I am totally confused by all the complicated posts and links about the System restore Error 0x80070091 problem.
I cannot understand the posted "fixes."
Is there a straight-forward fix?
Does anyone think Microsoft will fix it any time soon?
Thanks, cb
The fact that the thread is so long indicates it is an intractable problem. System Restore can fail arbitrarily for a number of reasons. As such it is not to be relied upon, merely to be regarded as handy when it does work.
You will find further down another thread on the same topic, which I referred to the lengthy thread.
It can be very confusing to have multiple threads in parallel on the same topic.
I started that thread- and happened to find the problem self-corrected a few weeks later- maybe after some update. I have no idea.
Solutions/options
The preferred and most robust and complete solution to restoring your PC is the routine use of disk imaging., so often recommended here. (E.g. Macrium Reflect (free)). Some here recommend ditching system restore and using disk imaging. That system restore is not even enabled in Win 10 by default tends to suggest MS's view of it.
I therefore suggest you have the following options:
1. Wait and hope it self-corrects
2. Monitor the long thread and hope someone finds a fix
3. Search for a fix yourself - and post solution in the long thread :)
4. Try an in-place upgrade repair install (I've no idea if that will fix it - and you need to ask whether it's worth the time for what you gain).
(keeps all programs and data, most settings).
I have used System Restore on many computers - many times and found it to be a lifesaver. So sad if it's gone forever.
I usually do a Macrium every month or so.
I'll have to do it more often.
Thanks, cb
I found this fix at the below link, and used option 1. which actually worked (so far) i still use Macrium for more permanent backups, but i like System Restore for quickies when it works?
System Restore error 0x80070091 - Microsoft Community
Microsoft has identified an issue in Windows 10 where System Restore will fail to complete and will generate the following error:
Details:
System Restore failed while restoring the directory from the restore point.
Source: AppxStaging
Destination: %ProgramFiles%\WindowsApps
An unspecified error occurred during System Restore. (0x80070091)
We are currently investigating the issue and will update this thread when we have more information.
Advanced users can resolve the problem by trying one of the two options listed below:
Option 1: Rename the WindowsApps folder in Safe Mode
1. Boot into Safe Mode.
2. Right click on Start and click on Command Prompt (admin).
3. Type these commands below one by one.
• cd C:\Program Files
• takeown /f WindowsApps /r /d Y
• icacls WindowsApps /grant “%USERDOMAIN%\%USERNAME%”:(F) /t
• attrib WindowsApps -h
• rename WindowsApps WindowsApps.old
4. Reboot back into Windows.
5. Run System Restore.
I did not delete WindowsApps.old just left it there and Windows created a new WindowsApps folder which was considerably bigger 1.35Gig compared to the old one at 290MB big discrepancy there.
Makes you wonder what is going on, but i bet it will crash when a new update comes along, i tried turning updates off but it did not work but now i now how to fix it so wait and see.
Does anyone know whether Creators Update will fix it?
cb
Well, the Creator's Update introduces a different common problem with running SFC and DISM that, after much effort, has a fix...
See #400
Use DISM to Repair Windows 10 Image - Page 41 - Windows 10 Performance Maintenance Tutorials
(and for interest this long post on the same topic
Creators update component store shows corruption but unable to repair - Page 2 - - Windows 10 Forums
)
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