Control panel trouble.

[Steve]

When I click control panel it just flashes and outline of the window for a
split second then nothing (have the same trouble with My Computer too) . Is
there a real fix out for this problem yet? Looked around but was unable to
find one, thought some of the wise and powerful folks here might know of
one.

I made a text document that contains the lines:

@net stop "Software Licensing"
@net start "Software Licensing"

Named it tempfix.bat and keep in on my desktop. Have to click it every time
I start my PC in order to see the control panel or My Computer, not a huge
hassle but still not something I should need to do just to use a major part
of my OS.

Thank you for any replies that don't burn off my eyebrows.

 

[Jane C]

Hi Steve,

You certainly should not be having to run that batch file on each reboot.
Something is awry.

Can you verify the status of these Services via Administrative Tools,
Services:

Software Licensing - should be Started, Startup type set to Automatic
Remote Procedure Call (RPC) - should be Started, Startup type Automatic
DCOM Server Process Launcher - as above

Software Licensing depends on RPC and DCOM.

 

[Steve]

I will look into that over the weekend. I know I am not the only person
having the control panel trouble. Found lots of others out there, but no
real permanent solution.

 

[Steve]

Just took a peek and both of those items are set as you advised, but I had
already run my batch file.

Not sure how to get to the Admin Tools when I can't get windows like control
panel to open after a restart unless I force them to with the batch file I
made.


Thank you for your time by the way.

 

[Jane C]

Hi Steve,

You can get Admin Tools onto the Start Menu - right click taskbar,
Properties, Start Menu tab, Customize. Check box for Admin tools at the
bottom of the list.

Can you remember when you started having the blank Control Panel first
appear? Had you installed any particular software? Have you installed all
available updates via Windows Update?

No Control Panel is one of the 'symptoms' of what is called reduced
functionality mode. Vista will go into that mode if not
activated/validated, or if the Software Licensing Service deems that it has
been tampered with. There have been issues with certain applications/games
that have made the SL Service baulk. Sorry, I can't remember off the top of
my head which apps etc.

 

[Steve]

All updates are current (Vista checks every day) Control Panel has been from
day one and Vista is activated/validated.

I guess MS has not put out a fix for this yet. I know I am far from the
only person having this problem. Will just keep using my quick fix.