Fix: System Restore failed to extract the files

In the previous article, we introduced how to initiate System Restore Points. By now, you should have a basic understanding of it. But what if the System Restore Point files fail to extract? As you know, armor is crucial when combating monsters; the same applies to System Restore Points. If the files fail to extract, your computer or software will be left unprotected, rendering it highly insecure. To avoid such scenarios, read on.

System Restore: Basics

Before we proceed with our main topic, let's first get to know System Restore. It's essential to have a basic understanding of what it is so you'll know what it can do for you.

What is System Restore?

System Restore, designed by Microsoft, is primarily intended for Windows operating systems. It serves as a utility for safeguarding and repairing computer software. System Restore enables users to revert their computers to an earlier state. It can reset system settings, files, the registry, and installed applications, assisting in restoring the system to its original condition prior to any malfunctions.

Moreover, System Restore continually monitors system activity. It automatically creates a restore point when you download and install software, drivers, and apps, or during Windows updates. You can also opt to create restore points manually. If an installation is interrupted or fails, System Restore will revert the process, so you won't need to reinstall.

System Restore isn't the only game in town. There are other system restore programs out there. You might want to read some of those articles to learn more!

Free Windows 10 System Restore Software to Create a Windows Recovery Disk

Download the best free Windows 10 system restore software to recover your Windows system, files, and installed apps when disaster strikes. Get the free Windows recovery software tool.

What are the advantages of System Restore?

System Restore doesn't affect or harm your computer in any way, so you can reset your PC with it worry-free. System Restore automatically creates restore points before performing critical operations, such as patching, installing, or uninstalling software. That way, you can revert to a previous state if something goes wrong. In addition, System Restore doesn't delete, replace, or modify personal files you've saved, like a new file on your desktop. Rest assured, this new file remains safe and protected.

Why does System Restore fail? Check the reasons.

Users often encounter issues with System Restore failing, which can prevent the recovery of crucial data. Typically, the main reasons behind this are:

• 1. System Restore has been turned off
• 2. Disk drive has been cleaned up
• 3. Insufficient disk space

1. System Restore is turned off:

Once System Restore is turned off, Windows will automatically delete all previous restore points. Even if we turn System Restore back on later, those deleted restore points will be gone for good. So, proceed with caution.

Disk drive has been cleaned:

Disk Cleanup is a powerful assistant to clean up disk files and reclaim disk space. However, the disk cleanup utility can clean System Restore Points. If we use the cleaner on it, only the last created System Restore Point will be kept. Besides, you might need to back up your hard drive in advance with free disk cloning software.

3. Insufficient disk space:

When it runs out of space, Windows will delete all System Restore points to free up disk space.

Also, by default, Windows only allows 12% of each hard drive's disk space to be used for System Restore Points. With limited room on your hard drive, you'll want to know how to automatically backup files to an external hard drive to protect against data or file loss. Once System Restore Points take up too much space, Windows will automatically delete older points to save room for new ones.

How to fix System Restore failed, unable to extract files?

What to do if System Restore cannot extract the files? The methods provided below can help you fix this issue. Check them out!

Method 1: Repair the System Restore from Safe Mode

Step 1: Open the search bar and type "Settings."

Step 2: Click on “Update & Security.”

Click on “Update & Security”:

Step 3: On the left, click on “Recover,” and then on the right, click “Restart now.”

Click on “Restart Now”.

Step 4: In the Choose an option window, click on Troubleshoot.

Step 5: Click on “Advanced options.”

Step 6: Click on “Startup Settings”.

Click on "Startup Settings"

Step 7: Click on “Restart” at the bottom, and Windows will boot into Safe Mode.

Step 8: When Windows restarts, select Start in Safe Mode.

Select Enable Safe Mode

After that (once your computer has successfully restarted), you should proceed with the following steps:

Step 1: Open the "Run" window.

Step 2: Type or copy “system.cpl” into the box, and then click “OK.”

Step 3: In the System Properties window, click on 'System Protection'.

Step 4: Click System Restore.

Step 5: Click "Next".

Step 6: Choose the latest restore point and check the box that says “Show more restore points.”

Step 7: Click on “Next”.

Step 8: Click “Finish”.

Follow these steps, and you'll solve such problems with ease!

Method 2: Run an SFC Scan

Step 1: Type "cmd" in the search box.

Step 2: Open the Command Prompt and run it as an administrator.

Step 3: Type "sfc/scannow" and press Enter.

Check if the system has recovered.

Method 3: Check if System Restore is Enabled

Step 1: Go to Settings, then click on 'System' > 'About' > 'System Protection'.

Step 2: The “System Properties” window will open.

If it's turned off, System Restore is disabled on your computer.

Method 4: Run CHKDSK

Step 1: Open the search bar and type "cmd".

Step 2: Click “Run as administrator” to open the Command Prompt.

Step 3: Type chkdsk /r c: or chkdsk e: /f and press Enter to begin the scan.

Step 4: Wait for some time and check if your system has recovered.

Conclusion

These methods should fix the System Restore couldn't extract the file issue. Perhaps the first procedure might be longer and more complicated, but we can't deny that it works. System Restore is a tool for backing up, resetting, and recovering Windows devices. However, to keep your device safer, we highly recommend downloading clean software like Todo Backup. As a professional tool, it specializes in data backup and recovery. Download it if you find it useful.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I interrupt System Restore?

No! Doing so could cause irreparable damage to your computer.

How long does a Windows 10 reset take?

Rebooting or resetting a computer takes at least 15 minutes.