The restore did not complete successfully (Windows 7)

Here's how I finally fixed System Restore issue - ComPlusStaging error. Windows 7 Pro SP1 64bit.

This solution may not work for everyone.  Also this method requires deleting past restore points - although

if you're willing to sacrifice this aspect for a System Restore that's fully functional again - which I was very willing to do after many long hours and hair-pulling sessions, then this solution is for you. This method also avoids

having to re-install your OS and fiddling with the registry.  That's a huge plus.

Ok, so after many, many hours searching the net and trying different, UNsuccessful solutions I found this at the bottom of the following page:

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-performance/system-restore-does-not-work-any-more-error/234b28f4-d1ca-496e-beb5-a5e794d4a9b4?page=3&tm=1439960331567

(I've edited some of the 'reply' content for easier understanding)

"I solved the problem by making a folder named "registration" in C:\Windows

and finding the file "R000000000001.clb" in C:\Windows\winsxs and

putting it into the 'registration' folder. Also I created a new folder

inside the registration folder and named it CRMLog (empty)." 

A. Follow the instructions above if the registration folder is missing in \Windows.

Track down the .clb file by typing *.clb (*=asterisk) in the Start menu 'Search' box then search Computer if no results.  It will come up.

Right click on file and open containing folder.  Copy file and paste it in the 'registration' folder that you created in C:\Windows.

Restart computer.     This repairs the COM+ System Application 1053 error in services.

(If the registration folder is already present in \Windows and contains the .clb file and CRMLog folder skip to next step B, no need for computer restart.)

B. Go to services - type 'services' in Start menu search box.

Click on Services.

1. Go to COM+ System Application.  Double click.

Set startup type to Automatic. OK.

2. Scroll to Microsoft Software shadow Copy Provider.

Repeat the same process as 1.

3. Scroll to Volume Shadow Copy.

Repeat the same process as 1.

Restart computer.

C. Now go back to the registration folder (you created) in C:\Windows.

Open the 'registration' folder and create a new folder in there and name it:  ComPlusStaging.

Leave it empty.

So now, inside the 'registration' folder there is the R00000..01.clb file, the empty CRMLog folder and an empty ComPlusStaging folder.  There will probably also be a registration file in there as well - e.g. {02D4B3F1-FD88-etc..}  This is all good.

Close the folder and the services window if it's still open and restart computer.

Now go to system restore.  Fastest way is to open Start menu, right click Computer. Click Properties. Click System protection in the left panel.

Highlight your system drive which is usually Local Disk (C:) by clicking on it.

Click configure. Set Max Usage to 5% (or more).

Click on Turn off system protection.  OK.  This deletes ALL restore points.

Make sure system drive is highlighted again e.g. Local Disk (C:)

Click configure. Click on Restore system settings and previous versions of files.

This re-activates system restore for C: drive.  Make sure Max Usage is set to 5% (or more). Click OK.

Now click 'create' and type Aok1. Create.

Click on 'create' again.  Type in Aok2. Create.

Now click System Restore.  Click 'Choose a different restore point'.  Next.

Click on Aok1. Next. Finish. Let System Restore do it's business. The computer will reboot on its own.

Done.   Or in my language 'Dunskees!'

(If it doesn't work, do a System Restore in Safe Mode.)

Back in business, happy travels.

Acronis "will restore your computer exactly as it was at the time you made a system image. That will not solve your current problem."

And that is what  I ALREADY said to you.  You  misrepresent what I said when I wrote (did you even read?) that  Acronis will not solve the problem of previously corrupted system files . I never suggested it would! So stop misrepresenting me.  You further misrepresent my point when  I ONLY mentioned Acronis for the proposition that it will , in any event,. preserve my ability to keep my system stable and not prevent a return to a prior time if further subsequent damage occurs.   Therefore Aconis obviates the concern that  I can not rely on  Windows restore points. And that is all I ever suggested it for  So either read with more care or stop misrepresenting what I did say.  

 Comparing Apple to oranges is a google no-brainer. https://www.google.com/search?q=comparing+apples+to+oe%3Drange%22&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls={moz:distributionID}:{moz:locale}:{moz:official}#rls={moz:distributionID}:{moz:locale}:{moz:official}&q=%22comparing+apples+to+oranges%22

Actually a google query"comparing apples to pears"  corrects the inquirer that s/he is incorrect and produces hits related to the more common idiom in English: apples and oranges.  Get off it. It is a word play variant that appears variant in different languages. For instance  comparing apples to oranges is a   Quebec French,  comparer des pommes avec des oranges (to compare apples and oranges), while in European French the idiom says comparer des pommes et des poires (to compare apples and pears). In Latin American Spanish, it is usually comparar papas y boniatos (comparing potatoes and sweet potatoes). But so what.  They are idioms with a synonymous (same) meaning. Sooranges, pears or potatoes who cares? You just resort to childish argumentativeness  to beg the question.  A CD is an apple and a DVD is an orange .  Playing an adolescent game unjust to beg the question is not argument but just being argumentative as a means to beg a the question and it only to demonstrates a lack of intellectual  integrity.  Please stop misrepresenting me with this kind of sophomore trolling. Now off to bed with you little one.

I will have one last try with you.  First Acronis, is an excellent program.  It will restore your computer exactly as it was at the time you made a system image. That will not solve your current problem.

Second I am not mixing apples and oranges.  There is additional information in the articles.  Mostly  to do with preparation.

