So here's what happened.

Following a nVidia video driver update on my Vista 32 Ulitimate
(Full-install OEM version) PC I noticed I had to re-activate Windows within 3
days. OK, easy enough, but why? I've never had this issue with XP. I call
for telephone activation and go through all the automated prompts followed by
speaking to a support engineer. I read back all the key digits and he
responded with a few questions and then had me type in the activation key
numbers. Activation Successful! I also checked and passed the Windows
Genuine Advantage test.

OK. We ended the call and I subsequently discovered my Control Panel no
longer opens, the Windows Update application no longer launches, and the
Windows Flip 3D no longer works. I tried to perform a system restore but all
the restore points (dating back to February) are gone. The only one available
is at a time following the reactivation of Vista.

Have any of you folks come across this issue before?

Cheers