"Add or Remove Program" does not work

[Steven Lee]

I repaired Windows due to a glitch after a unexpected power failure. I then
updated Windows with the latest patches and hotfixes. When this was done, I
discovered some of the shortcuts in the Start Menu not longer works.

I thought of uninstalling and reinstalling the affected programs. When I
clicked on "Add or Remove Programs" in Control Panel, nothing happened. There
was no error message.

I checked and found the file appwiz.cpl in c:\windows\system32\, in case it
got deleted. I copied the file from another working Windows installation. I
tried starting the program manually using Run but still nothing happened. I
even tried running it from Task Manager with the same result.

 

[Kelly]

As of late, this has been attributed to SP2. You would need to revert to
fix.

Added info:

Other than the glitch, was your system clean? If so, another reason, which
is far fetched would be permissions. Also, have you tried the same measures
via Safe Mode?

How to boot into Safe Mode:

You need to hit F8 during boot, just after the BIOS info switches to black
screen. Or...

Go to Start/Run/Msconfig. Boot.Ini and check off /SafeBoot. Apply/Ok,
reboot.
Note: Before leaving safe mode, revert.

Description of Safe Boot Mode in Windows
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q202/4/85.asp

Safe-Mode Boot Switches for Windows Boot.ini File
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q239/7/80.asp

Another option: Add Safe Mode to the Boot Screen

Use as an example/guideline: Go to Start/Run and type in: C:\boot.ini and
copy/add what you want (Safe Mode or with Command Prompt), then save,
reboot.

Normal, Safe Mode and Command Prompt.

[boot loader]
timeout =15
default = multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]

multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS = "Windows XP Normal"
/fastdetect /sos)

multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS = "Windows XP SAFE
Mode"/safeboot:minimal)

multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS = "XP SAFE Mode with
Command Prompt" /safeboot:minimal(alternateshell)

Just for added info:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/266668/EN-US/?#kb1

--

All the Best and Happy Mardi Gras,
Kelly (MS-MVP/DTS&XP)

Taskbar Repair Tool Plus!
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/taskbarplus!.htm

 

[ju.c]

Register these DLL's then create and merge a registry file:

1. Close all programs.

2. Open the Run box and enter, one at a time:

regsvr32 /s Actxprxy.dll
regsvr32 /s Browseui.dll
regsvr32 /s jscript.dll
regsvr32 /s mshtml.dll
regsvr32 /s msxml.dll
regsvr32 /s Oleaut32.dll
regsvr32 /s scrrun.dll
regsvr32 /s Shdocvw.dll
regsvr32 /s Shell32.dll
regsvr32 /s URLMON.dll
regsvr32 /s vbscript.dll

3. Copy below and paste into Notepad.

----------copy inside only----------
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{0000031A-0000-0000-C000-000000000046}]
@="ClassMoniker"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{0000031A-0000-0000-C000-000000000046}\InprocServer32]
@="ole32.dll"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{0000031A-0000-0000-C000-000000000046}\ProgID]
@="clsid"

----------copy inside only----------

4. Save-as Fix.reg (or any name + .reg)

5. Double-click or right-click and merge into the registry.

6. Restart your computer.


ju.c