Third, I apologise for using the term CD. It should as you point out be DVD. 

The rest of the information I have provided is correct.  Below is what the Microsoft Engineer provided.  That information is correct. 

How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade on Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 & Windows Server

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2255099

What I suggest you do is watch the video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RC_5eb9wTfk

Then read the articles I have provided to see if things become a little clearer.  Unless you understand the information provided I suggest you leave well alone and get professional advice from a computer repair shop.

That is me finished.

Once again I must ask: How do you know what you claim to know?  What is your authority for factual statements?

“I think one of the reasons you were having with 'inplace upgrade repair' is that you may have been using the wrong CD. It seems what you have said, is that your windows was pre-installed (OEM).  You cannot use any CD supplied if Windows was pre-installed.”  

First, where did I even suggest I was using ANY CD?  This process does not use a CD but a DVD– a distinction with a difference--  apples and oranges.  Still Microsoft says you are wrong.  You appear to be parroting instructions that do not apply and that you have not actually vetted.  

Second, where Windows is pre-installed no maker includes an installation DVD (not a CD) installation disc.  You appear to be referring to recovery DVD and not an installation disc.

I already said I said my computer came with no CDs and the only DVD I have is for “recovery” (created the first time the computer was booted) but that is not an installation disc.  Since you wrote I called Microsoft tech support which disagrees with you in several ways.  For this process  Microsoft tech support insists that any retail edition of Windows 7 Home Edition 64 bit will suffice.  

A critical Catch 22 (no one ever mentioned) is what Product Key must be used.  Even if one use the install disc from a new retail version of f Windowsit is critical to NOT use the product key on the box  that came it.  If you do so Microsoft tech support insists Windows will totally fail to launch.  All your time is for naught and you have dug yourself in deeper hole. This only makes matters worse.  No matter where you get a new Windows 7 installation discMicrosoft tech support insists you never use the product key on that box or with that purchase but ONLY the product  key on the bottom of your computer.  A is a disastrously fatal fact no one ever mentioned.

Across the board instructions are incomplete and inaccurate and the person who proffers them never actually tried it – or they would know better.   As to just this one nasty “Catch 22" no one here ever mentioned it and one this “expert” you tell me to keep on reviewing never clarified it and that invites disaster.  See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RC\_5eb9wTfk and that is the only video I may have mentioned.  Microsoft also says he is wrong about the necessity of removing SP 1.

See your first link:

http://www.askvg.com/direct-download-links-download-official-original-and-untouched-windows-7-iso-32-bit-and-64-bit/ 

Once again sloppy writers use cryptic terms without defining them.  The link refers to  Genuine Windows 7 RTM with SP1 ISO.  See Wikipedia: RTM means very different things in various contexts.  Where terms of art are not defined communication breaks down.  

And once again there are distinctions with a real a difference here– apples and oranges.  That article is all about creating a bootable “recovery” disc.  I created recovery discs when I got the computer.  Recovery disc are not installation disks.  This procedure requires an installation disc not a recovery disc which is specifically contraindicated.  Apples and oranges.  This forum states it clearly: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/3413-repair-install.html

1. “You can only do a repair install with the same edition Windows 7 installation disc for the same edition of Windows 7 that you have installed. (But Microsoft Tech support disavows that also. As long as  I use Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit it does mot matter.)
2. You cannot use a OEM Windows 7 "Factory" Restore/Recovery type of installation disc that came with or created from a store bought computer to do a repair install with. These can only be used do a clean install instead.”  That is exactly what I do not want to do.

Nowhere does your link (yet another Rube Goldberg 'solution') suggest it applies to this process and can be used as an installation disc for an in-place repair but only creates a bootable "recovery" disc which is a very different thing.  Apples and oranges.

Second, your second link is the same as your first.  A distinction with NO difference that demonstrates lack of attention to detail or level of interest.  

Third, your last link takes one to Windows USB/DVD Download Tool.  I do not know it's relevance but this appears to be one more step in the Rube Goldberg nightmare.

Again, on these issues, the only video I mentioned is unclear or wrong so why on earth would I want to refer to instructions that are clearly inconsistent and wrong.   

Finally you wrote “If you cannot get the correct CD you can download and burn it onto a CD and use that.” No!   The necessary install disc can not fit on a CD but only a DVD (apples and oranges).  You are telling people to do something that is factually impossible.

Once again the same very dangerous problem repeats itself.  People who do not *know* what they claim to *know* and who just parrot incorrect instructions that do not apply and/or which they have not actually vetted and who then send the confused and unwary down an even worse rabbit hole.   Ergo they do not know what they claim to know but just repeat un-vetted hearsay.  While mere hearsay (untrustworthy by definition)  is bad enough hearsay upon hearsay (He said they said) is even more risky.  This is not helpful and only serves to confuse people and send the unwary down one more, even worse, rabbit hole.  It is a road-map to disaster.

And once again you mix apples with oranges. It is not a CD but a DVD put in the CD drive.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/3413-repair-install.html

"You can only do a repair install with the same edition Windows 7 installation disc for the same edition of Windows 7 that you have installed.

• "You cannot use a OEM Windows 7 "Factory" Restore/Recoverytype of installation disc that came with or created from a store bought computer to do a repair install with. These can only be used do a clean install instead.

Again you have not even read  the inconsistent statements you claim are consistent.