I discovered the problem with System Restore; it was also on my computer and I realized it when I went to do a restoration (after installing a MS program that didn't do as I had anticipated). My System Restore wasn't working no matter what I tried; I'm on a HP (and my friends' 'puter, a Dell).

The thing our computers have in common? Norton SystemWorks (NSW).

The Fix?

Open NSW; select Options; choose Norton AntiVirus; pick Miscellaneous; and, uncheck "Turn protection on for my Symantec product."

After a restoration is complete, go back to NSW, and re-check "Turn protection on for my Symantec product."

Works beautifully .

No wonder (Symantec) Norton offered to "fix" my friends' computer and its System Restore... for the bargain basement rate of $1,500 . No need to pay them!