Windows 10: System Restore Error Code: 0x81000203

I've been trying to open System Restore from Control Panel -> System -> System Protection gives a message saying "There was an unexpected error in the property page: System Restore encountered an error. Please try to run System Restore again. 0x81000023 Please close the property page and try again." Trying to run rstrui.exe gives "System protection is turned off. To turn it back on so that you can use System Restore, configure system protection." I also note that Protection Settings, where the drives should be listed, simply says "searching".

I have already confirmed that the Volume Shadow Copy and Microsoft Software Shadow Copy Provider services are running and have their startup set to Automatic. Google also suggests that the program "TuneUp Utilities" is a known cause of this error, but I have never used or installed that program. So, any assistance would be much appreciated.

Googling the issue, it appears to be set in Windows DNA, with tickets raised over 11 years ago for the same issue, what are the conditions that trigger this. I have a new laptop Win10 Home and its fine; my new swanky desktop is not this is running Win 10 Pro.

I've wasted two days now trying various tricks, so some help would be much appreciated.

:)

 

System Restore, Error 0x81000203

Hi, it looks like you've done what this suggests
Actual Solution for System Restore Error Code 0x81000203 | Windows Forum
Note this (obviously older post) indicates some 3rd party software can interact adversely with system restore.
Please help re: System Restore encountered an error (0x81000203) Solved - Windows 7 Help Forums

A VERY long post where this error message was generated ended up with an in-place upgrade repair install
Macrium Reflect Backup Failures

Noting your comments about services, it may be something's been changed there: you could try
Tweaking.com's free cautious repair tool and run just the repairs related to services.

 

System Restore, Error 0x81000203

Sorry you wasted a post, thanks anyway. I had to reformat. I did all the "Fixes" but something was permanently messed up.

 

System Restore Error Code 0x81000203 on Windows 10

Yesterday's cumulative update (Aug 23 KB3176934) for the anniversary update has caused problems with System Restore, which will now not open. Error Code 0x81000203. Not a problem before this update. Any one else experiencing the same problem?

Original title: System Restore