Fixing System Restore Error 80070091: Advanced Steps for Troubleshooting

Have you encountered the System Restore error 80070091? This guide will walk you through a series of steps to resolve this issue, including booting into Safe Mode, modifying permissions, and renaming the WindowsApps folder. Following these detailed instructions should help you successfully perform a System Restore without encountering further errors.

Understanding the Error 80070091

The System Restore 80070091 error occurs when the system fails to restore files due to permission issues or other underlying problems. The WindowsApps folder plays a crucial role in the operation of the system, and any changes made to it can cause such errors. This article provides a comprehensive solution for fixing this issue by modifying the permissions and renaming the folder, ensuring a smooth restoration process.

Boot into Safe Mode

The first step is to boot into Safe Mode. Safe Mode is designed to launch the operating system with a minimal set of drivers and programs, which can help identify and resolve issues that may not be present in regular boot mode. To safely boot your system, follow these instructions:

Reboot your computer. Press and hold the F8 key as your computer starts up. Select Safe Mode from the Advanced Boot Options menu.

In Safe Mode, your system will start with a reduced set of resources, making it easier to pinpoint the issue or perform necessary actions to fix it.

Modify File Permissions

Next, you need to modify the permissions of the WindowsApps folder. This step ensures that the system has the required access to perform the restoration. Follow these detailed steps:

While in Safe Mode, right-click on the Start Windows logo and select Command Prompt (Administrator). In the Command Prompt, type the following command and press Enter: cd C:Program Files takeown /f WindowsApps /r /d Y icacls WindowsApps /grant “USERDOMAINUSERNAME”:F /t attrib WindowsApps -h rename WindowsApps WindowsApps.old Reboot back into Windows.

These commands take ownership of the folder, grant full control permissions, and rename the folder to WindowsApps.old. This process may resolve the permission issue and allow the system to successfully perform the System Restore.

Perform System Restore

Once you have completed the above steps and rebooted the system, you can now attempt to perform a System Restore:

Go to the Control Panel and navigate to the System and Security System. Select the System Protection tab. Click on the System Restore button.

Follow the on-screen instructions to select the point in time from which you want to restore your system. This action will revert your system to a previous state, potentially overcoming the 80070091 error.

Precautions and Tips

Before proceeding with these steps, consider a few important precautions:

Multiple backups: Ensure you have recent backups of your important files and data to prevent any loss during the restoration process. Backup System: If possible, create a system image backup before attempting to fix the 80070091 error. This offers a safeguard in case the restoration fails. System Restore limitations: Be aware that System Restore cannot undo all changes, particularly those made to system files or software installations. Consider manually reinstalling necessary software if the restore does not work.

For additional support and detailed guidance, consult Microsoft's official documentation or seek assistance from a professional IT support technician.

Conclusion

By following these detailed steps, you can address the System Restore error 80070091 and successfully perform a System Restore. If you encounter persistent issues, it might be beneficial to seek further assistance from tech forums or Microsoft Support. Remember to always back up your data before making significant changes to your system.