Vista - Control Panel Disappears

I just purchased a new computer with vista home premium. When I try to open
the control panel it briefly flashes (no more than 1 second) and then
disappears. The problem is sporadic. Occasionally upon start up I can
access the control panel but then when I shut down/restart the control panel
flashes and instantly disappears. Repeated shutdowns/restarts and I still
the control panel does not appear. Has anyone experienced the same problem?
Any suggestions?

Hi Harlow--

It can happen on pirated Vista; and I've seen it happen on XP and Vista.

1) You can run SFC:

How to Run SFC:

Type "cmd" into the Search box above the Start Button>and when cmd comes up
at the top of the Start menu>right click cmd and click "run as Admin" and
when the cmd prompt comes up at the cmd prompt type "sfc /scannow" no quotes
and let it run. This may fix things quite a bit. It replaces corrupt files
with intact ones, if you're not familiar with it.

If no help from SFC you can try a restore point to before this happened or
you try the steps below if you have a Vista DVD:

Startup Repair will look like this when you put in the Vista DVD:

http://www.vistaclues.com/wp-content...r-computer.png

You run the startup repair tool this way (and system restore from here is
also sometimes effective):

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/925810/en-us

How To Run Startup Repair In Vista Ultimate (Multiple Screenshots)
http://www.windowsvista.windowsreins...rtup/index.htm


I'm going to give you a bunch of links and most of them you won't have to
use, but they are alternative ways to fix Vista.

Right now I want you to put in the DVD and restart. It will automatically
take you to this on your screen:

http://www.vistaclues.com/wp-content...r-computer.png

That will allow you to go to the Vista setup that has a Repair link on the
lower left corner>click it and then you'll see a gray backgrounded list and
I want you to click Startup Repair from it and follow the directions.

The gray screen after you click the first link in the above pic will look
like this:

http://www.windowsreinstall.com/winv...ir/Image17.gif

Click Startup Repair, the link at the top and after it scans>click OK and
let it try to repair Vista. It will tell you if it does, and if not

This should work, but if not,then you can follow the alternative ways to fix
this including booting into Safe Mode by tapping the F8 key and using System
Restore.

Directions and links for alternative ways to fix this are below, but I hope
you won't need them:

If you have any questions on getting the Startup Repair done, just post
them.

If you have a Vista DVD try Startup Repair. If that doesn't work, try
SafeMode>System Restore from the Recovery Environment, and you always have
the F8 advanced options ( five of them including Last Known Good
Configuration) and a repair install (with the DVD) as well.

In addition you can use the Bootsect tool to manually repair the boot sector
by accessing the command prompt from the DVD or from F8 and typing at the
prompt:

****Ten Methods to Repair BSOD No Boots or Serious Problems in Windows
Vista****

***Startup Repair and System Restore from the Win Recovery Environment on
the DVD***

You can run Startup Repair by putting your Vista DVD in after theanguage
screen in setup. You can also run System Restore from the same
location.

You run the startup repair tool this way (and system restore from here is
also sometimes effective):

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/925810/en-us

How To Run Startup Repair In Vista Ultimate (Multiple Screenshots)
http://www.windowsvista.windowsreins...rtup/index.htm

Note The computer must be configured to start from a CD or from a DVD. For
information about how to configure the computer to start from a CD or from a
DVD, see the information that came with the computer.
2. Restart the computer. To do this, click Start, click the arrow next to
the Lock button, and then click Restart.

This usually means that you enter bios setup by whatever key or keys
(sometimes there is more than one key that will do it for your model--go to
pc manufacturer site) and configure CD to be first in the boot order (this
will allow you to boot from the Vista DVD as well):

See for ref:
Access/Enter Motherboard BIOS
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/bios_manufacturer.htm

Boot Order in Bios (Set Boot from HD 1st)
http://www.short-media.com/images/mm...ios/bios03.jpg

Note If you cannot restart the computer by using this method, use the power
button to turn off the computer. Then, turn the computer back on.

3. Set your language preference, and then click Next.

Note In most cases, the startup repair process starts automatically, and you
do not have the option to select it in the System Recovery Options menu.

