BleepingComputer.com: System Restore won't complete - file already exists

Hi

Hoping someone can give me some guidance. I have had problems with Vista Home Premium SP1 crashing regularly - at least 3 times per day. Yesterday I decided to install SP2 - what a mistake. After taking hours it got stuck at Stage 3 - 75%. After following some instructions from other posts I managed to get it to starting reversing the changes - this however after hours and hours would never complete. Anyway I am now using the Windows disc system restore and this will not restore because of the following error:

"Cannot create a file that already exists (0x800700B7)" I have been gradually moving to earlier restore points with no luck.

Is there anyway to delete this file? or other steps I can take.

Of course i'm worried that I will lose all my data - system has told me it needs to reinstall. I bought the external HDD yesterday arvo with the intention of backing first and then doing a reinstall haven't been able to do the back up as I cannot access the files - is there a way to do this?

I can do basic things on my pc but when it comes to command prompts etc I need help so please be patient with me.

Thanks

Cathy

This post has been edited by ceebee: 23 September 2009 - 08:16 PM

Well the gods must have smiled upon me because after numerous reboots last night I was able to get into Windows and do a complete back up.

Sad news is pc now will not get past first screen of start up and F8 does nothing.

What next?

Cathy