Windows 10: windows 11 update erased all pictures. Restore system didn't recover them but deleted all...

I've gone through all suggestions re the pictures which were deleted after a failed update: properties/restore default; restart computer x4; uninstall update logs etc. Finally went to system restore to date before update. Not only do I not have my pictures but it has also deleted all non MS apps. I use Office 21 and do not use Onedrive. I have lots of space on a new PC and am not willing to pay MS extra for the privilege of using it's cloud. All files are saved to local drive. My docs are all there. Ditto Music and Videos. It's just pics various formats which have gone. Does anyone have any

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How to delete inactive System Image Restore Points in System Restore

Windows 10 64-bit.
When I click "show more restore points" in System Restore I see a bunch of old "system image restore points" that were deleted in past and do not correspond to any currently active restore points. Clicking any of these old restore points, I simply get an error message saying they could not be found, and to select another restore point instead.I would like to delete these restore points listings but have been unable to do so.
So far, I have tried steps mentioned below without any luck :

Disk Cleanup through (C Properties
Disable System Protection (OFF and ON) in System Protection for OS (C
Disk Space Usage to minimum (slider button all the way to the left then 'Delete all restore points for this drive'),
Delete all shown Restore points in CCleaner (the problem ones do not show here),
Reset Windows Backup to Default in Windows 10 with 'Reset_Windows_Backup.bat' utility.

Any suggestions highly welcome.

 

How to delete inactive System Image Restore Points in System Restore

AndreTen - I have tried Disk Cleanup but unfortunately the problem entries did not go away.
I feel certain Bree (VIP Member) has identified the correct cause of this problem as above and his adviced solution should also do the trick.

- - - Updated - - -

Bree - Thank you. I must admit that I did use 'Create system image' a few times in 'Backup & Restore (Windows 7)' instead of 'Backup now' and these ghost entries relate to those actions. You have rightly identified the cause of this issue.
It is crazy that Microsoft has put two different backup options causing the issue of these ghost restore points.

Regarding your advice on how to rectify the issue - I must add that I am not very computer savvy and feel reluctant to use Diskpart utility etc to delete 'WindowsImageBackup\SPPMetadataCache' and 'WindowsImageBackup\Catalog folders' from within 'System Volume Information' folder with command Prompt as I fear damaging the pc by making any mistakes, as I have never done this before.

Please advice if there may be another simpler method to delete the above folders OR if you are able and have time to post a step by step instructions (with pictures if possible) on how to follow your advice. Much appreciated.

 

Files Deleted During Failed Windows Update

I worked on a video project last night. Got it edited and rendered. My work for the night was done... So I put my computer to sleep when I went to bed. It turned itself on at 3:00A.M. for the windows update installations. It woke me up and without thinking, I just turned my computer off via power button. I probably just thought it was 4AM and thought it was done with the installation. Who knows though... Like I said, I wasn't thinking when I awoke and normally people don't at that time anyway *Wink

Now to get to the point. A few of my video projects that I worked on were completed erased when I did this... I am looking at the system restore points and the only available is the 3:00am (failed) system update and a few other windows updates restore points on the 10th of January.

I didn't try the restore points on the 10th but I did try the 3:00am restore and that did not recover the video file.

So now is there a way to retrieve these video files at all or is system restore my only hope even though I am not getting anywhere? Thanks