4. Click Repair your computer.

5. In the System Recovery Options dialog box, click the operating system
that you want to repair, and then click Next.

6. In the System Recovery Options menu, click Startup Repair to start the
repair process.

7. When the repair process is complete, click Finish.

Additional References for Startup Repair With Screenshots:

How to Use Startup Repair:

***Accessing Windows RE (Repair Environment):***

1) Insert Media into PC (the DVD you burned)

2) ***You will see on the Vista logo setup screen after lang. options in the
lower left corner, a link called "System Recovery Options."***

Screenshot: System Recovery Options (Lower Left Link)
http://blogs.itecn.net/photos/liuhui...4/500x375.aspx

Screenshot: (Click first option "Startup Repair"
http://www.leedesmond.com/images/img...SysRecOpt2.bmp

How To Run Startup Repair In Vista Ultimate (Multiple Screenshots)
http://www.windowsvista.windowsreins...rtup/index.htm

3) Select your OS for repair.

4) Its been my experience that you can see some causes of the crash from
theWin RE feature:

You'll have a choice there of using:

1) Startup Repair
2) System Restore
3) Complete PC Restore
___________________

In addition you can use the Bootsect tool to manually repair the boot sector
by accessing the command prompt from the DVD or from F8 and typing at the
prompt:

Bootsect.exe is available from the \Boot\folder of the Windows Vista DVD and
can be run from within System Recovery or Windows XP on a dual boot.


1. Use Bootsect.exe to restore the Windows Vista MBR and the boot code that
transfers control to the Windows Boot Manager program. To do this, type the
following command at a command prompt: Drive:\boot\Bootsect.exe /NT60 All

In this command, Drive is the drive where the Windows Vista installation
media is located.

Note The boot folder for this step is on the DVD drive.
2. Use Bcdedit.exe to manually create an entry in the BCD Boot.ini file for
the earlier version of the Windows operating system. To do this, type the
following commands at a command prompt.

Note In these commands, Drive is the drive where Windows Vista is
installed. • Drive:\Windows\system32\Bcdedit /create {ntldr} –d "Description
for earlier Windows version"

Note In this command, Description for earlier Windows version can be any
text that you want. For example, Description for earlier Windows version can
be "Windows XP" or "Windows Server 2003".
• Drive:\Windows\system32\Bcdedit /set {ntldr} device partition=x:

Note In this command, x: is the drive letter for the active partition.
• Drive:\Windows\system32\Bcdedit /set {ntldr} path \ntldr
• Drive:\Windows\system32\Bcdedit /displayorder {ntldr} –addlast

3. Restart the computer.
____________________________
******Using the BootRec.exe Tool

Using the System Recovery Tool from the Repair link on the DVD after the
language choice in the lower left hand corner you can select command prompt
and you have the following options:

Bootrec.exe (You can use this tool to recover Vista even when you do not
receive the error message that is the title of the 2nd linked MSKB below):

How to use the Bootrec.exe tool in the Windows Recovery Environment to
troubleshoot and repair startup issues in Windows Vista

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/927392/en-us

Error message when you start Windows Vista: "The Windows Boot Configuration
Data file is missing required information"
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/927391/en-us
_____________________________________________________________
***Using the F8 Environment or a Repair Install from the DVD:***

See for ref:
Access/Enter Motherboard BIOS
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/bios_manufacturer.htm

Boot Order in Bios (Set Boot from HD 1st)
http://www.short-media.com/images/mm...ios/bios03.jpg

Repair Install
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/u...ps/doug92.mspx

Repair Install (Method 2):
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/315341

III Taking Full Advantage of the F8 Options (Windows Advanced Options Menu)
by startin gth ePC and tapping F8 once per second:

You could also:

Think: I have 4 different ways to get back my XP at F8 and try 'em in order.
1) Safe Mode 2) Safe Mode with Cmd to Sys Restore which is simply a cmd
prompt in safe mode 3) Safe Mode with Neworking 4) LKG or Last Known Good
Configuration


Try to F8 to the Windows Adv Options Menu>try 3 safe modes there (I don't
use WGA) and Last Known Good>then I go to Win RE in Vista. That gives you a
choice of Safe Mode, Safe Mode with Networking,and Safe Mode with Command
Prompt.

