Vista - Run Microsoft Application, Another Installs or Runs

Whenever I try to run some Microsoft application, another application or program tries to install or run. I noticed it happens with Visio 2007 and IE 8 but not Word, PowerPoint or Excel 2007.

The program that tries to run or install varies. The files could be in different folders. Sometimes it's one program or it could over 10.

I have a laptop that came with Vista installed, so I don't have the installation DVD to try to repair the problem. I've already tried installing Vista 64 SP1 and running SFC, neither helped.

- sfc /verifyonly - To verify any corrupt files only.
- sfc /scannow - To verify and fix any corrupt files.

There was no installation I did that triggered this problem. Although the problem could have started soon after a Windows Update which I did on October 20, 17 & 14 recently.

Since I use Microsoft programs constantly, this is a major problem for me. Every time I open a new tab in IE, I have to cancel out of programs trying to install. Every time run Visio, I have to close other programs that started and cancel out of programs trying to install.

I've already spent many hours trying to resolve this problem.

I have Windows Vista Home Premium 64

Dev

when you click on an icon to run an app is it a shortcut, or the real file? You can right click whatever you click and get the properties of it.

Do you by chance have the vista dvd?

What about a backup we can restore from?

Let us know if you need help with any of this and tell us what the right click says about the file.

Ken

Ken, Thanks for looking into my issue.

The problem occurs when I click on either a shortcut or the original program file in the Program Files folder.

When I bought the HP Pavillion DV7 laptop, Vista 64 was installed. So I don't have the Vista DVD. I can't remember exactly when the problem started except the vague recollection about it being after the "Important Windows Updates" I mentioned.

I'm due to get a Windows 7 upgrade. Unfortunately I don't know when since it's through HP. I'm going to try to hold on until I see if the upgrade fixes the problem.