Vista - Cant open the control panel

I cant open the control panel on my system either fron the desktop shortcut or the start menu. I did think it may be a driver issue after i upgraded my 8800gtxoc2 to the latest nvidia driver.
I decided to do a system restore to just before i did the instalation, but after 6 attempts on several restore points they have all failed.
I have strated my comp up in safe mode and removed the driver but the problem is still there.
i have restarted the software licence but i am stuck now and need some advice before i bite the bullet and reformat.

Using the origional vista disk is there a way of doing a re-instal without losing my data .

Thanks

Chris

Have you tried repairing from the Vista disc....this shouldn't affect your data.

I have been cautious about repairing from the vista disc as the options are not straight forward.
Forgot to add im using an OEM version

Has anyone got any other ideas please

Homerstoner <guest@xxxxxx-email.com> wrote:
You said that 6 attempts to system restore all failed.

Does that mean that you cannot restore to an earlier point or that the
restore didn't cure your problem.

If the former, try restoring in Safe Mode.

If the latter, rollback your video driver and see what happens.

Thanks for the reply.

Unfortunately i have tried both of those fixes. I have even deleted the video driver and the card in device manager and reinstalled the older driver i got with the disc.
I have an OEM version of vista 64 ultimate and wondered if i reinstall vista this might work.
Everything i use on a regular basis works fine exept the control panel and system restore

What isn't straight forward about it?

How to automatically repair Windows Vista using Startup Repair

I am having the same problem. Control Panel will not open. When I click on it
in the start menu the window opens up but closes immediately.

Additionally automatic update does not open and if i right click on my
desktop and click personalize, nothing happens.

Thanks

Twis

"locoeng" wrote:

Ok im sorted but it took a complete re-install of the OS and the loss of all my data (which i did backup ).
i have tried several fixes but none of them have worked in my case which points me to a VIRUS.

A lot of messing about but im ok now Thanks for any help given

I was asked to look at a Windows Vista laptop computer where the Control Panel would not stay open. I also found that the Windows Update would not run. I tried two system restores which did not resolve the problem. I also tried restarting the License Service which did not work. I did find that Control Panel ran in Safe Mode.

I then went to Microsoft and downloaded the Vista SP1 and installed it. The problem was resolved by installing the Vista SP1.

If you already have Vista SP1 installed, try system restore prior to Vista SP1 and then go to Microsoft to download the Vista SP1 and reinstall.

I also ran AVG and Spybot and found nothing.

Hope this helps others having this problem, Frank