system cannot be restored

[Greg]

I have been getting a lot of popups when i do nothing on
my computer, so i figured i have something on it. Nortan
antivirus won't find anything, and neither will ad-aware,
so i decided to restore my computer to an earlier date.
The problem is every time i try it seems like it'll work,
but when i restart my computer i get "system cannot be
restored." what can i do to fix this? thanks.

greg

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Greg;
There may be corrupted data in system Restore.
Turn off/on System Restore to delete corrupted files:
Start/All Programs/Accessories/System Tools/System Restore.
Click System Restore Settings on left side.
Check "Turn off System Restore", click OK, follow prompts and reboot.
This deletes ALL Restore Points including corruption.
Then go back and turn on system Restore and create a Restore Point.
Otherwise:
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/treeview/default.asp?url=/technet/itcommunity/newsgroups/faqsrwxp.asp

For your original problem, make sure both Ad-Aware and your AV
application have been updated within the last few days.
Install or enable a firewall:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=283673

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
An easier way to read newsgroup messages:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/using/newsgroups/setup.asp
http://dts-l.org/index.html


"Greg" > wrote in message
...
> I have been getting a lot of popups when i do nothing on
> my computer, so i figured i have something on it. Nortan
> antivirus won't find anything, and neither will ad-aware,
> so i decided to restore my computer to an earlier date.
> The problem is every time i try it seems like it'll work,
> but when i restart my computer i get "system cannot be
> restored." what can i do to fix this? thanks.
>
> greg
>

[flamebot]

"Greg" > wrote in message
...
> I have been getting a lot of popups when i do nothing on
> my computer, so i figured i have something on it. Nortan
> antivirus won't find anything, and neither will ad-aware,
> so i decided to restore my computer to an earlier date.
> The problem is every time i try it seems like it'll work,
> but when i restart my computer i get "system cannot be
> restored." what can i do to fix this? thanks.

Are you talking about a gray dialog box when you are not even browsing the
Internet?

If so, you need to deactive Windows Messenger Service that Microsoft left on
so scums can spam you and you really don't need to do a system restore.

You should fix it so it's making restore points though like Jupiter Jones
says.

>
> greg
>

[flamebot]

I can't find a KB link for disabling it. I guess MS is too embarrased to
admit they left XP wide open for someone to send scary porno messages to
your kids. :-)

Do what this link says, except for step 1. Go to Control Panel ->
Performance and Maintenance -> Administrator Tools

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;148991


"Greg" > wrote in message
...
> I have been getting a lot of popups when i do nothing on
> my computer, so i figured i have something on it. Nortan
> antivirus won't find anything, and neither will ad-aware,
> so i decided to restore my computer to an earlier date.
> The problem is every time i try it seems like it'll work,
> but when i restart my computer i get "system cannot be
> restored." what can i do to fix this? thanks.
>
> greg
>

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

There is nothing for Microsoft to be embarrassed about.
However you should be since you leave your computer unprotected.

These ads are using Messenger Service.
Messenger Service is a valuable tool many use.
Like many tools, it can be exploited.

No need to pay for the fix.
For Messenger Service ads:
You need to install or enable a firewall:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=330904
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/using/howto/communicate/stopspam.asp
Disabling Messenger Service can be a good idea, but it does not solve
the real problem.
The ads are not the real problem, the ads are only a symptom.
The real problem is open ports that allow unwanted traffic into the
computer.
Disabling Messenger does nothing for the open ports.
The firewall controls the traffic.

Internet Connection Firewall will not work if you have AOL.
AOL is not compatible with Windows XP Internet Connection Firewall
(ICF)
If you have AOL, you should contact AOL and/or get a 3rd party
firewall:
http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/home.jsp
http://www.symantec.com/sabu/nis/npf/

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
An easier way to read newsgroup messages:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/using/newsgroups/setup.asp
http://dts-l.org/index.html


"flamebot" > wrote in message
...
> I can't find a KB link for disabling it. I guess MS is too
embarrased to
> admit they left XP wide open for someone to send scary porno
messages to
> your kids. :-)
>
> Do what this link says, except for step 1. Go to Control Panel ->
> Performance and Maintenance -> Administrator Tools
>
> http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;148991
>
>

[flamebot]

"Jupiter Jones [MVP]" > wrote in message
...
> There is nothing for Microsoft to be embarrassed about.
> However you should be since you leave your computer unprotected.
>

Funny that I have used a computer on dial up for years and never had any
problems except windows messenger being on by default leaving my computer
wide open for scary porno advertisments.