These methods are outlined in

A description of the Safe Mode Boot options in Windows XP/and Vista
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315222/

How to Use System Restore

http://bertk.mvps.org/

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding System Restore from MSFT:

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/pro.../faqsrwxp.mspx

Using System Restore

http://tinyurl.com/dvekb

System Restore for Windows XP

http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_restore.htm

How to start the System Restore tool at a command prompt in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;304449


Repair Install: (This option has the best chance of succeeding and it
preserves everything in your OS--you do not lose anything with this option):

Make sure the DVD you have is a Vista DVD

Pitfalls: If the DVD came from friend or relative or P2P, you may have
problems. P2P besides being illlegal in many countries including the U.S.
can be corrupt. If CD came from friend or relative, they may have given
you the CD to use but if product key is in use, MSFT is not going to accept
it for activation. Make sure you clean the CD carefully using proper
cleaning fluid and strokes that radiate from center like spokes on a wheel.

Again a repair install has the most likely chance to succeed in XP, (and can
work in Vista) but you need
to have a Vista DVD.

First, in order to do a Repair Install You must boot to the bios setup and
position booting from the "CD" first in the boot order--it probably will not
say DVD but might.

Booting to Bios Setup:

For 85% of PC's and all Dells you can tap the F2 key to reach bios setup.

How To Enable DVD/CD Rom Support (put CD boot first) in bios setup boot
order:

http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org/how..._support_i.htm

Screen Shot of bios setup boot order:
http://www.poy.net/proxy/bios2.jpg

Repair Install Does Not Lose Anything; you may need to try 2-3 times but
that's rare.

How To Repair Install
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/3153...22120121120120
Screen Shot Repair Install
http://www.windowsreinstall.com/winx...exfullpage.htm

Good luck,

CH






"Harlow" <Harlow@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:9D9C6432-CA47-4FC3-8446-11B6C6FFFD08@microsoft.com...
>I just purchased a new computer with vista home premium. When I try to
>open
> the control panel it briefly flashes (no more than 1 second) and then
> disappears. The problem is sporadic. Occasionally upon start up I can
> access the control panel but then when I shut down/restart the control
> panel
> flashes and instantly disappears. Repeated shutdowns/restarts and I still
> the control panel does not appear. Has anyone experienced the same
> problem?
> Any suggestions?

Hello Chad,
Thank you for your response. I will try your suggestions as this is
extremely frustrating to have happen with a brand new Dell system. Thus far
Dell tech support has been unable to resolve the issue and sent a replacement
system which has the exact same defect. I have not downloaded any software
and am running only the Dell installed software.

Thus far I have tried the following from your list of suggestions:

1. Run SFC. At the end of the scan I got the following message: "Windows
Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them.
Details are included in the CBS.Log windir\Logs\CBS\CBS.log. For example,
C:\Windows|Logs|CBS\CBS.log". Not sure if this is the cause of my problem or
what do do next with this information.

I have also completed a system restore (however, the problem did not develop
after a period of time...it was there all along but on an intermittent
basis). I also complete a pc restore without any luck.

I will keep working this. Thank you again for your suggestions.
Harlow

"Chad Harris" wrote:

