No system restore

[jgray64]

I have XP 64bit and when I go into systems tools, I have no option for system restore. I'm trying to go back to an earlier restore point because when I go into device manager, it shows nothing. It is a blank window. I have also checked to see if the service plug and play is running. It wasn't, so then I try to start it and I get an error 2.

I need help to get things back the way they were. Things seem to be working ok, but I think I will have a problem in the future if I don't get this fixed now.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Claymore]

Hello,

If the Device manager is showing the System Name but not showing any devices, then check the security permissions on the Registry key

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CURRENTCONTROLSET\ENUM .
The SYSTEM account must have full control permissions on this key in order for the Device Manager to list all the devices in the window.

To access the Registry, go to Start => Run and type in "regedit" {without the quotes}
To check Permissions, right-click on the ENUM key, click Permissions, then highlight (select) System => Full Control => Allow

 

[jgray64]

Claymore,

Thanks for the response. I show having all right and the list is still empty.

That wasn't it, any other ideas?

Thanks

 

[Claymore]

I see you got an error when trying to start the Plug and Play service (required in this case). This could indicate a missing or corrupted file. So:

Go to the Event Viewer (Start => Run and type in eventvwr.msc)
Look in System and see if there is an error indicating the failure of the Plug and Play service. If/when you find it, double-click on it, click the small Notepad-type icon which will copy the information to the clipboard. Then, either or both, paste into Notepad, and copy into your next post.

 

[jgray64]

T have a silly question, how do you open up the event log? I see the one for the system. following message. Unalble to complete the operation on "System". The interface is unknown.

 

[jgray64]

I have a silly question. I double click on the System event log and I get the following message. Unalble to complete the operation on "System". The interface is unknown.

Sorry for the first post not sure why it didn't work.

 

[Claymore]

In Event Viewer you should see these three (at least):
Application
Security
System

If you select System you should see a list in the right-hand pane with a series of entries. You're looking for those classified as "Error".

Also, do this:
Right-click on My Computer => Properties => Advanced tab => Startup and Recovery section => Settings button => System Failure section
Check the boxes 'Write an event...' and 'Send an administrative alert'
OK to set and exit.

Try to set the Plug and Play service to Automatic and Start in Services.
Look in the Event Viewer again.

 

[jgray64]

The same thing happens when I try to look at the event log system. I get the pop up - Unalble to complete the operation on "System". The interface is unknown.

When I try to start the plug and play service I get the following - Could not start the plug and play service on local computer. Error 2: The system cannnot find the file specified.

I still get the sam thing when I look at the system event log.

 

[Claymore]

Ouch! the errors are multiplying - no System Restore, no Device Manager, no Event Viewer, services can't be found.
I think you need a repair install. Do you have an XP CD?

or ...

You could try this - also presuming you have an XP CD:
Go to Start => Run and type in (or Copy/Paste):
sfc /scannow
{space after sfc}

 

[jgray64]

I have a CD. Im doing the sfc /scannow right now. I'l let you know what happens.

 

[jgray64]

I did that and it didn't make any difference. How do a do a reinstall the OS with the CD and make sure all my apps and data are there?

 

[Claymore]

1. Boot the computer using the XP CD. You may need to change the
boot order in the system BIOS. Check your system documentation
for steps to access the BIOS and change the boot order.


2. When you see the "Welcome To Setup" screen, you will see the
options below This portion of the Setup program prepares Microsoft
Windows XP to run on your computer:

To setup Windows XP now, press ENTER.
To repair a Windows XP installation using Recovery Console, press R.
To quit Setup without installing Windows XP, press F3.

3. Press Enter to start the Windows Setup.
Do not choose "To repair a Windows XP installation using the
Recovery Console, press R.

4. Accept the License Agreement. Windows will search for existing
Windows installations.

5. Select the XP installation you want to repair from the list (enter a number) and
press R to start the repair.

6. Setup will copy the necessary files to the hard drive and reboot.
Do not press any key to boot from CD when the message appears.
Setup will continue as if it were doing a clean install, but your
applications and settings will remain intact.