Cannot create a Windows 10 restore point

When I try to, it gives me errors (please see attached). Is there a solution please?

You do seem to be having a number of problems on this machine

System Restore is at best unreliable, often failing to perform a restore. But you should at least be able to see its Properties page without error. Could be some services it requires aren't running.

This might be due to a corruption in the restore service. I suggest you to check the service which helps you perform a System restore.

Method 1: Check the Volume Shadow Copy Service.

Check the Volume shadow copy service in services window. To check follow these steps:

1. Type “Services” in the search box.
2. Right Click on Services and “Run it as an Administrator”.
3. Check for “Volume Shadow Copy” Service.
4. Set the status to “Started” and Startup type to “Automatic”.

Also check the dependency services that are required for Volume Shadows Copy Service to run.
To check that double click on the service and click on the Dependency tab.
If the issue persists, you may try disabling the antivirus program on the computer to check if it helps.

System Restore Error code 0x81000203 after updating W10 - Microsoft Community


Rather than rely on System Restore, it is a good idea to back up the machine by making a System Image. Macrium Reflect Free is good for that.

Backup and Restore with Macrium Reflect | Tutorials

Thanks! I do have a few issues - I think there was a problem with last windows 10 upgrades. I am considering the image copy as you suggested. I am looking at Acronis 2019 as well.

devdeep60 said:

...I am considering the image copy as you suggested. I am looking at Acronis 2019 as well.

Search this forum for 'Acronis vs Macrium' and you will find a lot of threads, such as this one...

Which is faster? Macrium or Acronis? Solved - Windows 10 Forums

And more comments here...

How much do you trust Macrium Reflect? - Windows 10 Forums

Personally, I've never tried Acronis. I used to use the built-in Windows system imaging (very basic and temperamental, not to mention that it's now a deprecated feature). Macrium Reflect Free was the first alternative I tried. I liked it and found it 100% reliable, so didn't feel there was much point in looking at any others.

Thanks Bree. I will check out the threads. Also, since there have been issues with my Windows 10, is it best to try and do a "Repair"? If so, what is the best way please?

devdeep60 said:

Thanks! I do have a few issues - I think there was a problem with last windows 10 upgrades....

What version are you on? Have you got 1809 yet?

As you have a number of other problems, I would suggest an in-place repair upgrade. This reinstalls Windows while letting you keep all your files and installed software. If you are on 1803 it would at the same time upgrade you to 1809. Make a system image first though, so you have a way back.

Repair Install Windows 10 with an In-place Upgrade | Tutorials


If you really want to stay on 1803, then it is still possible to get the 1803 ISO direct from Microsoft, but I'd go with 1809.



Edit: seems our posts crossed, but it looks like I successfully anticipated your question in post #5

I am on 1803 64bit Pro version.

devdeep60 said:

I am on 1803 64bit Pro version.

If you follow the posted tutorial for an In-place Repair Install, you'll be upgrading to 1809 via this link - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/soft.../windows10ISO/

Optionally, if you want to stick with 1803 and repair your current installation, fetch an ISO from here (enter options carefully, eg below) but eventually, you'll be upgraded to 1809, if not 1903 coming out within a month - https://tb.rg-adguard.net/public.php

Thank you. Is there a reason to stick to 1803? Unless there are issues, I do not mind 1809. I always take automatic updates so not sure why I am on 1803 still.

devdeep60 said:

I am on 1803 64bit Pro version.

Well, if you decide to try an in-place repair install, then use Step 4 from the tutorial: 'To do a repair install of Windows 10 with an ISO file'.

To download the ISO use Option Three from this tutorial and you will have the choice of the April 2018 or October 2018 updates (1803 or 1809) depending on whether you want to upgrade at the same time or stick with your 1803.

Download Windows 10 ISO File | Tutorials