Lorene Melone
Fix System Restore Error 0x8000FFFF Catastrophic Failure on Windows 11
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of troubleshooting methods to resolve System Restore Error 0x8000FFFF, also known as Catastrophic Failure, on Windows 11. By following the steps outlined here, you will learn various troubleshooting techniques, from preliminary actions to advanced methods, ensuring you can restore your system successfully.
Step 1: Preliminary Troubleshooting Steps
Before diving into more complex methods, undertake these essential preliminary steps:
- Restart your PC.
- Ensure you are logged in as an Administrator.
- Update device drivers.
- Run a System File Checker (SFC) scan by opening a Command Prompt and typing
sfc /scannowfollowed by a Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) scan withDISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth. - Conduct a full antivirus scan using Windows Defender or a reputable third-party antivirus product.
Step 2: Perform System Restore in Clean Boot State
Begin your troubleshooting by performing a Clean Boot:
- Follow this guide to clean boot your system.
- Attempt the System Restore operation again and see if the error persists.
Step 3: Perform System Restore in Safe Mode
If the issue persists, try booting your PC into Safe Mode:
- Access Safe Mode by following this guide.
- Once in Safe Mode, perform the System Restore and check if it completes successfully.
Step 4: Perform System Restore via Advanced Options
Another option is to restore your system through Advanced Options:
- Follow the instructions in this guide to access Advanced Options.
- Attempt the System Restore process from there.
Step 5: Modify the Registry
Corrupted registry keys may be causing the error. To modify the registry:
- Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
- Type
regeditand hit Enter to open the Registry Editor. - Navigate to the following path:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Installer\UserData\S-1-5-18\Components. - In the right pane, right-click on the identified registry keys and select Delete from the context menu.
- Exit Registry Editor and restart your PC.
Step 6: Check the Status of Services
Ensure the necessary services are running:
- Type
Services.mscin the Run dialog and hit Enter. - Verify the following services have the specified settings:
- Volume Shadow Copy – Startup type: Manual, Service status: Running
- Task Scheduler – Startup type: Automatic, Service status: Running
- Microsoft Software Shadow Copy Provider Service – Startup type: Manual, Service status: Running
- If any service is not running, select it and press the Start button.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
To facilitate a smoother process, consider the following tips:
- Double-check if you have backed up your important data before making registry changes.
- Ensure your Windows is up to date.
- If you encounter permission issues, check your user account control settings.
Conclusion
In summary, this guide provided you various methods to troubleshoot and fix the System Restore Error 0x8000FFFF on your Windows 11 PC. Applying these techniques should help you achieve a successful system restore. For further assistance, feel free to explore more related guides on our site.