Vista System32 Processes Killed

[ColTom2]

Hi:

I have a friend who asked me to look at his HPA1737C desktop running Vista
Home Premium tonight and most, if not all of his System32 processes, are no
longer accessible.

System Restore, Device Manager, MSCONFIG. etc cannot be opened and
seemingly also anything System32 file related. Even the Volume icon in
Taskbar has a Red X on it.

I placed computer in SafeMode and selected Restore To Last Known Good
Configuration and it had no affect on restoring.

I could access the internet with IE7 and he can send email with no
problems. Cannot uninstall or install any applications. He did install some
Windows Updates KB867812, KB959772, KB960225, and KB958690 a few days back,
but I see nothing in the Vista Newsgroup that would make these possibly
related to his problem. Has Norton AV with latest definitions and full scan
indicates no problems.

I have set up a few Vista systems, but my expertise is XP related.

If anyone has any idea as to cause and cure I would be most appreciative.
Just trying to help a friend out.

Thanks,

ColTom2

 

[Peter Foldes]

Uninstall Norton using their Uninstall tool and then re-install it. After Run
Malwarebytes and SuperAntiAspyware and reboot. Post back with result

 

[ColTom2]

Hi:

I indicated that I cannot install any applications. Currently I am
thinking that these processes need to be re-registered, but have no idea as
to what has caused all this.

ColTom2


Uninstall Norton using their Uninstall tool and then re-install it. After
Run
Malwarebytes and SuperAntiAspyware and reboot. Post back with result

 

[Peter Foldes]

I said that you should uninstall Norton first. I did not say install anything first.
Read my post again carefully

 

[ColTom2]

Hi Peter:

He does not have Malwarebytes or SuperAntiSpyware installed. So to run
them would require installation which at this time he cannot accomplish.

Norton Uninstall Tool is an .exe file and I am not at all sure it would
run either, as I could not run install .exe file. I am also sorta hesitate
at this point to uninstall Norton, as he currently like I said has access to
the internet and this would leave him vulnerable. Why do you feel that
uninstalling Norton would give him access back to these System32 services?

All that I had time for last night was a cursory review of his computer. I
now feel that I need to take a look at all his Services and check the status
of each etc. I want to look at System Restore status in Services today with
the thought that if it is disabled and I could enable it then possibly I
could then run a Restore Point. I have never seen anything like this before
that disabled so many Windows functions.

I do appreciate your comments.

ColTom2


I said that you should uninstall Norton first. I did not say install
anything first.
Read my post again carefully