Cannot create system restore points

[liketreo]

Hi,

I have a vista ultimate 64 bit OS (no dual boot), with >300 GB free on the c: drive. I am not able to manually create a system restore point (nor is the system able to do so automatically--so none currently exist, not a situation I like).
I get the error message (after attempting to create one from the system protection tab and waiting for a long time): "The restore point could not be
created for the following reason: The creation of a shadow copy has timed
out. Try again this operation (0x81000101)."
I also have windows live one care running but a) I have tried this with it
disabled after following instructions in How to disable Windows Live OneCare and b) previous to a couple of days ago, there were no problems: the system was able to create the restore points automatically and I was able to do so manually. Nothing that I know changed recently, except I installed a new d-link router.
I have tried to turn off/on system restore point (thus losing the previous
ones) and then to "create" with the same issue.
I have tried to enable services.msc in automatic mode including: Microsoft
software shadow copy provider, virtual disk, and volume shadow copy, and have restarted the computer after making the changes, with no difference.
How do I get this thing (HP Pavillion m9200z CTO desktop) to create a system restore point?

Thanks,

Jordan