If Microsoft is not embarrased about that, then maybe they should just
provide porno ads in Windows.

> These ads are using Messenger Service.
> Messenger Service is a valuable tool many use.
> Like many tools, it can be exploited.

If someone wants to use it, they can always turn it on. It makes no sense
whatsoever to have services running by default that most likely will not be
used... except of course by sicko porn spammers.

>
> No need to pay for the fix.
> For Messenger Service ads:
> You need to install or enable a firewall:
> http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=330904
>
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/using/howto/communicate/stopspam.asp
> Disabling Messenger Service can be a good idea, but it does not solve
> the real problem.
> The ads are not the real problem, the ads are only a symptom.
> The real problem is open ports that allow unwanted traffic into the
> computer.
> Disabling Messenger does nothing for the open ports.
> The firewall controls the traffic.

Messenger service opens a port and provides a service for someone to send
scary porno ads to your computer... I would say that is a BIG problem if
someones kids see it!

>
> Internet Connection Firewall will not work if you have AOL.
> AOL is not compatible with Windows XP Internet Connection Firewall
> (ICF)
> If you have AOL, you should contact AOL and/or get a 3rd party
> firewall:
> http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/home.jsp
> http://www.symantec.com/sabu/nis/npf/
>
> --
> Jupiter Jones [MVP]
> An easier way to read newsgroup messages:
> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/using/newsgroups/setup.asp
> http://dts-l.org/index.html
>
>
> "flamebot" > wrote in message
> ...
> > I can't find a KB link for disabling it. I guess MS is too
> embarrased to
> > admit they left XP wide open for someone to send scary porno
> messages to
> > your kids. :-)
> >
> > Do what this link says, except for step 1. Go to Control Panel ->
> > Performance and Maintenance -> Administrator Tools
> >
> > http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;148991
> >
> >
>
>

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Not funny at all.
These ads have not been a problem for years, they are more recent than
that.
However lack of proper protection of a computer sometimes is an
individual problem.
Using the provided firewall solves this problem.

As I said, there is no reason for Microsoft to be embarrassed because
a user does not properly protect their computer, perhaps the user
should be embarrassed for not using available tools to protect against
a known issue.

Messenger Service is not an issue on a properly protected computer.
In fact, you can use Messenger Service as a canary, if you get the
ads, you know something is wrong with your firewall.
Disabling Messenger Service does NOTHING for the real problem.

You really should read my whole post and properly protect the computer
with the tools already provided by Microsoft and/or other 3rd party
tools.

In this case the problem is PEBKAC.

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
An easier way to read newsgroup messages:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/using/newsgroups/setup.asp
http://dts-l.org/index.html


"flamebot" > wrote in message
...
>
> "Jupiter Jones [MVP]" > wrote in message
> ...
> > There is nothing for Microsoft to be embarrassed about.
> > However you should be since you leave your computer unprotected.
> >
>
> Funny that I have used a computer on dial up for years and never had
any
> problems except windows messenger being on by default leaving my
computer
> wide open for scary porno advertisments.
>
> If Microsoft is not embarrased about that, then maybe they should
just
> provide porno ads in Windows.
>
> > These ads are using Messenger Service.
> > Messenger Service is a valuable tool many use.
> > Like many tools, it can be exploited.
>
> If someone wants to use it, they can always turn it on. It makes no
sense
> whatsoever to have services running by default that most likely will
not be
> used... except of course by sicko porn spammers.
>
> >
> > No need to pay for the fix.
> > For Messenger Service ads:
> > You need to install or enable a firewall:
> > http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=330904
> >
>
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/using/howto/communicate/stopspam.asp
> > Disabling Messenger Service can be a good idea, but it does not
solve
> > the real problem.
> > The ads are not the real problem, the ads are only a symptom.
> > The real problem is open ports that allow unwanted traffic into
the
> > computer.
> > Disabling Messenger does nothing for the open ports.
> > The firewall controls the traffic.
>
> Messenger service opens a port and provides a service for someone to
send
> scary porno ads to your computer... I would say that is a BIG
problem if
> someones kids see it!
>
> >
> > Internet Connection Firewall will not work if you have AOL.
> > AOL is not compatible with Windows XP Internet Connection Firewall
> > (ICF)
> > If you have AOL, you should contact AOL and/or get a 3rd party
> > firewall:
> > http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/home.jsp
> > http://www.symantec.com/sabu/nis/npf/
> >
> > --
> > Jupiter Jones [MVP]
> > An easier way to read newsgroup messages:
> > http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/using/newsgroups/setup.asp
> > http://dts-l.org/index.html
> >
> >
> > "flamebot" > wrote in message
> > ...
> > > I can't find a KB link for disabling it. I guess MS is too
> > embarrased to
> > > admit they left XP wide open for someone to send scary porno
> > messages to
> > > your kids. :-)
> > >
> > > Do what this link says, except for step 1. Go to Control
Panel ->
> > > Performance and Maintenance -> Administrator Tools
> > >
> > > http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;148991
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>

