How to recover deleted .lnk files

Last Updated: 07/01/2022
[Average Article Time to Read: 4.7 minutes]

System Restore.lnk is considered a type of Windows File Shortcut file. It is most-commonly used in Windows XP developed by Microsoft. It uses the LNK file extension and is considered a Windows Shortcut (Windows File Shortcut) file.

System Restore.lnk was first released for Windows Vista Operating System on 11/08/2006 with Windows Vista. The most recent version [file version XP] was introduced on 10/25/2001 for Windows XP. System Restore.lnk is included in Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP versions.

This article discusses complete file details, LNK file troubleshooting instructions for problems with System Restore.lnk, and a comprehensive set of free downloads for every file version that has been catalogued by our team.

What are System Restore.lnk Error Messages?


General System Restore.lnk Runtime Errors

System Restore.lnk file errors often occur during the startup phase of Windows, but can also occur while the program is running. These types LNK errors are also known as “runtime errors” because they occur while Windows is running. Here are some of the most common System Restore.lnk runtime errors:

  • System Restore.lnk could not be found.
  • System Restore.lnk error.
  • System Restore.lnk failed to load.
  • Error loading System Restore.lnk.
  • Failed to register System Restore.lnk / Cannot register System Restore.lnk.
  • Runtime Error - System Restore.lnk.
  • The file System Restore.lnk is missing or corrupt.

Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime Library

How to recover deleted .lnk files

Runtime Error!

Program: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Accessories\System Tools\System Restore.lnk

This application has requested the Runtime to terminate it in an unusual way.
Please contact the application's support team for more information.

How to recover deleted .lnk files

Most LNK errors are due to missing or corrupt files. Your System Restore.lnk file could be missing due to accidental deletion, uninstalled as a shared file of another program (shared with Windows), or deleted by a malware infection. Furthermore, System Restore.lnk file corruption could be caused from a power outage when loading Windows, system crash while loading or saving System Restore.lnk, bad sectors on your storage media (usually your primary hard drive), or malware infection. Thus, it’s critical to make sure your anti-virus is kept up-to-date and scanning regularly.

How to Fix System Restore.lnk Errors in 3 Steps (Time to complete: ~5-15 minutes)

If you're encountering one of the error messages above, follow these troubleshooting steps to resolve your System Restore.lnk issue. These troubleshooting steps are listed in the recommended order of execution.

Step 1: Restore your PC back to the latest restore point, "snapshot", or backup image before error occurred.

To begin System Restore (Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10):

  1. Hit the Windows Start button
  2. When you see the search box, type "System Restore" and press "ENTER".
  3. In the search results, find and click System Restore.
  4. Please enter the administrator password (if applicable / prompted).
  5. Follow the steps in the System Restore Wizard to choose a relevant restore point.
  6. Restore your computer to that backup image.

If the Step 1 fails to resolve the System Restore.lnk error, please proceed to the Step 2 below.

How to recover deleted .lnk files

Step 2: Run SFC (System File Checker) to restore the corrupt or missing System Restore.lnk file.

System File Checker is a utility included with every Windows version that allows you scan and restore corrupted system files. Use the SFC tool to fix missing or corrupt System Restore.lnk files (Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10):

  1. Hit the Windows Start button
  2. In the search box, type "cmd" but DO NOT PRESS "ENTER".
  3. Press and hold "CTRL-Shift" on your keyboard while pressing "ENTER".
  4. You'll be prompted with a permission dialog box.
  5. In the box, click "YES".
  6. You should have a black screen with a blinking cursor.
  7. In that black screen, type "sfc /scannow" and hit "ENTER".
  8. SFC will begin scanning for System Restore.lnk issues and any other system file problems.
  9. Follow any on-screen commands to complete the process.

Please be aware that this scan might take a while, so please be patient while it is working.

If this Step 2 fails as well, please proceed to the Step 3 below.

Step 3: Perform a Windows Update.

When the first two steps haven't solved your issue, it might be a good idea to run Windows Update. Many System Restore.lnk error messages that are encountered can be contributed to an outdated Windows Operating System. To run Windows Update, please follow these easy steps:

  1. Hit the Windows Start button
  2. In the search box, type "Update" and press "ENTER".
  3. In the Windows Update dialog box, click "Check for Updates" (or similar button depending on your Windows version)
  4. If updates are available for download, click "Install Updates".
  5. After the update is completed, restart your PC.

If Windows Update failed to resolve the System Restore.lnk error message, please proceed to next step. Please note that this final step is recommended for advanced PC users only.

How to recover deleted .lnk files

If Those Steps Fail: Download and Replace Your System Restore.lnk File (Caution: Advanced)

If none of the previous three troubleshooting steps have resolved your issue, you can try a more aggressive approach (Note: Not recommended for amateur PC users) by downloading and replacing your appropriate System Restore.lnk file version. We maintain a comprehensive database of 100% malware-free System Restore.lnk files for every applicable version of Windows. Please follow the steps below to download and properly replace you file:

  1. Locate your Windows operating system version in the list of below "Download System Restore.lnk Files".
  2. Click the appropriate "Download Now" button and download your Windows file version.
  3. Copy the file into the appropriate directory for your Windows version:
  4. Windows 7: C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Accessories\System Tools\
    Windows Vista: C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Accessories\System Tools\
    Windows XP: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Accessories\System Tools\

  5. Restart your computer.

If this final step has failed and you're still encountering the error, you're only remaining option is to do a clean installation of Windows XP.

GEEK TIP : We must emphasize that reinstalling Windows will be a very time-consuming and advanced task to resolve System Restore.lnk problems. To avoid data loss, you must be sure that you have backed-up all of your important documents, pictures, software installers, and other personal data before beginning the process. If you are not currently backing up your data, you need to do so immediately.

Download System Restore.lnk Files (Malware-Tested 100% Clean)

CAUTION : We strongly advise against downloading and copying System Restore.lnk to your appropriate Windows system directory. Microsoft typically does not release Windows LNK files for download because they are bundled together inside of a software installer. The installer's task is to ensure that all correct verifications have been made before installing and placing System Restore.lnk and all other LNK files for Windows. An incorrectly installed LNK file may create system instability and could cause your program or operating system to stop functioning altogether. Proceed with caution.

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Can LNK files be deleted?

Right click on it, select Unlocker. On the unlocker box, click the drop-down action and select delete. This should remove the shortcut file.

What are * .LNK and * .URL files?

lnk is a shortcut to a physical File or Object on the computer. A . url is a shortcut to a website that opens the default browser to that website.

What app can open a .LNK file?

You can't open . lnk shortcuts, as everyone else said, but you can use a service such as Dropbox to sync your files with your phone. Simply drop your documents in the Dropbox folder and you're ready to go!

What is a .LNK file?

Files of type . lnk are Windows shortcut files. These are just pointers in Windows that point to your original files.