Windows 10: Windows 10 long startup/shut down times and System Restore failed VSS issue?

Bit of a headache here, I was away from my PC for a few months for school. Returned home and everything was fine. Windows 10 downloaded the 21H1 updates then the next day startup took about 5 minutes of the spin cycle screen and shutdown takes about 15 and lingers on the desktop unresponsive for about 2 minutes after I click shutdown. I tried rolling back updates which didn't help. Tried a system restore to 12/20 which was the day everything worked fine, and the restore failed. I ran SFC scannow, checked my disks, ran antivirus scans, deleted temp junk files etc. Only clue I got was when I c

:)

 

VSS / System Restore Points not working

I tried to run Casper 10 Backup yesterday and it returned errors about VSS timeouts. Since then, I have been trying everything I can think of to get it working, but nothing has worked. Also, in the process, I discovered that although system protection is switched on for my C drive, if I try to create a restore point, the create dialogue just stays on screen but nothing else happens (I eventually have to use Task Manager to shut it down). Also, VSS says that it is running in the services list, as are the two other services it depends on. This is what I have tried so far:-

1. Running repairs using the tweaking.com repair tool.
2. Using DISM.
3. Tried a different disc image backup program (Active Disk Image) - that also fails.
4. Tried running a backup in safe mode - that also fails.
5. Tried running with a clean boot - that also fails.
6. Tried switching off and on system protection - restore point still fails to create.
7. Tried turning off my (Webroot) antivirus - backup still fails, as does restore point creation.

I don't know whether this is just a coincidence or not, but I only noticed these problems after trying the new Acronis True Image 2017 program (but that was backing up to the cloud, so maybe that's why that didn't throw up any errors). I don't know what else to try.

 

Long Windows Startup Time

Ford, you are on the right track; you might be interested in these links.
I know you like details.*Wink

Use Windows 7 Event Viewer to track down issues that cause slower boot times

Windows On/Off Transition Performance Analysis

Microsoft's hidden diagnostic tool unlocks Vista startup secrets

 

Windows 10 system restore issues


It has been a known issue with OOB setup if an OEM installation is done. As OEM bloatware doesnt allow to complete the OOB setup.
Disable secure boot if that fixes your problem.. If no go try these steps.

1. Either boot from a windows DVD or windows 10 USB..
If you dont have any of those... Try to crash the computer by powering off as soon as it starts loading windows (moving dots) 3 times..
2. If you are crashing you system jump to step 4
3.. Choose repair your computer if you are booting from a DVD...
4. Troubleshoot>> Advanced Options... and choose startup repair. If not resolved
5. Same steps and choose > System restore.. If you face the same issue after a system restore.
5. Try to reset without Losing files.. It will delete all the programs though.