Apologies for making another thread, but I must get my problem fixed.
It all started when I was trying to download and install a theme. Well all went fine until I couldn't open my start menu orb, and opening a folder or an application on my desktop won't work.

I did a SFC /Scannow to try to fix the problem, restarted and tried to log on. To my demise, an error message popped up, and it showed something (I do not remember) blaming shell32 for the issue. I can log on, but it justs shows a gray screen, and if I try Task Manager it blames shell32.

Stupid me, I disabled System Restore, I did not follow instructions for installing the theme, and it was all my fault. My computer is Windows Vista Service Pack 2, 64 bit, and I do not own any type of Windows Vista DVD (Manufacturer is Gateway).


I have some ideas however, is there a way to get my computer to factory settings, inexpensively? (Step by step please) Or is there a way to get shell32.dll back in?

Getting it repaired
Startup Repair

Instead of doing Startup Repair, do SFC /Scannnow and/or chkdsk in Command Prompt.

To create recovery disc or usb:
Create a Recovery Disc

You don't need to create discs if you had Windows Vista when you got the computer for the first time. Instead, press f8 before it starts booting into Windows OS and then press Startup Repair. Then follow the on-screen instructions.

Originally Posted by DeanP

Getting it repaired
Startup Repair

Instead of doing Startup Repair, do SFC /Scannnow and/or chkdsk in Command Prompt.

To create recovery disc or usb:
Create a Recovery Disc

You don't need to create discs if you had Windows Vista when you got the computer for the first time. Instead, press f8 before it starts booting into Windows OS and then press Startup Repair. Then follow the on-screen instructions.

Thanks for that, I got my computer fixed now.