All Windows-Related Programs Disappeared!!

I have searched various forums for several hours now and have not been able to find a single person who has had this happen to them before. (...or at least no one who posted anything about it.) I know that too much information is better than too little, so I'll start from the very beginning and work my way to now. In advance, thank you for taking the time to read this and offering any advice/solutions you may have. P.S. - In case you are someone who doesn't care about how I got there and just wants to know the bottom line problem, scroll to the bottom to "tl;dr".


Early this afternoon: I'm in the middle of a secure testing program taking a practice exam for a board certification exam I have coming up in a few weeks and I get a pop-up that McAfee wants to restart since it installed an update. I tell it to do it later and go back to the exam. Twice I delay restarting before I'm finally finished.

About two hours later: Once I finish the exam, I restart the computer. Once it reboots, I get a message that McAfee Real-Time Scanning is disabled, so I go to re-enable it, only to have it disable itself immediately thereafter. I repeat this a few times before giving up and going to the McAfee site. I go through their FAQ walk-through for this problem (which is apparently not uncommon) and hit a new snag at the "try uninstalling/reinstalling" phase; it uninstalls but stalls out when trying to reinstall. After a few tries, I give up and contact McAfee.

About an hour after that (1.5hrs ago): The lady at McAfee (who is remotely controlling my computer, so I was only half-way paying attention to what was clicked-on, etc.) cannot come up with a simple fix, so she decides to change some files/reset some settings on my computer, which finally enables her to reinstall the McAfee program. As soon as it starts reinstalling, I begin getting Windows Installer pop-ups that end in MS Office Error 25090: "Error 25090. Office Setup encountered a problem with the Office Source Engine, system error: -2147023836." No matter how many times it is canceled, it comes back up every time a new window, program, file is opened, including when I navigate from one page to another while online. The lady at McAfee says that it's not her problem and that's the end of the chat session. I let the installation finish and decide to reboot the computer, hoping the glitch resolves on its own.

About a half-hour ago: When I went to restart my computer, it shut down just fine but gave me a screen on reboot that the Windows boot file could not be found (or something to that effect). I was given the option of booting from the Windows installation disc or "contacting my system administrator"... i.e., boot from the disc or suck it. I found the disc and finally got it to boot up after choosing the "repair" option.

tl;dr - When Windows boots up, I continue to get the same MSO installation error on practically every mouse movement, but the worst thing is that practically all of my Windows programs have disappeared. All that is left are empty Programs folders (e.g., Adobe --> (empty); Games --> (empty); iTunes --> (empty); Startup --> desktop.ini, but nothing else; all Windows extras like the calendar or contacts are gone; the touchpad mouse no longer allows side or bottom scrolling, etc.). Furthermore, when I navigate to the actual Programs folders (not just from the start menu), there are some stray folders and files but no primary programs. The programs are still listed, however, in the Programs and Features menu in the Control Pannel. The only things left intact were the McAfee virus protection (go figure), IE9, and everything that was in my Documents folder... that's it.

I really cannot afford to waste the next one or two days trying to clean reinstall everything on my computer from scratch because I need all of the study time I have for this exam, but at the same time, I need my computer to study. If anyone can help out, I will be extremely grateful.

If there's any other information you may need, just let me know.

Hello flash and welcome to the forum.

Firts I would put your computer security in the junk file and I would recommend the following MSE. Free and very good.

Anti-Malware, Virus, Spyware Protection | Microsoft Security Essentials.

I am going to forward this to a expert on this subject so if you can hang on for a little bit I will se what I can do..

Thank you very much! I'll be around until about midnight tonight (another hour) and then if I haven't heard from anyone, I'll be back at about 9am tomorrow. With almost nothing left being functional on this computer at the moment, it's not like I'll have anything better to do other than wait and hope you all can help....

