I get an error message that Windows System Restore failed?

[Richard P.44]

Hi

When I run Windows System Restore it fails with this error message

System Restore failed to replace the file (D:\Users\*******\Dropbox\.dropbox.cache\qebcobkqbgbzfynfuwbof\placeholder.bat) with its original copy from the restore point. An unspecified error occurred during restore. (0x80070780)

I have completed system recovery from an image without problem but on several occasions I have come up against this error when trying to correct a problem using system restore which would be easier to use if I could. I still have the problem if I run the system restore in safe mode with the same failour message

Any suggestions on allowing the restore to work

Richard

[SwanCobb]

So, have you created this registry entry to exclude .dropbox.cache as part of a future version of Dropbox?

[SwanCobb]

I've tried to restore back last week's restore point but I keep getting the error mentioned by OP. I tried the registry entry to exclude \Dropbox\.dropbox.cache\*.* /s

Does anyone know if you re-script or edit the restore point and delete \Dropbox\.dropbox.cache content? 

[JacobRusso]

The only thing that has worked for me is to Shut Down Dropbox, BEFORE creating a System Restore Point, as follows:

1. Exit Dropbox using the SysTray icon (drop-down your picture at the top right. 

2. STOP the "Dropbox Service" (DbxSvc)

3. Create Restore Point

4. Start the "Dropbox Service" (DbxSvc)

5. Click "Start", type "Dropbox" to start the Dropbox APP, hit enter

After doing this, I was able to do a Restore based on that Restore Point.  I haven't tried to create a Batch File for this yet.

Jacob

[Kappert]

Same problem here. I have also wasted an entire day trying to find a workaround, but will now be forced to install W10 and my (complex) development environment from scratch. Days of work for nothing.

Looking into my own NAS for the future.

Synology Drive 2.0 seems to be good enough: https://jussiroine.com/2019/08/saying-goodbye-to-dropbox/

[greg0422]

I can pretty much tell you there is no workaround, other than changing the files that are saved in the restore point before you save it.  After this file is included, you are out of luck.  I work at Microsoft and I tried literally everything to edit the restore point with help from some developers here, and ended up just reinstalling Windows 10.

[nj-a]

Yet another person here that was hit by this issue. Windows 10 ended up in a reboot loop after a failed Windows Update and after a lot of frustration not being able to use System Restore I found this forum thread. I lack words to express how disappointed I am to find out that Dropbox apparently has known about this for quite some time but still haven't fixed it.

I've been using Dropbox since it came out both personally and professionally. I've also recommended it to a lot of people.

After my incident and the frustration it has caused my colleague already switched to OneDrive and is very happy with it.

I myself thought I'd give Dropbox support a chance to make things right so I contacted them and asked for status on this issue before I take a decision on how to proceed. If they will not fix this, I'll cancel Dropbox both personally and for my company and will recommend all other Windows 10 users to do so. Having a backup application corrupting an important recovery mechanism in your OS is simply astonishing when it's a known issue.

Unfortunately, the response I've got from support so far is that

"There is, unfortunately, no resolution to this issue at this time, nor any fix on the horizon"

I re-iterated my question to clarify whether they are aware of the issue and it simply takes a lot of time to get it solved or if it's just not something they prioritize.

The support then told me they could offer me help in two ways:

1) Help me submit a feature request fort his. Really? Feature request? This is a serious bug...

2) "Social media is a good way to raise the profile of a given issue" .. "The more people who raise the issue, the higher priority it becomes". If I've been a paying customer for a product during many years and discover a serious bug, should I really have to turn to social media to raise awareness?

Even though I do not like having to do it, I am adding my story here to increase the chances of us being heard. I'm about to ask Dropbox support one more time whether they really feel like it's the right decision to add this as a feature request and not a bug to be fixed. Their response will determine whether I will continue using Dropbox at all in the future.

[ravnx]

Same thing just happened to me on a lenovo, got stuck in a reboot loop due to a failed windows update. Tried to roll back. Error due to dropbox cache files. Had to boot to safe mode. uninstall dropbox. delete dropbox folder from the drive. still wouldnt restore. Ended up with a system reset. Not very happy, I understand it's likely a windows issue, but it's also something dropbox should be able to assist with.

[kydimos]

Wish I had know this before installing Dropbox. Dropbox messing up the Windows System Restore is an absolute app killer. Buy

[kydimos]

The placeholder.bat in the Dropbox cache file destroys Windows System Restore 😞 Does anyone know how to restore Windows when Dropbox has been installed? You can exclude specific directories in restoration points in the future but before you realize this Dropbox has destroyed your system restore and you are unable to roll back. How do you exclude the Dropbox cache placeholder.bat from old restoration points? 
     

[nj-a]

As I understand from my own investigation and previous comments here it seems that it's unfortunately impossible. This is what makes this issue so serious becauce once you discover what the issue is you are already screwed and can do nothing about it.

I have a support case open with Dropbox that was submitted to their specialist team one week ago. No update yet but I keep my fingers crossed they hopefully will take this seriously soon.

I'd recommend all of you reading this to open a support case with Dropbox as well to make sure they become aware how serious this issue is.