6 Ways to Overcome Error 0x80070091 in Windows 10, 8 and 7

 Are you unable to complete the System Restore process and suddenly your Windows operating system displays the error message 0x80070091? If so, you don't need to worry. Because this time we will discuss how to deal with error 0x80070091 in Windows 10, 8 and 7.

Why won't Windows 10 System Restore Complete Successfully?

The problem with System Restore that failed could be due to an antivirus error. But it's also possible that the problem has something to do with the WindowsApps folder. Basically, when error code 0x80070091 appears, it means that the destination directory is not empty. In other words, the System Restore process recognized that the supposedly empty WindowsApps folder had content instead. It's also possible that the anti-virus is blocking the process or the error has something to do with Sync Settings. Following are some of the causes for error 0x80070091:

* Windows 10 System Restore did not complete successfully – This is the most common error message associated with System Restore. Make sure you try one of the solutions below to fix this problem.

* 0x80070091 Windows 7 – It is possible that the same error message appears on older versions of Windows. So, if you are not using Windows 10, don't worry because this method also works on Windows 8.1 and Windows 7.

* System Restore encountered errors: unexpected error and unknown error – In some cases, corrupted system files cause problems interfering with System Restore. So, it is best to check the system for file corruption.

* System Restore failed due to antivirus – Error 0x80070091 can also appear due to anti-virus. Your security apps can interfere with your operating system, preventing it from returning to previous restore points. If you want to learn how to fix a failed System Reset due to an antivirus error, make sure you check out the solutions below.

It's hard to pinpoint the exact cause of the error, but the important thing is that Microsoft is aware of the problem. The company also promises to release a foolproof solution to this problem. In the meantime, the best step you can take is to follow the instructions below. While this method is designed to fix errors on Windows 10, it also applies to older versions of the operating system.

How to Overcome Error 0x80070091

1. Boot Into Safe Mode And Rename WindowsApps

1. Boot your PC into Safe Mode.

2. Right-click the Windows icon and select Command Prompt (Admin) from the list.

3. Paste the following commands one by one:

1. cd C:\Program Files

2. takeown /f WindowsApps /r /d Y

3. icacls WindowsApps /grant “%USERDOMAIN%\%USERNAME%”:(F) /t

4. attrib WindowsApps -h

5. rename WindowsApps WindowsApps.old

4. Reboot your computer.

5. Try running System Restore again and check if the error is fixed.

2. Check Anti-Virus

Anti-virus applications do provide protection on computers from attacks and threats. On the other hand, they can also interfere with Windows systems and cause error 0x80070091. If you are experiencing the same problem on your computer, it is recommended to disable certain features on your anti-virus. They may be able to prevent other applications from accessing certain directories.

If you have tried this method and the error persists then the best way is to completely disable your anti-virus. If you find that your anti-virus app is causing the problem, it might be the best time to uninstall your security app and consider switching to a different brand.

3. Use Third Party Applications

Error 0x80070091 might have something to do with a WindowsApps folder issue. One way to deal with this is to use a third-party application such as Unlocker. Here are the steps to do it:

Unlockers

1. Download and install the Unlocker application on your computer.

2. Go to C:\Program Files, then right-click the WindowsApps folder.

3. From the menu, select Unlocker.

4. You will see a drop-down menu, select Rename.

5. Rename the directory to “WindowsApps.old” (without the quotes).

6. Save changes by clicking OK.

7. You may get a prompt asking you to rename objects on boot. Select Yes.

After following the instructions above, you should be able to perform a System Restore smoothly.

4. Use a Linux Live CD

Apart from Unlocker, another option to fix error 0x80070091 is to use a Linux Live CD. You just need to create bootable media by downloading any version of Linux. Launch your PC from the bootable media and select the “Try Linux without installing” option. After that, go to C:\Program Files and rename the directory for WindowsApps to “WindowsApps.old” (without the quotes).

Restart your computer, then boot into Windows. After taking ownership of the WindowsApps.old directory, you can try performing a System Restore again.

5. Do a System Update

There are users who have reported that updating their system has allowed them to get rid of the error. So, there's nothing wrong if you try the same method. Windows will usually automatically download and install updates. However, it is possible that certain issues may cause your system to miss an update or two. So, it's best to check manually if there are any updates that you need to install. Therefore, follow the instructions below to do it:

Windows System Updates

1. Open the Settings window by pressing Windows key + I on your keyboard.

2. Open Update & Security.

3. Go to the right pane and click the Check for Updates button.

Your system will now start checking if updates are available, and will automatically download them if they are. After you restart your computer, the update will be installed.

6. Perform a CHKDSK Scan

Several users reported that file corruption was one of the causes of error 0x80070091. You can fix this problem by performing a chkdsk scan. You can do this by following the instructions below:

CHKDSK scan

1. Click the Search icon on the taskbar.

2. Type “command prompt” (without the quotes).

3. Right-click Command Prompt in the result, then select Run as Administrator.

4. Type “chkdsk /f /r /X:” (without the quotes). Note: you have to replace 'X' with your system drive.

5. Execute the command by pressing Enter.

6. You will also be prompted to schedule a disk scan on reboot. Type “Y” (without the quotes), then press Enter.

7. Reboot your computer.

The scan will take several minutes, and the duration depends on the size of your system drive. Once the process is complete, try performing a System Restore and check if the error is gone.

Conclusion

So, these are some ways to solve error 0x80070091 in Windows 10, 8 and 7. This error is a common problem that you will receive when you want to delete files or folders or perform other operations on them. Admin hopes that one of the methods above can fix the error 0x80070091 problem on your computer.