The Registry is an integral component in working the Windows operating system. It is a database suitable for storing configurations, paths, and values required for the operating system and applications. The following post showcases solutions to the System restore failure while restoring, copying, or mounting the registry error message in Windows 11/10.
What is System Restore?
System Restore is one of the most significant and powerful utilities in the Windows operating system. It helps in restoring your computer to a previous instance. However, you may sometimes encounter the—System restore failing while restoring, copying, or mounting the registry— error. Another possible error message is that Restore failed to extract the original copy of the directory from the restore point.
Why Does System Restore Fail While Restoring, Copying, or Mounting the Registry?
It is important to remember that the Windows Registry is a type of database. The last step after the System Restore process involves copying the database from the backup and placing it alongside the remaining files. Upon booting a PC, the system would automatically use the registry.
However, corrupted files in the registry or System Restore could be one of the causes of the error. System Restore depends on multiple components to function in the desired manner. The components include system files, Windows Appdata folder, Windows Registry, and many others. If any one of the components fails, then the System Restore process would fail.
Fix: System Restore Failed While Restoring, Copying, or Mounting the Registry
If you face the System Restore failure error, you can try the following proven methods for fixing the problem.
- Replace Corrupt System Files (Using SFC)
- Set Volume Shadow Service to Manual
- Use a Different Restore Point
- Configure Disk Space Usage
- System Restore in Recovery Mode
- System Restore in Clean Boot State
You may need admin permission to perform these processes. Follow the exact steps given below for smooth performance.
1] Replace Corrupt System Files
Corrupt system files are one of the common causes of the System Restore failure error. However, you can use the in-built utility of a System file checker or SFC on your PC to solve the problem. Here are the steps for using SFC to repair the corrupted system files and software components.
- Use Win + X to open the power menu
- Click on Windows Terminal (admin)
- Type SFC /Scannow in the terminal and press the Enter key.
- The SFC utility would run a system-wide scan and shows the details of the files and folders repaired on your Windows PC.
- Try the System Restore after the scan is complete.
2] Set Volume Shadow Service to Manual
The Volume Shadow Copy Service is one of the vital components for ensuring the proper functioning of the System Restore process. It helps create volume backups, which help restore the computer to a previous instance. When the Volume Shadow Service is off, you can encounter the System Restore failure error. Here are the steps for setting the Volume Shadow Copy Service to Manual.
- Press the Windows and R keys together to open the Run window and type Services.msc for accessing the Services window.
- Scroll down in the Services window to find the Volume Shadow Copy entry and double-click on the access to open its settings.
- Look for the General tab in the Volume Shadow Copy Service settings.
- Search for the Startup Type option and check the Manual option in the drop-down menu. Select OK for applying the changes.
- Ensure that you can click on the Start button to start the service.
3] Use a Different Restore Point
In some cases, the first restore point might not work and end up with the System Restore failed error. If you only have the default restore point, you should check for other restore points with the Show more restore points option. You can find the option in the bottom left corner of the System Restore window.
- Type System Restore in the Windows search (Win + S)
- Click on Recovery, and then click on Open System Restore
- Switch from recommended to the Choose a different restore point option
- Click Next, and it will reveal the list of system restore points available on your PC.
4] Configure Disk Space Usage
The System Restore process can also fail due to a lack of storage space on your Windows computer’s HDD or SSD. A System Restore point takes up a certain amount of space according to the number of accounts, programs, and files on the PC. Upon restoring the System Restore points, it may need more space than the size of the required restore point.
It is reasonable to check for the storage space in the Windows PC system drive or the one where you have installed Windows. You can also create more space by uninstalling apps you don’t use anymore and clearing out any large files on your PC.
5] Perform System Restore in Recovery Mode
The System restore failed while restoring, copying, or mounting the registry error message also pops up due to any other software. For example, an anti-virus software with access privileges to your system can prevent the System Restore process. Using the following steps, you can solve the issue by trying out the System Restore process in Recovery Mode.
- Access Windows Settings, open the Update & Security option, and select Recovery from the left pane.
- You can select the Restart Now button next to the Advanced Startup option in the Recovery window.
- The system would boot into Advanced Startup, where you can select Troubleshoot option followed by Advanced options.
- Click on the System Restore option and choose the selected restore point alongside the necessary processes for the same.
6] Perform System Restore in Clean Boot State
Upon booting your PC, many Windows services, as well as third-party services, start with the PC. The PC can serve minimal and necessary services in a clean boot state. As a result, the other services could not interfere with the System Restore process. Here are the steps for performing System Restore in a Clean Boot State.
- Press the Windows and R keys together to access the Run dialog box and enter the command msconfig.
- The msconfig command would open the System Configuration window, where you must choose the General tab.
- Select the Selective startup option followed by checking the Services tab.
- Click on the Hide all Microsoft services option and manually uncheck the essential services. Apply the changes and restart the PC.
- You can perform the System Restore process in the general procedure without any intervention from third-party services and apps.
Conclusion
The solutions to System restore failed while restoring, copying, or mounting the registry error are pretty simple. However, you must be careful in implementing each solution by following the recommended best practices. I hope the process was easy to follow and your issue was resolved.
How to Delete Old System Restore Points in Windows?
You can delete the old System Restore points in windows by accessing the Disk Cleanup tool from the search box on your Windows computer. Navigate to the More options tab in the Disk Cleanup tool to find the System Restore and Shadow Copies entry. You can click the Clean Up button near the entry for deleting old System Restore point entries in Windows.
How long can a System Restore take?
The System Restore process can vary from one computer to another. However, the average time is around 30 to 45 minutes. The time required for System Restore generally depends on the changes you want to reverse with the process. In addition, the hardware specifications of your computer, such as processing power and storage space, would also affect the duration of the System Restore process.