Welcome and sorry that you are having problems
There are too many variables here for me to know the precise cause of your problem. YOu gave another control of your computer and do not know what changes were made. In addition, you had the initial problem.
There is no one at this forum that knows how to solve every problem, but as a group we can solve almost anything. This is what I suggest.
Since the computer repair is urgently needed, I will not suggest to wait for another, which would be my normal advice with this scenario.
What I will suggest, I think that you will not be able to do or like
First is a system restore. Possibly your computer will work in safe mode, so that you can use SR as a cure

The second is to try to boot and repair the computer using this method, which may not be suitable in your particular situation:
If you create a recovery DVD, you may be able to boot to recovery options
Create Recovery DVD

The Vista recovery disk is used to boot Vista when it won't boot - to run Startup Repair, System Restore, access a Command Line, Recover using a Vista Backup Image, etc.
System Recovery Options. Choose an option tht will not cause you to lose your stuff.

If Vista will not start now, boot the Recovery CD to run Startup Repair which automates System Restore as well as numerous other tests including System File Checker which can repair system files which are not corrupted beyond repair.

If Vista still will not start, try booting into Safe Mode to run sfc /scannow to repair System files.
Special Thanks Given to Seven Forums.



Below is a bulletin distributed by MS to explain the start up procedure when Windows will not boot.

• Startup Repair. Startup Repair is a Windows recovery tool that can fix certain problems, such as missing or damaged system files, that might prevent Windows from starting. Startup Repair is located on the System Recovery Options menu, which is on the Windows Vista installation disc. If your computer has preinstalled recovery options, it might also be stored on your computer's hard disk. For more information, see Startup Repair: frequently asked questions and What are the system recovery options in Windows Vista? If your computer does not include Startup Repair, your computer manufacturer might have customized or replaced the tool. Check the information that came with your computer or go to the manufacturer's website.
• Change restart settings in safe mode. If your computer is stuck in a loop where Windows fails, attempts to restart, and then fails again repeatedly, restart your computer in safe mode and select the Disable automatic restart on system failure checkbox. For more information, see Advanced startup options (including safe mode).
• Reinstall. If no other options have solved the problem, and you are sure that your computer's hardware is functioning normally, you might need to reinstall Windows. A custom (clean) installation of Windows will permanently delete all of the files on your computer and reinstall Windows, so only use this option if all other recovery options have been unsuccessful. After the installation, you will need to reinstall your programs and restore your files from backup copies. For more information, see Installing and reinstalling Windows**.

As a last resort you can try to save your stuff using Ubuntu, then reinstall with the upagrade version of Windows 7, but this cannot be done to help your studies.
I am truly sorry for your situation.
Use Ubuntu Live CD to Backup Files from Your Dead Windows Computer - How-To Geek
You can restore factory settings after you save your stuff, too.

Hello if you can boot into safe mode then these will help.


http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/123496-safe-mode.html

Diagnostic tools to use in safe mode

How to Restore Your Computer in Safe Mode | eHow.com

For now I hope this helps...

To richc46: I checked my system restore files and found the three most recent were all created today after the problem started, so they are worthless. The next most recent after those is nearly a month old, which means the programs that I have been using to study will no longer be there. So, as far as hoping to have a quick fix goes, I'm hosed if I wait for a possible answer and I'm hosed if I roll it back now; if you think waiting on it could be the right move, I can do that.

As far as the changes made by the tech from McAfee, I saw her install four files, two of which I believe were .exe's, and one of which she couldn't find and had to be redone. She did access the system folder but I didn't see her do anything other than close it right after opening it. I also saw her reset my IE settings, prefs, security, etc., though I shouldn't think that would have an effect on the system as a whole. After everything was done, those four files were deleted and I compulsively empty my recycle bin, so they're gone; however, if you know of somewhere I can find a log of what was installed, I'll be happy to pull it for you.

System restore is not suppose to touch your personal stuff. It will effect programs, however.
With the state that your computer is in, Im at bit of a loss.

Well, I did the system restore back to a version from 1 month ago (the most recent clean version since the other three more recent were all from yesterday) and now my programs are "back," in a way. I am still getting Windows Installer popping up with the MSO error constantly, though they have returned in place none of the programs actually work except IE (and apparently my router), and now the virus protection is out again.

I have no clue what's wrong. My computer seems to have all of the files, but doesn't know what to do with any of them.