[flamebot]

"Jupiter Jones [MVP]" > wrote in message
...
> Not funny at all.
> These ads have not been a problem for years, they are more recent than
> that.
> However lack of proper protection of a computer sometimes is an
> individual problem.
> Using the provided firewall solves this problem.

I have never had my privacy invaded for any reason in any way while on the
Internet without a firewall. So there was no problem to be solved by a
firewall except for a problem with Microsoft negligently turning the
messenger service on by default... and that was simply fixed by turning it
off.

Microsoft is selling a product to people. They are directly involved as a
3rd party.... it's not just 2 people having unprotected sex.

>
> As I said, there is no reason for Microsoft to be embarrassed because
> a user does not properly protect their computer, perhaps the user
> should be embarrassed for not using available tools to protect against
> a known issue.

Yep, it's always someone else's problem... a big corporation like microsoft
can't be bothered with anything as silly as security. They are busy making
pretty icons and throwing money at educational institutions and "MS
Evangelists."

>
> Messenger Service is not an issue on a properly protected computer.
> In fact, you can use Messenger Service as a canary, if you get the
> ads, you know something is wrong with your firewall.
> Disabling Messenger Service does NOTHING for the real problem.

HAHAHAHAHA a canary! I suppose IE is a gaurd dog! HAHAHAHAHA

>
> You really should read my whole post and properly protect the computer
> with the tools already provided by Microsoft and/or other 3rd party
> tools.
>
> In this case the problem is PEBKAC.

PEBKAC: Problem Exsists Between Keyboard and Chair.

That would be a great marketing slogan for Microsoft!

>
> --
> Jupiter Jones [MVP]
> An easier way to read newsgroup messages:
> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/using/newsgroups/setup.asp
> http://dts-l.org/index.html
>
>
> "flamebot" > wrote in message
> ...
> >
> > "Jupiter Jones [MVP]" > wrote in message
> > ...
> > > There is nothing for Microsoft to be embarrassed about.
> > > However you should be since you leave your computer unprotected.
> > >
> >
> > Funny that I have used a computer on dial up for years and never had
> any
> > problems except windows messenger being on by default leaving my
> computer
> > wide open for scary porno advertisments.
> >
> > If Microsoft is not embarrased about that, then maybe they should
> just
> > provide porno ads in Windows.
> >
> > > These ads are using Messenger Service.
> > > Messenger Service is a valuable tool many use.
> > > Like many tools, it can be exploited.
> >
> > If someone wants to use it, they can always turn it on. It makes no
> sense
> > whatsoever to have services running by default that most likely will
> not be
> > used... except of course by sicko porn spammers.
> >
> > >
> > > No need to pay for the fix.
> > > For Messenger Service ads:
> > > You need to install or enable a firewall:
> > > http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=330904
> > >
> >
>
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/using/howto/communicate/stopspam.asp
> > > Disabling Messenger Service can be a good idea, but it does not
> solve
> > > the real problem.
> > > The ads are not the real problem, the ads are only a symptom.
> > > The real problem is open ports that allow unwanted traffic into
> the
> > > computer.
> > > Disabling Messenger does nothing for the open ports.
> > > The firewall controls the traffic.
> >
> > Messenger service opens a port and provides a service for someone to
> send
> > scary porno ads to your computer... I would say that is a BIG
> problem if
> > someones kids see it!
> >
> > >
> > > Internet Connection Firewall will not work if you have AOL.
> > > AOL is not compatible with Windows XP Internet Connection Firewall
> > > (ICF)
> > > If you have AOL, you should contact AOL and/or get a 3rd party
> > > firewall:
> > > http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/home.jsp
> > > http://www.symantec.com/sabu/nis/npf/
> > >
> > > --
> > > Jupiter Jones [MVP]
> > > An easier way to read newsgroup messages:
> > > http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/using/newsgroups/setup.asp
> > > http://dts-l.org/index.html
> > >
> > >
> > > "flamebot" > wrote in message
> > > ...
> > > > I can't find a KB link for disabling it. I guess MS is too
> > > embarrased to
> > > > admit they left XP wide open for someone to send scary porno
> > > messages to
> > > > your kids. :-)
> > > >
> > > > Do what this link says, except for step 1. Go to Control
> Panel ->
> > > > Performance and Maintenance -> Administrator Tools
> > > >
> > > > http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;148991
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

