Vista - System Restore reluctant to run

Hi guys

Been having issues trying to run System Restore. Variable results. Could not start it from Safe Mode or via msconfig earlier - it thought it was running but didn't execute properly - told me the wizard was already running when I tried to start a second instance.

On occasion the error message "Class not registered 0x80040154" resulted

Many PC restarts had no effect. Then, possibly by co-incidence I ended rstrui.exe process in Task Manager (out of frustration) and for now it seems to run ok.

Already posted an issue about elevated command prompt probs - just wondering if I have an underlying bug? Reluctant to resort to a full re-install just yet.

I'm happy to tackle the system - given a clue where to start looking. Any pointers to diagnostic tools / registry checkers etc would be much appreciated

Thanks

Alan

Hello ztransform,
Will it let you create a restore point ?.
A couple of things you could try, (if you already haven't)
1. On re-boot press F8, and choose last known good config.
2. Use the system repair option on your Vista disc.
3. Use the restore option on your Vista disc.
4. Bring up the ELEVATED command prompt, type the following:

sfc /scannow

Hit Enter.
These are in no particular order, so pick what you think is the easiest first.


I suspect most, if not all of these, will not be new to you.
Good luck and post your results.
In the mean time i will continue digging around.

Just to make sure all is well, run Malwarebyes and CCleaner.

http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php

http://www.ccleaner.com/download

Both free, and both very good.

Hi stoneys-nutz,

Many thanks for those suggestions - all were welcome and courtesy requires that I report the results - so sorry for a lengthy post. But first -

Bottom line - system returned to satisfactory behaviour but without any obvious cause for the earlier malfunction - never a satisfactory result. But if it ain't broke - I ain't going to fix it.

So your suggestions

Not earlier in the day - but yes now!

No noticeable effect

.
Panic set in here - This is an OEM machine and the Compaq repair process seemed determined to push me down a possible factory re-install. So I avoided this.

Not used this before - looks powerful. It found and fixed some file corruption (Many thanks!) But it also reported some unfixable stuff. The text log produced is far too complex for my present level of understanding so I'll need to do some more work to find out what to do with this next.


Finally,

More very useful utilities - As I expected, the registry was full of redundant keys, but no obvious disasters - all nicely clean now. No malware found.

Now that I have found this site I'll spend some time reading around and get myself up to speed.

Again - many thanks for the help.

Alan

(edited at 2300 GMT 9 Aug)
Post Script - With the aid of Brink's excellent tutorial , I've cracked the sfc log file output (well enough for now anyway). The only corrupt file is a Font - so I'm not going to lose much sleep over that one. Brilliant Result!

Alan

Your more than welcome.
As you say, if it's working, and it stays working, (fingers crossed), then let it get on with it. lol.
Were always here, so any problems, just give us a shout.
Glad it's working, good luck.