Recovery function does not work - Win 10

[alexham36]

Hi Guys,

I have an unusual problem with Windows 10 on my PC in that the Recovery function does not work. When I click on it, it hesitates for a few seconds and then returns me to the starting screen. I have checked that reagentc is enabled. If I reboot and press the stop button as Windows logo appears and do it 3 times I get the Recovery facilities, but that is rather tedious. I cannot get into a safe mode without the Recovery function, which is not an urgent problem, but I would be grateful for any help on how to restore it.

Many thanks,
Alex

[jazzazz]

windowsreport.com/windows-10-wont-enter-recovery-mode/

[mikkh]

www.makeuseof.com/tag/3-check-system-restore-working/#:~:text=Booting%20Into%20Safe%20Mode%20in%20Windows%2010&text=Head%20to%20Settings%20%3E%20Update%20%26%20security,options%20%3E%20Startup%20Settings%20%3E%20Restart

might be worth a look at too

[alexham36]

Thanks for your help, but I have not been able to resolve this problem. Got into Safe Mode by interrupting the bootup and after running msconfig I tried System Recovery. I was still in Safe Mode and I got the error message - The system detected an overrun of a stack based buffer in this application. This overrun could potentially allow a malicious user to gain control of this application.

This may be completely unrelated, but I run another Win10 OS on a separate SSD and in that system the System Recovery works OK.

I do not often need to go into Safe Mode, so I can continue to use the PC without "instant access" to system recovery. Interrupting boot up is tedious, but it still works. However, as with all problems, I am curious to learn what is causing this. Any ideas??
Many thanks,
Alex

[jazzazz]

Have you tried a SYSTEM RESTORE, then go on from there, www.dummies.com/article/technology/computers/operating-systems/windows/how-to-restore-your-system-to-an-earlier-point-183828/

[mikkh]

When I used to inflict the pain of Windows on myself, I used to do a total fresh reinstall every 6 months to keep it running smoothly.
I do the same with Linux although not so often.

It helps that I'm not a hoarder of music/videos/photos though. I just keep the stuff I don't want to lose/can't replace on USB sticks, an external hard drive and online storage

It's a bit of a sledgehammer approach, but it works for me.

Windows in particular just doesn't cope well with extra software and updates and eventually something will cause a problem that can only be fixed by a new install.

[alexham36]

Thank you Mikkh and Jazzazz,
System Restore is indeed a sledge hammer approach and I have been avoiding it mainly because it leaves out all non-Microsoft applications, which have to be reinstalled. I think that the root cause of this problem is Mozilla Thunderbird, which is my main email app. I have altered its Profiles.ini file so that the address book and emails are stored on another partition and not where the application is. That enables me to have full access to address book and emails in whatever OS I am, including Linux Mate and Fossapup (running off a USB stick). The problem is that before I go into either Linux OS, the Win10 OS from which I am coming has to be stopped. One of the option in System Restore is "Turn the PC Off" and that is the only one that works. Do I need any of this? Don't ask. I need treatment!!!

Thanks for the help. I will do a System Restore when I have more time.

Alex

[jazzazz]

From what I recall using Windows way back when, System Restore just took it back to a previously known GOOD WORKING time period.

I GOOGLED that to confirm if my memory of it was correct, and that is what it says :-), just MINOR surgery, LOL