If your solution for you is to disable Messenger Service to solve the
problem of your unprotected computer, that is up to you.
You effectively stop Messenger Service ads while leaving your computer
vulnerable to countless other things.
There are many potential problems solved by a firewall, the least of
them is Messenger Service ads.
Messenger Service ads are nothing more than an annoyance and cause no
true problems.

You said "I have never had my privacy invaded for any reason in any
way while on the Internet without a firewall"
That was good for the past, but it is not enough for today.
There is technology today that can take advantage of your unprotected
computer that simply was not available in the past.
Disabling Messenger Service does NOTHING to protect your privacy.
There is NO risk of privacy data with Messenger Service on or off.
The Messenger Service ads are not a privacy issue since the sender
gets no information and does not even know if he was successfull at
sending the message.
You fix exactly NOTHING related to privacy by disabling Messenger
Service.

Blaster would have been a non event had everyone had a properly
configured firewall.

I never said anything about IE, why do you think of it as a guard dog?
There is validity to Messenger Service working as a canary, whether
you recognize that fact is up to you.

PEBKAC would not make a good marketing slogan for anyone, however it
very well describes some computer issues.

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
An easier way to read newsgroup messages:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/using/newsgroups/setup.asp
http://dts-l.org/index.html


"flamebot" > wrote in message
...
>
> "Jupiter Jones [MVP]" > wrote in message
> ...
> > Not funny at all.
> > These ads have not been a problem for years, they are more recent
than
> > that.
> > However lack of proper protection of a computer sometimes is an
> > individual problem.
> > Using the provided firewall solves this problem.
>
> I have never had my privacy invaded for any reason in any way while
on the
> Internet without a firewall. So there was no problem to be solved by
a
> firewall except for a problem with Microsoft negligently turning the
> messenger service on by default... and that was simply fixed by
turning it
> off.
>
> Microsoft is selling a product to people. They are directly involved
as a
> 3rd party.... it's not just 2 people having unprotected sex.
>
> >
> > As I said, there is no reason for Microsoft to be embarrassed
because
> > a user does not properly protect their computer, perhaps the user
> > should be embarrassed for not using available tools to protect
against
> > a known issue.
>
> Yep, it's always someone else's problem... a big corporation like
microsoft
> can't be bothered with anything as silly as security. They are busy
making
> pretty icons and throwing money at educational institutions and "MS
> Evangelists."
>
> >
> > Messenger Service is not an issue on a properly protected
computer.
> > In fact, you can use Messenger Service as a canary, if you get the
> > ads, you know something is wrong with your firewall.
> > Disabling Messenger Service does NOTHING for the real problem.
>
> HAHAHAHAHA a canary! I suppose IE is a gaurd dog! HAHAHAHAHA
>
> >
> > You really should read my whole post and properly protect the
computer
> > with the tools already provided by Microsoft and/or other 3rd
party
> > tools.
> >
> > In this case the problem is PEBKAC.
>
> PEBKAC: Problem Exsists Between Keyboard and Chair.
>
> That would be a great marketing slogan for Microsoft!
>
> >
> > --
> > Jupiter Jones [MVP]
> > An easier way to read newsgroup messages:
> > http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/using/newsgroups/setup.asp
> > http://dts-l.org/index.html