> Hi Harlow--
>
> It can happen on pirated Vista; and I've seen it happen on XP and Vista.
>
> 1) You can run SFC:
>
> How to Run SFC:
>
> Type "cmd" into the Search box above the Start Button>and when cmd comes up
> at the top of the Start menu>right click cmd and click "run as Admin" and
> when the cmd prompt comes up at the cmd prompt type "sfc /scannow" no quotes
> and let it run. This may fix things quite a bit. It replaces corrupt files
> with intact ones, if you're not familiar with it.
>
> If no help from SFC you can try a restore point to before this happened or
> you try the steps below if you have a Vista DVD:
>
> Startup Repair will look like this when you put in the Vista DVD:
>
> http://www.vistaclues.com/wp-content...r-computer.png
>
> You run the startup repair tool this way (and system restore from here is
> also sometimes effective):
>
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/925810/en-us
>
> How To Run Startup Repair In Vista Ultimate (Multiple Screenshots)
> http://www.windowsvista.windowsreins...rtup/index.htm
>
>
> I'm going to give you a bunch of links and most of them you won't have to
> use, but they are alternative ways to fix Vista.
>
> Right now I want you to put in the DVD and restart. It will automatically
> take you to this on your screen:
>
> http://www.vistaclues.com/wp-content...r-computer.png
>
> That will allow you to go to the Vista setup that has a Repair link on the
> lower left corner>click it and then you'll see a gray backgrounded list and
> I want you to click Startup Repair from it and follow the directions.
>
> The gray screen after you click the first link in the above pic will look
> like this:
>
> http://www.windowsreinstall.com/winv...ir/Image17.gif
>
> Click Startup Repair, the link at the top and after it scans>click OK and
> let it try to repair Vista. It will tell you if it does, and if not
>
> This should work, but if not,then you can follow the alternative ways to fix
> this including booting into Safe Mode by tapping the F8 key and using System
> Restore.
>
> Directions and links for alternative ways to fix this are below, but I hope
> you won't need them:
>
> If you have any questions on getting the Startup Repair done, just post
> them.
>
> If you have a Vista DVD try Startup Repair. If that doesn't work, try
> SafeMode>System Restore from the Recovery Environment, and you always have
> the F8 advanced options ( five of them including Last Known Good
> Configuration) and a repair install (with the DVD) as well.
>
> In addition you can use the Bootsect tool to manually repair the boot sector
> by accessing the command prompt from the DVD or from F8 and typing at the
> prompt:
>
> ****Ten Methods to Repair BSOD No Boots or Serious Problems in Windows
> Vista****
>
> ***Startup Repair and System Restore from the Win Recovery Environment on
> the DVD***
>
> You can run Startup Repair by putting your Vista DVD in after theanguage
> screen in setup. You can also run System Restore from the same
> location.
>
> You run the startup repair tool this way (and system restore from here is
> also sometimes effective):
>
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/925810/en-us
>
> How To Run Startup Repair In Vista Ultimate (Multiple Screenshots)
> http://www.windowsvista.windowsreins...rtup/index.htm
>
> Note The computer must be configured to start from a CD or from a DVD. For
> information about how to configure the computer to start from a CD or from a
> DVD, see the information that came with the computer.
> 2. Restart the computer. To do this, click Start, click the arrow next to
> the Lock button, and then click Restart.
>
> This usually means that you enter bios setup by whatever key or keys
> (sometimes there is more than one key that will do it for your model--go to
> pc manufacturer site) and configure CD to be first in the boot order (this
> will allow you to boot from the Vista DVD as well):
>
> See for ref:
> Access/Enter Motherboard BIOS
> http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/bios_manufacturer.htm
>
> Boot Order in Bios (Set Boot from HD 1st)
> http://www.short-media.com/images/mm...ios/bios03.jpg
>
> Note If you cannot restart the computer by using this method, use the power
> button to turn off the computer. Then, turn the computer back on.
>
> 3. Set your language preference, and then click Next.
>
> Note In most cases, the startup repair process starts automatically, and you
> do not have the option to select it in the System Recovery Options menu.
>
> 4. Click Repair your computer.
>
> 5. In the System Recovery Options dialog box, click the operating system
> that you want to repair, and then click Next.
>
> 6. In the System Recovery Options menu, click Startup Repair to start the
> repair process.
>
> 7. When the repair process is complete, click Finish.
>
> Additional References for Startup Repair With Screenshots:
