|
|
|
Having a Norton security product installed on your computer can produce an error message when trying to revert to an earlier state using Restore Point
Q I have been trying to solve a minor problem with the time it takes my PC to power down after logging off. As part of this, I have tried to use System Restore to revert the computer’s state to an earlier time, using a recent Restore Point.
However, while the computer appears to start the process, duly shutting down before restarting, Windows eventually displays a message that says: ‘Restoration Incomplete. Your computer cannot be restored to [the Restore Point date]’.
I have tried several different dates with the same result. My PC runs Windows XP, which is fully up to date (with Service Pack 3 installed).
David Garside
A Though you did not mention any installed software, we believe this to be a result of having a Norton security product installed on your PC. The reason is that this specific message can be associated with various Norton tools, dating back to 2006.
According to Symantec (the developer of Norton), this problem occurs because some Norton applications will stop other programs from attempting to make changes to the Norton product itself. Norton calls this feature Tamper Protection.
While there is sound logic behind this – malicious software may well attempt to disable security software as part of getting up to no good – it also means that Norton’s security measures kick in when System Restore tries to go about its legitimate business of making system-level changes.
The way around the problem is to disable Tamper Protection, at least for the purpose of running System Restore. The specific method of doing so depends on the particular Norton product and version number.
However, in Norton Antivirus 2011 or Internet Security 2011, for example, launch the program, then click Settings followed by Miscellaneous Settings. Now, in the Product Security section, click the status indicator alongside Tamper Protection to switch it off.
Click Apply followed by OK and then try System Restore anew. Assuming all is well, reactivate Tamper Protection by following the above instructions.
For help disabling Tamper Protection in different or earlier versions of Norton products, visit develop Symantec’s support pages.
Article tags
Related articles
Lurking under Windows is the little-known world of the command line. We explain how to use this to fix faults and make your PC much more secure
Are you frustrated when your PC beeps, gives an error message and doesn't do what you want it to? We explain what these problems are and how to fix them
Software problems may be the cause of a computer running more slowly than it should, but there are some free tools you can try to improve things
Q.Why are some of the keys on my keyboard doing strange...
Q.Is my phone’s Bluetooth any use?
Q.Can I switch boot drives so that I can work on older...
Make a profit from your unused gadgets
Run Windows and Ubuntu on the same computer
Hide private folders
Save up to 40% on the price
Exclusive subscriber website
Our price won't be beaten
Unless the keys are sticking, the fault probably lies with a bug. The good news is that it is possible to overcome this problem and get back to normal typing
|
|
|
|
|
Computeractive Excel (2010) Online tutorialPrice: £19.99 |
Computeractive Word (2010) Online TutorialPrice: £19.99 |
Computeractive Powerpoint (2010) Online TutorialPrice: £19.99 |
Angry BirdsPrice: £9.99 |
Back Issue CD-Rom 14 (2011)Price: £15.99 |
norton stops everything !!!!
I had this problem with Norton years ago. Can' get hold of Norton/Symantic either! Best advice is to ditch Norton and go for a decent Antivirus Internet Suite that has been tested by mags such as Computer shopper or Which. Personaly I use Kaspersky. Free if your bank is Barclays.. How about that for a bank to be that confident in a particular product if it didn't work!
Posted by Paul, 18 Aug 2011
Tamperproof
I hade the same problem with Norton/Symantic some years ago. I switched to use another product that was my personal choice, not the one that came pre-installed. I had no further problems.
Posted by Paul, 18 Aug 2011
System Restore
It's not just Norton that causes System Restore to stop working. AVG, Avast! and even Zone Alarm all have this effect. I was having to use System Restore in Safe Mode because of this. However, when I ditched 'Outside' anti-virus software and installed Microsoft Security Essentials plus enabling the Microsoft built-in firewall instead of Zone Alarm, all problems with System Restore vanished. I can now use it normally again and I have the added bonus of not having the inevitable 'Bloat' that seems to accompany most anti-virus software and firewalls these days!
Posted by Gemma, 19 Aug 2011
Norton was not good for me
My experience of the 'all singing and dancing' Norton Internet Security 2011 was unbelievably frustrating and intrusive. Downloads,uploads and emails all took twice as long on my XP computer. The last straw was when I found out the real reason why I couldn't use the System Restore restore after months of trying. Like others, I have ditched Norton and opted for a more user friendly freeware product.
Posted by Geoff Bone, 19 Aug 2011
Norton is
I had same problem with Norton 360, PLUS it disabled my Paintshop Pro X2. I spent hours in forums trying to solve problems. Now I use ESET Smart 4.
Posted by David Snyg, 19 Aug 2011
system restore with norton
theres is an easy answer to all these open norton interface look for miscellanous click on protect my product and take the tick out,do a system restore and reverse the proceedure,norton does this to stop u altering their product
Posted by Edgar Mills, 23 Aug 2011