[Rivera42]

Here's something else. This just crossed my mind, and if I don't post while I'm thinking of it, I'll forget.

Isn't there anything besides trial and error to determine which RP to use? should I use the restore point set the first time, when it took out a couple of hundred entries (following the install of a lot of software; this is a new machine) after which I'm pretty sure I noticed an improvement - which is to say, I had thought I noticed the new machine starting to slow down already, which is why I scanned and cleaned.
...or the other restore point, after the second scan, the following day, when it only removed about 5 entries.

I mean, how can onecare have found 200 "invalid" entries on a new machine? Unless they were somehow left behind by the various installation sequences and/or update procedures, that is.

What I think I'm going to do is create a new restore point for today, and then use System Restore to try to return to the point immediately before the initial OneCare scan.

[Rivera42]

IT DIDN'T WORK!!!

It said it couldn't restore to that point, choose another, blah de blah.

So I tried to revert back to the more recent of the two OneCare-generated RPs...

It's restarting as I type this...

And it didn't [EDITED] work.

This is a BRAND NEW COMPUTER!!!

What is going on here?!! Somebody? Anybody? Please!

And...a big "wth" to Microsoft.

(pause)
Should I have disabled my protective software before doing this? SpywareBlaster, et al? The ones that lock system settings. Speaking of, would that particular program's "system snapshot" be of any use here?

[redoak]

"R--42": Please do not use this kind of language: "And it didn't "#$%^&* work."

You may find yourself banned from TSG. Look under "Rules."

{redoak}

[Rivera42]

With all due respect I did not realize you folks considered that modifier* to be profanity. I really didn't. I honestly am surprised this would upset you - and incidentally, you'll note that I have only ever used the letter "H" following a "W" and a "T," which I should hope suggests my intent towards compliance and a general awareness of appropriate language. (H stands, of course, for heck.)
Again, if I've somehow managed to offend, I am surprised, but I do apologize. It was unintended.

*Note: I would have liked to include the actual word here; since it isn't actually a cuss word I figure others might wonder what word it was, exactly. But I didn't want you to yell at me twice so I phrased it this way instead. Anybody who's that curious could PM one or the other of us, I suppose.

[Rivera42]

Okay, I've been chastised for my "colorful" language, but what about the issue that language described? Why can't I Restore my computer?

[zabusant]

Sometimes it just doesn't work, the only solution I know of is to disable it, restart and enable it again. That should get it going again, but will also purge all the restore points.

You could also try running it from safe mode, sometimes that does the trick, but other than that - I have no idea.

[Diabo]

Take-home message: System Restore is a nice quick'n'dirty rollback method in addition to drive imaging. Never ever rely on system restore alone.

- http://www.runtime.org/dixml.htm and http://selfimage.excelcia.org/ are free
- emergency boot disks like http://www.ubcd4win.com/ have a drive imaging app built in
- if you have a seagate or maxtor drive you can use a free branded copy of acronis trueimage: http://www.theinquirer.net/en/inquir...lities-is-free

[zabusant]

BTW, what's wrong with saying freaking? Is it even a curse word, thought it just sounded like one? Heck, I know this is a family forum, but give me a freaking break!

You know, I think the admins would have a really tough time reprimanding someone for this, since they often use the same expression themselves.

[Rivera42]

watch it, pal, they'll ban you! ;-)

...or is it even cool to crack these kind of jokes? It feels almost like Jr. High School again, but without the C64's

[Rivera42]

Darn it to heck, what about my PROBLEMMM!
I'd lol but this problem is driving me to my early grave. Dadratted brand new system, my fanny. Jeepers cripes.

[zabusant]

So you tried it in safe mode?

[Rivera42]

Originally Posted by Diabo

Take-home message: System Restore is a nice quick'n'dirty rollback method in addition to drive imaging. Never ever rely on system restore alone.

- http://www.runtime.org/dixml.htm and http://selfimage.excelcia.org/ are free
- emergency boot disks like http://www.ubcd4win.com/ have a drive imaging app built in
- if you have a seagate or maxtor drive you can use a free branded copy of acronis trueimage: http://www.theinquirer.net/en/inquir...lities-is-free

I've downloaded selfimage (and driveimage xml) but I can only back up my computer from here on out. If I have trouble in the future this will allow me to roll things back to the point they're at now.

The problem is, at the point they're at now, I'd like to use one of my restore points to un-do the OneCare scan, as I've mentioned, and I haven't been able to do this successfully.

I tried the command-line utility sfc /scannow but I'm not sure if it helped me any.

[Rivera42]

Originally Posted by zabusant

So you tried it in safe mode?

not yet, no.

Is that where I tap the F8 key until I see a new menu? What do I do after that?

If this fails, could I perhaps try the compare-and-merge using SpywareBlaster's "System Snapshot?" Mine was taken almost immediately after I let the PC out of the box.

What about this?

[zabusant]

Sorry for the late reply, didn't see the edit.

Yup, that's the F8 menu, just select "safe mode with networking". From then on it's just the same as normal, just go to Start>All programs>....>system restore.

I have no idea what SpywareBlaster does in this case.

A repair install is an option, but it's a final resort IMO. Remind me if I'm mistaken, but aren't you having trouble with only one app.? It's true registry cleaners can do harm, but the truth is they usually won't so a repair install might be overkill. It's possible your problems have nothing to do with it at all. I still recommend simply reinstalling the program that's you're having problems with.

If you're really sure you want to try it, here's a guide for a repair install. Just be sure to follow the guide for the right OS (Home/Pro).

[Rivera42]

You may want to look here.