Why must I always re-install programs?

[Lilly]

For about 2 months I've had a strange problem (for a relative novice):
Under WindowsXP SP2 I repeatedly "lose" programs. My system runs perfectly
with no evidence of virus, trojan or spyware activity. Everything is fast
and accurate. However, once I shut down the system I experience problems.
On re-booting up the basic MS-XP OS works fine. Actually, almost everything
works fine. But certain programs fail to function.
-- Word for Windows 2003 must be reinstalled (The remainder of Office 2003
Pro works fine)
-- Adobe Photoshop CS must be reinstalled (Other Adobe products like Adobe
Acrobat 7.0 & Adobe Illustrator work well)
-- A useful l'il program called 'AZZ Cardfile.exe' must be reinstalled

Once I reinstall these softwares they work perfectly ... until I shutdown.
Actually I'm considering keeping everything running all the time.

I've made no recent system changes, I've not installed any programs (as far
as I know). Everything works great ... until I shut down. Then, after
re-installing, everything works great again.

I'm pretty certain I don't have a virus or trojan (At least not a common
one). I use Norton AV. I installed AVG and ran Ewido for a week. I use
spybot and Ad-Aware SE. I also use Microsoft's firewall + update service.
And, I have been contemplating a
hardware firewall like Sysgate etc. I suspect I've got some type of
registry problems. Where should I start? I don't want to reformat and
re-install, but I have good data backup.

All suggestions appreciated ..

Luv ya,

Lil

 

[Michael T]

Perhaps there's a clue in Event Viewer.

For example, next time you boot go to Start > Run and type
eventvwr.msc
click OK

Now check 'Application' and "System' for errors - flagged with a red X.

You may also want to insert your Windows XP CD-ROM run System File Checker
(Start > Run - then enter type sfc /scannow)

 

[Lilly]

Michael T,

Thanks a lot. 'eventvwr.msc' yielded a lot of 'X' Error and '!' Warning
messages. Most of them seem irrelevant to my (untrained) eyes. However, I
want to look at each one individually. Maybe I'll get lucky. Amazingly, I
was unaware that this sub-program/service was available. I'll figure
Windows out in my next life.

Lil

 

[Michael T]

Thanks for giving us an update.

Good luck and don't forget System File Checker (assuming you have your Win
XP CD-ROM).

Michael