Before I wipe everything out and go back to square one, I was hoping someone could tell me how to determine what drivers I have. A few years ago, I offered to help a friend do a clean install on their laptop and realized when I got to installing the drivers, that the disc came preloaded with way more drivers than anticipated and I had no way of knowing which internet, graphics, sound, (or any other driver, for that matter) I needed to choose from. Fortunately a Dell guy walked me through that but my computer is way out of date. Is there any way I can find that information before I wipe it clean?

One last question... When I go to reset everything, is it smarter to simply delete the old partition and make a new one or should I reset the old partition to 0's and then delete it (in case this is some sory of crazy virus)?

Thanks for all of your help.

Well, things are a bit better than yesterday, thanks to system restore. Give this a try, but in your case, I have doubts about anything working the way it should.
try to reset the exe and lnk (LNK) associations.
Default File Type Associations - Restore

If you are going to reinstall, may I suggest that you do a clean install with format.
http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/68767-clean-install-upgrade-vista.html?ltr=C

Holy s**t!!! Resetting the associations for exe and lnk has brought a few my programs back from the grave! Furthermore, I am no longer getting the incessant Windows Installer MSO error pop-up. Most of the programs still don't work and those that do work are definitely a bit buggy; however, it was a step in the right direction.

I just uninstalled McAfee (which was back to not running anyway) and installed the MSE suggested above.

I can only give help based upon my experience and what I have learned here. We are both in virgin territory now.

Use the removal tool, to get it all
Download McAfee Consumer Product Removal Tool 3.5.109.1 Free - Will remove all 2005, 2006, and 2007 versions of McAfee consumer products - Softpedia

After you read the requirments to be able to do a repair and you qualify this may help
Repair Install For Vista[11]=Performance Maintenance
I would back up first, just in case.

If you cannot do the repair install. Go with this, not a good, but sometimes it does help
http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/66978-system-files-sfc-command.html

I had actually already uninstalled McAfee from the control panel earlier. I had the '09/'10 version of it, as I had purchased a two-year subscription 1.5 years ago. It seems to have all removed okay. The MSE also seems to have installed correctly. If I can get Java to reinstall and re-download the USMLE World program, I may just wait to wipe everything clean until after my board exam in <3 weeks. I need to study; I can deal with not having everything else later.

P.S. - I don't know if it's something that was already there and possibly a cause of the problem or if it's a coincidence, but I just put in a flash drive that I only use for backing up files because it's so large (i.e., I hardly ever use it) and the MSE gave me a prompt that it detected a virus and it would remove it. The virus was "Worm:Win32/Hamweq!inf" which it said infects removable devices and allows some backdoor connections. It said the virus was successfully removed and again, it may have just been a coincidence that something was on there, but I thought I'd pass it along.

Assuming that it is not a conincidence, a virus can make many changes to a puter. That being said your problem may have been caused by a virus. At this point, however, no on knows. Just try to get up and running for your exam. You can come back after and we will have time to make you as good as new.

The only thing I see against it being a virus on my flash drive is that the problems started happening and then I decided to back up my files. Not the other way around. Still, it could have been something that was lying dormant on my comp which finally decided to get angry, I guess. Either way, thanks for getting me this far along.

By the way, when I reinstalled Java, it seemed to install without issue, but when I try to run programs requiring it, my computer cannot find it. I'm at a loss. Fortunately, my girlfriend agreed to swap computers with me for the next few weeks since, for the most part, she just needs internet access (which curiously remains unaffected on here). Anyway, thanks again for the help; I'll be back in a few weeks to see what (if anything) can be done about this.

I think that we made very good headway on solving your problem, most was solved. Unfortunately the lack of time required that you take another course of action.
I wish you luck on your exams and also for your return visit. Good luck my friend.

Hey. I'm back. No programs work and I can't seem to download new updates (e.g., Java prompts me but then fails). If you're still willing to help, this laptop is still just as much of a mess as it was when I left it.

Also, in case my computer completely bites the dust while we're fiddling with it, do you know how to determine what drivers are already installed? I have the reinstallation disc, but it has some outrageous number of drivers for each option (WiFi, graphics, sound cards, etc.) and obviously, I need to make sure I pick the right one, but I don't remember which I have of each. Thanks.