Many thanks Malke for your very comprehensive reply. Your website is also
impressive and I started applying those hints.
Strangely enough Safe Mode is not usable because Windows Explorer does not
start.
As I mentioned in normal mode most programs work (exceptions those mentioned).
Thanks again,
Dan
"Malke" wrote:
Quote:
> Dan wrote:
> Quote:
> > I am using Vista Ultimate x64 Build 6001 SP1.
> > Intel® Core(TM)2 CPU 6700 @ 2.66GHz 2.66 GHz Memory (RAM) 4.00 GB
> > The behavior described below started suddenly, possibly after the
> > installation of an update.
> > Some of the symptoms are:
> >
> > When I click on System Restore I get (as expected) the dialog box ?Windows
> > needs your permission to continue?
> > I click Continue. Apparently nothing happens.
> > I repeat the above and I get the message ?The System Restore wizard is
> > already running.? However, it is not visible.
> >
> > Task Manager also remains invisible.
> >
> > When I click on ?Turn Windows features on and off? the ?Windows Features?
> > box is displayed with ?Please wait...? but nothing happens.
> >
> > When trying to uninstall an update, Windows Installer displays "Preparing
> > to install..." and remains so forever. Click Cancel, after 10 min or so
> > ?Install server is not responding?.
> >
> > At times Visual Studio and the Office 2007 programs go in No responding
> > mode and I must reboot.
> >
> > When I shut down the computer "Logging off " is displayed until I use
> > the hardware shut down button.
> >
> > Chkdsk found nothing wrong.
> >
> > Sfc /scannow doesn?t start; the cursor is blinking on the next line for
> > ever.
> >
> > The same in Safe Mode.
> >
> > When I try to start from the DVD the Vista background is displayed with
> > the mouse cursor but then nothing.
>
> 1. Make sure the computer is virus/malware-free. The symptoms you are
> describing can certainly be caused by infection. Here are some general
> removal steps:
>
> http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/...moving_Malware
>
> Be thorough. As said at that link, you should get all tools and their
> updates from a different, known-clean machine and you should do all work in
> Safe Mode.
>
> 2. If after you've done your thorough scanning you find the machine to be
> clean, I would do a System Restore to when things worked since the change
> was recent and sudden. To run System Restore, go to the Start Orb and in
> the Start Search box type "System Restore" without the quotes. System
> Restore will appear in the Programs result. Click on it, allow the UAC
> prompt, and follow the wizard.
>
> (Note: You will be tempted to run System Restore before making sure your
> computer is clean because it is less work. It isn't what I would do, but
> naturally what you do is your choice.)
>
> 3. If the machine is clean and System Restore doesn't help, I'd next look at
> the hardware to make sure it is sound. I'd start with the hard drive.
>
> http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/...ardware_Tshoot
>
> Malke
> --
> MS-MVP
> Elephant Boy Computers
> www.elephantboycomputers.com
> Don't Panic!
>