Corrupted file folder

[aftermath]

On my Lenovo 3000 N100 laptop using Windows Vista Home Premium I cannot run chkdsk or do a System Restore. When I run chkdsk as Administrator or in Safe Mode I get the following:


After running a system scan, the log stated that the folder C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Crypto\RSA\MachineKeys was corrupted. When trying to access this file, I got the following message:


I ran chkdsk /f and chkdsk /r and neither repaired the problem. How can I correct this problem so that chkdsk will run, and most importantly, so that I can do a System Restore when necessary?

 

[richc46]

Welcome to the Forum

You can try to fix the corrupted files. Go to search and in search type cmd. Do not hit enter. On cmd right click and run as administrator. In cmd type
sfc /scannow.

If errors are found, run several times. Only one file at a time is fixed.

 

[aftermath]

Thanks for your suggestion, I ran scannow as administrator 8 times both in safe mode and regular mode, and the situation still exists. This is the screen after the scan cmpletes:


I viewed the CBS log as suggested in the cmd screen. This is the view:
View attachment CBS log 2.doc

Any other suggestion would be appreciated.

 

[richc46]

There are several errors shown. What happened? What caused this?

Run a thourough Virus Check
Download and use malwarebytes.

 

[richc46]

There are quite a few errors, what happened?
Did you do someting to cause this?

Here is the download for malwarebytes
Malwarebytes.org

The next step is to try this:
http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/88236-repair-install-vista.html?filter[11]=Performance Maintenance

 

[aftermath]

This condition has persisted for quite a few months. My computer works ok. I have no other problems. I decided I had better try to rectify this problem just in case it is necessary for me to do a System Restore. I have run thorough checks with my anti-virus Avast and my 2 spyware checkers Super AntiSpyware Pro and Malwarebytes Anti-malware. All checks show no viruses and no spyware.

 

[richc46]

Thank you, aftermath

Continue with the other steps.

 

[aftermath]

I do not have an installation DVD. Even if I did, I wouldn't be able to use it because I have SP1 & SP2 installed, and I purchased my laptop 2 1/2 years ago which was before the Service Packs were issued.

 

[richc46]

Other than avast and malwarebytes does the other spychecker have real time protection? Does it catch a problem before it enters or do you have to run a scan?

 

[richc46]

I looked up super anti spyware. Shut if off now, and try the procedure that I gave you before.

 

[aftermath]

Yes, real time protection is enabled and all updates are made when automatically reminded. Just another note - when I run chkdsk /r or chkdsk /f and restart, the boot is normal. Check disk does not run.

 

[aftermath]

Will do.

 

[richc46]

Try the sfc /scannow, again. Try it a few times with the spything off. Then see if system restore works, with spycenter off.

 

[aftermath]

I ran sfc scannow twice with SuperAntispyware turned off. The third time I ran it, I got a different message. I tried running it again and got the same message. I then ran chkdsk, and it showed that there were still corrupted files. Because of this, I did not want to try to do a System Restore. I have attached the cmd screen.

 

[richc46]

Turn off the computer, boot up. During boot continually hit f8, this will bring you to safe mode. See how everything works in safe mode.

Leave spycenter off. Do not use it until this is fixed. It my guess that is the cause.

 

[aftermath]

I ran scannow and chkdsk in Safe Mode, and the results were the same as in nomal mode. One of the options when booting up in Safe Mode was "Repair your Computer". The description for this option is "View a list of system recover tools you can use to repair starting problems, run diagnostics, or restore your system." Is one of those choices a possibility for repairing my problem? I surely don't want to have to reformat my hard drive to solve this problem. In checking other postings in this forum, I came across this possibilty at http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/130824-chkdsk-will-not-run-startup-vista.html. What about step three - repair by Download?

 

[richc46]

Yes, that is an option, but I prefer to wait see if there is an easier way. Did you try system restore in safe mode?

 

[aftermath]

I didn't try system restore in safe mode. I wouldn't know what restore point to use if it did work since these files have been corrupted for many months. If I would just go back to a recent restore point, would not the corrupted files still exist when the system is restored if they existed at the time I selected to restore to? I know I should not have put off trying to find a solution to this problem for this long of a time, but as long as I was not having any other problem with the computer it wasn't on my priority list.

 

[richc46]

I am not going to forget about you. I am leaving for the night. I will answer any post when I return.

 

[richc46]

Troubleshooting steps for issues when you try to use the System Restore tool in Windows XP

Last one for the night.