Fix 0x80071ac5 System Restore Error on Windows 11/1o

This post will show you how to fix System Restore Error 0x80071ac5 on a Windows 11/10 PC. A few Windows users have reportedly been facing System Restore failures. As they try to roll back their systems to a previous point in time, the restore fails while deleting some files from the system.

These files are often linked with cloud-based services, such as OneDrive, iCloud, etc. The complete error message reads:

System Restore did not complete successfully. Your computer’s system files and settings were not changed.

Details:
System Restore failed while deleting the following file/directory.
Path: C:\Users\OneDrive\1234.
An unspecified error occurred during System Restore. (0x80071ac5)

You can try System Restore again and choose a different restore point. If you continue to see this error, you can try an advanced recovery method.

If you’re unable to do a system restore and getting the same error code, keep reading this post to learn how to fix the issue.

Fix 0x80071ac5 System Restore Error

Try switching to a different restore point and see if it works for you. A few users have resolved the issue by choosing a different restore point. If you still experience the issue, follow these solutions to fix 0x80071ac5 System Restore Error on your Windows 11/10 PC:

Finish Sync Pending on Cloud and uninstall the app.
Check the Status of the Volume Shadow Service.
Disable Antivirus software.
Perform a System Restore in Safe Mode.
Run SFC/DISM scan.
Reset your PC.

Let us see these in detail.

1] Finish Sync Pending on Cloud and uninstall the app

Error 0x80071ac5 indicates that the system doesn’t have permission to delete certain files linked with the cloud app. If you don’t use the app, you may uninstall it and then try to perform the system restore.

However, you won’t be able to uninstall the app if it shows cloud backup is pending for some files. Open the app and make sure there’s no file that needs to be backed up in the cloud. If you face a Sync Pending error in OneDrive, use these fixes. Then go to System > Settings > Apps > Installed Apps, uninstall the app, and then retry doing the system restore.

Note: If the ‘Path’ in the error message points to a file on OneDrive, you can unlink that folder from OneDrive on your PC, and then try restoring the system files.

2] Check the Status of the Volume Shadow Service

System Restore primarily uses the Volume Shadow Copy service while creating a restore point. The service creates a snapshot of data that is to be backed up. A System Restore may fail if the service is not up and running at the moment.

Type ‘services’ in the Windows Search and hit the Enter key. The Services window will open. Scroll down to the Volume Shadow Copy service and double-click on it. In the service properties window, set the Startup type to Manual. Click on the Start button to start the service if it not running already.

Click on the Dependencies tab. You might see the following system components:

Remote Procedure Call
DCOM Server Process Launcher

Make sure all these dependency services are also up and running. Then try to do the system restore.

3] Disable Antivirus software

If you’re running an antivirus software, it may be conflicting with the System Restore. So disable it temporarily and then try to do the restore. To disable Microsoft Defender, you may follow this process. For other antiviruses, you may refer to the manufacturer’s official support page.

4] Perform a System Restore in Safe Mode

A few users have been able to resolve the issue by performing the System Restore in Safe Mode. Restoring the system from Safe Mode prevents third-party apps and services from conflicting with the process.

Press Win+R and type msconfig in the Run dialogue box. Click on OK. System Configuration window will appear. Switch to the Boot tab.

Select Safe boot under Boot options. Click on Apply and then click on OK. Allow your PC to boot and restart in Safe Mode.

Now type cmd in Windows Search and run the Command Prompt using administrator privileges. Click Yes in the User Account Control prompt.

Type rstrui .exe in the command prompt window and press the Enter key. System Restore window will appear. Click on Next and select the restore point. Click Finish to start performing the system restore.

If the restore succeeds, you may exit the Safe Mode and boot Windows normally (uncheck the ‘Safe boot’ option in the System Configuration window).

5] Run SFC/DISM scan

Another cause of the error 0x80071ac5 is corrupt or missing system files that could be fixed by running the SFC/DISM tools. These tools are specifically designed to automatically detect and repair OS-level files on a Windows PC.

In an elevated command prompt, type the following command and press the Enter key:

sfc /scannow

Now in the same command prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

After running these commands, try to restore your PC.

6] Reset your PC

If none of the above solutions work, you can if you wish try resetting your Windows PC. Resets can be done without having to deal with such issues. However, choose this option if none of the restore points are working and you were trying to restore your system to an earlier state. The Reset option will reinstall Windows while deleting user-installed apps and settings; though you may choose to keep or remove your personal files from the system.

PS: There are other suggestions that can help you resolve System Restore not working issues on Windows 11/10

I hope this helps.

Also Read: Rstrui.exe not working or recognized.

How do I fix System Restore error?

Antivirus software conflicts, system settings, system file corruption, insufficient drive space, and restore point corruption are among the main causes of a System Restore failure. Try performing the system restore using a different restore point. Also, disable your security software and see if it helps. Then boot into the Safe Mode and then try to do the restore. If the issue persists, try to perform System Restore in a Clean Boot state.

What is error code 0x80070005 during System Restore?

Error code 0x80070005 indicates that an antivirus software may be preventing the system from accessing a file that’s being backed up for the system restore. According to the Microsoft community, Norton antivirus (Norton 360, Norton Internet Security, etc.) has been found to be the conflicting software. Disable your antivirus and then try to do the system restore. If the error continues to show up, completely uninstall the antivirus software and then try again.