i would like to restore my computer to a previous session

Okay . . .

today problem

Thanks, that worked and I was able to restore to that point.  However I still can't restore to any other points.

Unfortunately - something has corrupted previous restoration points.  Since the new ones *do* work - the easiest thing to do is turn off System Restore for all drives and reboot.  This will erase all restoration points.  Then enable System Restore again.  This will continue to make new ones.

I realize this does not allow you to do what you are obviously trying to do (restore to an earlier point before something else happened you are likely trying to remedy) but it will clear the bad restore points off your computer and you are not going to be able to use them in any way as it is.

You should also begin making backups of your system external to any internal automated functions (although you could utilize the internal backup system to backup the system state and files periodically to external media.)  Being this conversation centers arounf Windows XP - there is definitely better third party applications out there for doing such backups than those built-into Windows XP.

I would also suggest...

CHKDSK

How to scan your disks for errors* will take time and a reboot.

Defragment

How to Defragment your hard drives* will take time

As you may want to discover if your hard drive has any underlying issues.

Thanks, that worked and I was able to restore to that point.  However I still can't restore to any other points.