All Windows-Related Programs Disappeared!!

[Lottiemansion]

Hi,

What type of re-installation disk do you have?

During the system install it will pick the correct one, from the many, for each piece of hardware automatically!

[B]Please note[/B]: - Do NOT install third party drivers from the Windows
update website for Network, modems & graphic cards etc.

So, what are you going to do?

 

[Flash587]

I have an Operating System Reinstallation DVD for Vista HP 64B. I also have a general Drivers and Utilities Disc. I have done this once before and I remember that the reinstallation DVD will not install the drivers for me. Furthermore, the Drivers disc will not install the correct drivers either; I have to know which ones to choose. Fortunately, Dell has a nifty feature I just discovered that lets you put in your service tag and it spits out what drivers you have (or at least should have), so that problem seems to be solved.

I am leaning towards doing a fresh install at this point. I cannot even reinstall the simplest things like Java because it's so out of whack. You all did an excellent job to bring it back this far, but clearly the underlying problem remains. My big decision now is whether I want Vista or 7 (since I have both installation discs). I love the Window's Classic view, which is why I switched back from 7 to Vista the first time I did it. (7 doesn't offer classic.) I may just move up now, though. I already saved the clean install Vista and 7 pages so I can use your walk-through either way.

You all have been life-savers. By the way, if you can think of anything else you'd like me to try before I say screw it and wipe it out, I'm open to suggestions. If I clear it out, I won't do it until late tonight or tomorrow (or later).

 

[The Howling Wolves]

Flash,
Here's one more frying pan to review before you start all over.
Had Windows Recovery virus hit my sons computer and it worked like a charm.
You must follow the directions to the letter.

Remove Windows Recovery (Uninstall Guide)

 

[Flash587]

Howling Wolves,
I have never downloaded Windows Recovery (nor any similar program). I pretty much use my computer for e-mail, various med school programs, and ESPN. The problem with McAfee was the first sign of an issue and it rapidly deteriorated from there. Also, the site said it may make it appear as though files aren't actually there (such as in System32), but that's not the problem I'm having. All of my programs are present and can be located, but windows cannot seem to find the way to run them; furthermore, it cannot seem to run any "complex" (i.e., anything beyond pure folders) downloads or updates. It cannot even save an image of itself to hibernate. I appreciate the help, but it doesn't look like that fix is pertinent to my problem.

 

[The Howling Wolves]

Once your system is really clean then
use this.............
http://download.bleepingcomputer.com/grinler/unhide.exe

Maybe that will bring those programs back to life.
It worked for my sons computer.

 

[richc46]

We have been away from your problem for a while, now. I came back with an open mind. I think that the best solution at this point, if the above does not work, is to save your stuff and then try a repair install
http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/88236-repair-install-vista.html?filter[11]=Performance Maintenance

 

[Flash587]

So you suggest repair over clean installation?

 

[richc46]

Actually, I think a clean install is the best way to go, but most members prefer the easy way.

 

[Flash587]

Nah, if I'm going to take the time to do this, I'm going to do it right. (This site's clean install tutorial is excellent.) I'm too tired for tonight, though. Now I just have to decide if I can handle losing the Windows Classic options and go with 7 for the speed or if I should stick with the setup I love and go with Vista.

 

[richc46]

All I can say to that is, I had Vista and now have Seven. They are the same except for extra features in Seven that I like.
Such as built in system image
and
Restore of personal documents

 

[Flash587]

Hey. It took a couple of days to reinstall everything, restore all of my old settings, etc., but I'm now back up and running with my "new" computer.

As a final note in case you happen to encounter someone with a similar problem in the future, when I went to format my hard drive to do the clean install, I found something pecuilar. My computer only had two partitions when I first set it up a couple of years ago (the primary and a restore); however, when I went to format the hard drive while doing the clean install, I found that a third partition had been created that did not show up when I was in Windows. That was the first I had seen of it. I went ahead and formatted all three and deleted them all (the restore was worthless anyway) and started over completely from scratch and have found no problems. I have no clue what that third partition was all about/how it got there/what was on it, but I thought I'd let you know since I had never seen something like that before. Perhaps the root of the problems was somewhere in there. Who knows.

Anyway, thanks again for all of the help you all offered throughout!

 

[richc46]

You are very welcome and Im glad that it finally worked out for you.