All system restore points constantly deleted with VSS services/volsnap errors

Yes, I mean Volume Shadow Copy Service - it's just I'm so tired of typing the thing, I shortened it

I'm not dual booting - I've been through all the easy options on Google

What is disk management programme? if it's things like Registry cleaners or defrag, I've tested them all. I have Acronis TrueImage and am tryig to get an answer from them, so far without success. I don't want to take it off, as it is my only decent fall back device in Win 8.1

I'm not sure if I've tested a clean boot for this - I've tested it for something or other in the last 6 weeks - I'll give it a go, though I sometimes have to wait 2-3 days to see if there is an effect. I'll give it another go

I'm the only user

Sometimes (quite often), they go after a power down and restart (not sure anoty logoff/restart) but the power down and restarts I've already tested this morning (between 4 and 7 am) have not wiped my manual test  restore point

Thanks for the reply, Rob

1. So it is OK that Volume Shadow Copy Service and  Microsoft Software Shadow Copy provider are both at Manual and not currently running?
2. Restore points are always deleted in 1-2 days whether I have 1 or 9
3. None of my registry cleaners or other optimisers do this - I've tested them all
4. Maximum disk space for system restore is between 66 and 116 Gb on different drives
5. I've already done 2 refreshes (each of which takes me 2 days to put my computer back together).
6. I'm not running any programmes that did not run on my Win XP machine - problems only since buying a new machine with Win 8.1 and it's crappy options for repair/restore
7. I have the Black Viper stuff for Win 8 (I'll check your 8,1 version), but I've no idea how good his modifications are - I used them on my last machine.
8. I'm busy trying to install the Shadowexplorer file you mentioned, but am currently stuck on addition of Net Framework 3.5, which has failed and wants me to reboot. Once I've got it installed, will this tell me anything about the problem?

9 In vssadmin list writers, I usually have 3 as {5} Waiting for completion , rather than [1] stable - is that normal?

What do you mean by "VSS Server"?  Are you using Windows 8.1?  Do you mean Volume Shadow Copy Service?  If so, mine is set for a Manual Startup.

Are you Dual Booting Windows 8.1 with another operating system?

Otherwise what operating system are you using?

What third party Disk Management programs, if any at all, run on your machine?

I am confused by the mention of "VSS Server" and steps taken in one of your links to fix something that might not be part of Windows 8.1.

Have you tried a Clean Boot, then creating restore points and seeing if they stick after reboots?

How to perform a clean boot to troubleshoot a problem in Windows Vista, Windows 7, or Windows 8

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/929135

Have you tried testing with another user rather than your current user and seeing what happens to restore points?

Do they disappear after a logoff or after a restart, or after a power down and restart?

Hi,

In Windows 8/8.1 the Volume Shadow Copy Service is set to MANUAL. And it will start

when Backup or File History triggers it automatically.

See here for the Services default settings.

BlackViper - Windows 8.1 defaults

http://www.blackviper.com/service-configurations/black-vipers-windows-8-1-service-configurations/

After a call has completed it will revert back to Manual waiting for the next call.

Restore points are automatically removed when they become dated because their usefulness

would be limited. And in fact using an old one would probably be very detrimental.

Also some antivirus/security and automatic backup programs will remove Restore Points. As

will some Registry Cleaners and System Optimizers (both of those are like Snake-Oil), and

of course some malware.

===========================================================

VSSAdmin - Command Line Parameters

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc754968.aspx

How to Change Maximum Disk Space Used by System Protection and System Images in

Windows 8 and 8.1

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/4691-system-protection-change-maximum-disk-space-usage-windows-8-a.html

Here is a handy free tool to view and even use the Shadow Copies (not File History).

Shadow Explorer - Free

http://www.shadowexplorer.com/

===========================================================

Frankly I would do a full reset which removes everything and be very careful about what you

install in the future.

Windows 8/8.1 includes special methods to Refresh (keep files and settings)  or a Reset (new

install removing all).

How to restore, refresh, or reset your PC

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/restore-refresh-reset-pc

Hope this helps.

Rob Brown - Microsoft MVP <- profile - Windows Expert - Consumer : Bicycle - Mark Twain said it right.

I have now wasted 6 weeks, resulting in a loss of £1500 due to lost work, trying to sort out why my system restore points keep disappearing, with no success, and am getting very pissed off about it. How can Microsoft (virtually a monopoly) get away with selling stuff and not supporting it? At best, I have received 1 reply from MS per thread, and this is never followed up when I report that the suggested solution  has not worked. How can a bloody company be so inefficient and totally unconcerned about its customers. I would like this sorting out NOW.

See previous links below

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows8_1-system/keep-losing-system-restore-points/5cf1876f-960a-4893-ab5d-a922845b8ba1

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows8_1-system/is-it-normal-for-vss-service-to-turn-itself-off/ec7b514b-31cc-4afe-8684-25eefb52fcdc

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows8_1-system/lets-start-simple-is-there-anyone-from-microsoft/444f41c6-1d03-4337-a18d-bcddadb50729