Numerous Window Vista App problems

I just started experiencing problems with several windows vista components over the last two days. Has anyone else experienced all of these errors (or any combination) and are there any suggestions as to the problem.

1. Windows Sidebar has stopped working (no big deal but it was the first issue that popped up).

2. ".NET Runtime optimization services stopped working and was closed" (second thing that started to appear)

3. "Internet Explorer has stopped working (IE9)". Now I'm getting annoyed - I usually use firefox but do need IE for some things. The dialogue box appears I click cancel and it keeps popping up and IE only shuts down after 6 or 7 tries at getting rid of the dialogue boxes.

4. COM surrogate has stopped working. Don't even know what this one does but it appeared after trying to open an attached .jpg in a Thunderbird email.

5. FINALLY -- System Restore did not complete successfully AAAAGHHHH. I tried to rollback to a prior state with no success. Tried the last 4 restore points, all failed in the same way.

The last major install I did was Microsoft Office 2007 Professional. Things were working fine for the past week until yesterday.

I've run Super anti spyware, Avira anti virus with no problems found. Will run Spybot search and destroy BUT this feels more like a Microsoft issue (registry problem or a MS update that has gone array).

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I anticipate having to start from a scratch unless these problems sound familiar to anyone.

Welcome
If you are going to start from scratch, I would assume that you have a Vista install DVD, if so you may want to perform a repair install.
http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/88236-repair-install-vista.html?filter[11]=Performance Maintenance
You might want to try an SFC, first, but I dont have much hope for that with all the problems.
If problems are found with the SFC, run three times
http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/66978-system-files-sfc-command.html

No I do not have the Vista Installation DVD. If there is no solution to the problems then I was going to revert to the original system's configuration at time of shipping. This is an option for my HP Laptop.

Yes, that would work, too.
Back up your stuff first
Make sure that you have the key numbers for all applicable software.
I would run a full scan with malwarebytes.

Just a thought, try in safe mode. If it works, try a clean boot to help restore.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135

Thanks - I assume you are suggesting a run of malwarebytes from safe mode BEFORE I revert to a clean machine just to see if there may be a virus etc causing the problem.

BTW originally from Westport, CT

I know it well, not far. My favorite Pizza is Angelinas near the Barnes and Noble Book Store.

The malwarebytes should be done in regular mode
If nothing is found, try using computer in safe mode. If problems are gone, there is a very good chance that it can be fixed with a clean boot.
Dont forget the SFC from my first post

Yup great pie - Thanks - I'll try running it first thing in the AM.

Make sure that you read all the additions I made to my last post.
I dont want to get your hopes up, since its really a long shot.