System restore and other system apps do not work

[Dan]

I am using Vista Ultimate x64 Build 6001 SP1.
Intel® Core(TM)2 CPU 6700 @ 2.66GHz 2.66 GHz Memory (RAM) 4.00 GB
The behavior described below started suddenly, possibly after the
installation of an update.
Some of the symptoms are:

When I click on System Restore I get (as expected) the dialog box “Windows
needs your permission to continueâ€
I click Continue. Apparently nothing happens.
I repeat the above and I get the message “The System Restore wizard is
already running.†However, it is not visible.

Task Manager also remains invisible.

When I click on “Turn Windows features on and off†the “Windows Featuresâ€
box is displayed with “Please wait...†but nothing happens.

When trying to uninstall an update, Windows Installer displays "Preparing to
install..." and remains so forever. Click Cancel, after 10 min or so “Install
server is not respondingâ€.

At times Visual Studio and the Office 2007 programs go in No responding
mode and I must reboot.

When I shut down the computer "Logging off " is displayed until I use the
hardware shut down button.

Chkdsk found nothing wrong.

Sfc /scannow doesn’t start; the cursor is blinking on the next line for ever.

The same in Safe Mode.

When I try to start from the DVD the Vista background is displayed with the
mouse cursor but then nothing.

Is there a way out?

Thanks,
Dan

 

[Malke]

I am using Vista Ultimate x64 Build 6001 SP1.
Intel® Core(TM)2 CPU 6700 @ 2.66GHz 2.66 GHz Memory (RAM) 4.00 GB
The behavior described below started suddenly, possibly after the
installation of an update.
Some of the symptoms are:

When I click on System Restore I get (as expected) the dialog box ?Windows
needs your permission to continue?
I click Continue. Apparently nothing happens.
I repeat the above and I get the message ?The System Restore wizard is
already running.? However, it is not visible.

Task Manager also remains invisible.

When I click on ?Turn Windows features on and off? the ?Windows Features?
box is displayed with ?Please wait...? but nothing happens.

When trying to uninstall an update, Windows Installer displays "Preparing
to install..." and remains so forever. Click Cancel, after 10 min or so
?Install server is not responding?.

At times Visual Studio and the Office 2007 programs go in No responding
mode and I must reboot.

When I shut down the computer "Logging off " is displayed until I use
the hardware shut down button.

Chkdsk found nothing wrong.

Sfc /scannow doesn?t start; the cursor is blinking on the next line for
ever.

The same in Safe Mode.

When I try to start from the DVD the Vista background is displayed with
the mouse cursor but then nothing.

1. Make sure the computer is virus/malware-free. The symptoms you are
describing can certainly be caused by infection. Here are some general
removal steps:

http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware

Be thorough. As said at that link, you should get all tools and their
updates from a different, known-clean machine and you should do all work in
Safe Mode.

2. If after you've done your thorough scanning you find the machine to be
clean, I would do a System Restore to when things worked since the change
was recent and sudden. To run System Restore, go to the Start Orb and in
the Start Search box type "System Restore" without the quotes. System
Restore will appear in the Programs result. Click on it, allow the UAC
prompt, and follow the wizard.

(Note: You will be tempted to run System Restore before making sure your
computer is clean because it is less work. It isn't what I would do, but
naturally what you do is your choice.)

3. If the machine is clean and System Restore doesn't help, I'd next look at
the hardware to make sure it is sound. I'd start with the hard drive.

http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Hardware_Tshoot

Malke

 

[Dan]

Many thanks Malke for your very comprehensive reply. Your website is also
impressive and I started applying those hints.

Strangely enough Safe Mode is not usable because Windows Explorer does not
start.

As I mentioned in normal mode most programs work (exceptions those mentioned).

Thanks again,
Dan