To reinstall or....?

[Paul Graham]

Vista Ultimate64

Suddenly getting strange problems: IE will not open ("Cannot find
"<webaddress>" message opens in small window) just trying to open IE, Audio
editing programmes suddenly can't find the sound card (which is working
fine), and there seems to be problem with Windows Installer as I can't
install or uninstall programmes without error messages popping up - just a
few probs so far.
I have an idea I might have a corrupt Registry - but I'm open to suggestions
as to what I could/should do first...?

Thanks

 

[Michael Solomon]

Vista Ultimate64

Suddenly getting strange problems: IE will not open ("Cannot find
"<webaddress>" message opens in small window) just trying to open IE,
Audio editing programmes suddenly can't find the sound card (which is
working fine), and there seems to be problem with Windows Installer as I
can't install or uninstall programmes without error messages popping up -
just a few probs so far.
I have an idea I might have a corrupt Registry - but I'm open to
suggestions as to what I could/should do first...?

Thanks

If this is a relatively recent issue you might try using System Restore to
take you back to a time prior to when this began. Start
Menu\Programs\Accessories\System Tools\System Restore. While System Restore
is designed to restore only the registry and system settings to a specific
point in time as a precaution your data should always be well backed up.

 

[Paul Graham]

Thanks Michael,
I tried the System Restore, but the problem is still there. I'll try an even
earlier SR to see if that can help.
(All data is backed up to a second HD so I'm happy with that!)
Failing that, should I go ahead with reinstalling Vista?

 

[Michael Solomon]

Thanks Michael,
I tried the System Restore, but the problem is still there. I'll try an
even earlier SR to see if that can help.
(All data is backed up to a second HD so I'm happy with that!)
Failing that, should I go ahead with reinstalling Vista?

If this is a relatively recent issue you might try using System Restore
to take you back to a time prior to when this began. Start
Menu\Programs\Accessories\System Tools\System Restore. While System
Restore is designed to restore only the registry and system settings to a
specific point in time as a precaution your data should always be well
backed up.

If no luck with SR, try opening IE with no add-ons, Start
Menu\Programs\System Tools\Internet Explorer (No Add-ons)you must use this
shortcut, then see if IE opens to your home page and then other addresses.
If yes, you'll need to disable add-ons one by one until you find the
offending add-on. Control Panel\Internet Options\Programs tab\Manage
add-ons button, select the first in the list, disable it, then try opening
IE and see what happens. Keep doing so until you find the offending add-on.

Once found, run Vista normally for awhile as add-ons or BHOs, Browser Helper
Objects can cause overall system instability and the one causing the problem
with IE may be the source of all your issues. Also be sure to scan for
viruses and adware/malware.