simple workaround for this is to right click my computer,choose properties,file system,troubleshooting,disable system restore and restart.Follow the same process but this time uncheck system restore,restart,open system restore and you are back in business. Please note that this procedure will purge all previous system restore points.However i have had the same message and this process puts your system restore back to a working state by eliminating the clearing the winit,ini file that is causing the problem.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q274092

This can happen if there is a file named Wininit.ini in the C:\Windows directory. This means that system changes are pending, usually due to something that has been installed and hasn't finished. If restarting numerous times this file does not dissappear you need to rename it and then run system restore again. Once you are done with system restore you can name it back if you like. I hope this solves the problem.

Hi Guys, many thanks for the advice, unfortunately, i am unable to get this damn machine to run in Safe mode. Pressing F8 does nothing!! Any suggestions will be gratefully received. Chrissie