[flamebot]

"Jupiter Jones [MVP]" > wrote in message
...
> If your solution for you is to disable Messenger Service to solve the
> problem of your unprotected computer, that is up to you.
> You effectively stop Messenger Service ads while leaving your computer
> vulnerable to countless other things.
> There are many potential problems solved by a firewall, the least of
> them is Messenger Service ads.
> Messenger Service ads are nothing more than an annoyance and cause no
> true problems.
>
> You said "I have never had my privacy invaded for any reason in any
> way while on the Internet without a firewall"
> That was good for the past, but it is not enough for today.
> There is technology today that can take advantage of your unprotected
> computer that simply was not available in the past.
> Disabling Messenger Service does NOTHING to protect your privacy.
> There is NO risk of privacy data with Messenger Service on or off.
> The Messenger Service ads are not a privacy issue since the sender
> gets no information and does not even know if he was successfull at
> sending the message.
> You fix exactly NOTHING related to privacy by disabling Messenger
> Service.

The sky is green the sun is blue... yak yak yak.

>
> Blaster would have been a non event had everyone had a properly
> configured firewall.
>
>
> I never said anything about IE, why do you think of it as a guard dog?
> There is validity to Messenger Service working as a canary, whether
> you recognize that fact is up to you.

It's not a Canary in no one's mind but a typical MS shill.

>
> PEBKAC would not make a good marketing slogan for anyone, however it
> very well describes some computer issues.
>
> --
> Jupiter Jones [MVP]
> An easier way to read newsgroup messages:
> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/using/newsgroups/setup.asp
> http://dts-l.org/index.html
>
>
> "flamebot" > wrote in message
> ...
> >
> > "Jupiter Jones [MVP]" > wrote in message
> > ...
> > > Not funny at all.
> > > These ads have not been a problem for years, they are more recent
> than
> > > that.
> > > However lack of proper protection of a computer sometimes is an
> > > individual problem.
> > > Using the provided firewall solves this problem.
> >
> > I have never had my privacy invaded for any reason in any way while
> on the
> > Internet without a firewall. So there was no problem to be solved by
> a
> > firewall except for a problem with Microsoft negligently turning the
> > messenger service on by default... and that was simply fixed by
> turning it
> > off.
> >
> > Microsoft is selling a product to people. They are directly involved
> as a
> > 3rd party.... it's not just 2 people having unprotected sex.
> >
> > >
> > > As I said, there is no reason for Microsoft to be embarrassed
> because
> > > a user does not properly protect their computer, perhaps the user
> > > should be embarrassed for not using available tools to protect
> against
> > > a known issue.
> >
> > Yep, it's always someone else's problem... a big corporation like
> microsoft
> > can't be bothered with anything as silly as security. They are busy
> making
> > pretty icons and throwing money at educational institutions and "MS
> > Evangelists."
> >
> > >
> > > Messenger Service is not an issue on a properly protected
> computer.
> > > In fact, you can use Messenger Service as a canary, if you get the
> > > ads, you know something is wrong with your firewall.
> > > Disabling Messenger Service does NOTHING for the real problem.
> >
> > HAHAHAHAHA a canary! I suppose IE is a gaurd dog! HAHAHAHAHA
> >
> > >
> > > You really should read my whole post and properly protect the
> computer
> > > with the tools already provided by Microsoft and/or other 3rd
> party
> > > tools.
> > >
> > > In this case the problem is PEBKAC.
> >
> > PEBKAC: Problem Exsists Between Keyboard and Chair.
> >
> > That would be a great marketing slogan for Microsoft!
> >
> > >
> > > --
> > > Jupiter Jones [MVP]
> > > An easier way to read newsgroup messages:
> > > http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/using/newsgroups/setup.asp
> > > http://dts-l.org/index.html
>
>