>
> How to Use Startup Repair:
>
> ***Accessing Windows RE (Repair Environment):***
>
> 1) Insert Media into PC (the DVD you burned)
>
> 2) ***You will see on the Vista logo setup screen after lang. options in the
> lower left corner, a link called "System Recovery Options."***
>
> Screenshot: System Recovery Options (Lower Left Link)
> http://blogs.itecn.net/photos/liuhui...4/500x375.aspx
>
> Screenshot: (Click first option "Startup Repair"
> http://www.leedesmond.com/images/img...SysRecOpt2.bmp
>
> How To Run Startup Repair In Vista Ultimate (Multiple Screenshots)
> http://www.windowsvista.windowsreins...rtup/index.htm
>
> 3) Select your OS for repair.
>
> 4) Its been my experience that you can see some causes of the crash from
> theWin RE feature:
>
> You'll have a choice there of using:
>
> 1) Startup Repair
> 2) System Restore
> 3) Complete PC Restore
> ___________________
>
> In addition you can use the Bootsect tool to manually repair the boot sector
> by accessing the command prompt from the DVD or from F8 and typing at the
> prompt:
>
> Bootsect.exe is available from the \Boot\folder of the Windows Vista DVD and
> can be run from within System Recovery or Windows XP on a dual boot.
>
>
> 1. Use Bootsect.exe to restore the Windows Vista MBR and the boot code that
> transfers control to the Windows Boot Manager program. To do this, type the
> following command at a command prompt: Drive:\boot\Bootsect.exe /NT60 All
>
> In this command, Drive is the drive where the Windows Vista installation
> media is located.
>
> Note The boot folder for this step is on the DVD drive.
> 2. Use Bcdedit.exe to manually create an entry in the BCD Boot.ini file for
> the earlier version of the Windows operating system. To do this, type the
> following commands at a command prompt.
>
> Note In these commands, Drive is the drive where Windows Vista is
> installed. • Drive:\Windows\system32\Bcdedit /create {ntldr} –d "Description
> for earlier Windows version"
>
> Note In this command, Description for earlier Windows version can be any
> text that you want. For example, Description for earlier Windows version can
> be "Windows XP" or "Windows Server 2003".
> • Drive:\Windows\system32\Bcdedit /set {ntldr} device partition=x:
>
> Note In this command, x: is the drive letter for the active partition.
> • Drive:\Windows\system32\Bcdedit /set {ntldr} path \ntldr
> • Drive:\Windows\system32\Bcdedit /displayorder {ntldr} –addlast
>
> 3. Restart the computer.
> ____________________________
> ******Using the BootRec.exe Tool
>
> Using the System Recovery Tool from the Repair link on the DVD after the
> language choice in the lower left hand corner you can select command prompt
> and you have the following options:
>
> Bootrec.exe (You can use this tool to recover Vista even when you do not
> receive the error message that is the title of the 2nd linked MSKB below):
>
> How to use the Bootrec.exe tool in the Windows Recovery Environment to
> troubleshoot and repair startup issues in Windows Vista
>
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/927392/en-us
>
> Error message when you start Windows Vista: "The Windows Boot Configuration
> Data file is missing required information"
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/927391/en-us
> _____________________________________________________________
> ***Using the F8 Environment or a Repair Install from the DVD:***
>
> See for ref:
> Access/Enter Motherboard BIOS
> http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/bios_manufacturer.htm
>
> Boot Order in Bios (Set Boot from HD 1st)
> http://www.short-media.com/images/mm...ios/bios03.jpg
>
> Repair Install
> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/u...ps/doug92.mspx
>
> Repair Install (Method 2):
> http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/315341
>
> III Taking Full Advantage of the F8 Options (Windows Advanced Options Menu)
> by startin gth ePC and tapping F8 once per second:
>
> You could also:
>
> Think: I have 4 different ways to get back my XP at F8 and try 'em in order.
> 1) Safe Mode 2) Safe Mode with Cmd to Sys Restore which is simply a cmd
> prompt in safe mode 3) Safe Mode with Neworking 4) LKG or Last Known Good
> Configuration
>
>
> Try to F8 to the Windows Adv Options Menu>try 3 safe modes there (I don't
> use WGA) and Last Known Good>then I go to Win RE in Vista. That gives you a
> choice of Safe Mode, Safe Mode with Networking,and Safe Mode with Command
> Prompt.
>
> These methods are outlined in
>
> A description of the Safe Mode Boot options in Windows XP/and Vista
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315222/
>
> How to Use System Restore
>
> http://bertk.mvps.org/
>
> Frequently Asked Questions Regarding System Restore from MSFT:
>
> http://www.microsoft.com/technet/pro.../faqsrwxp.mspx
>
> Using System Restore
>
> http://tinyurl.com/dvekb
>
> System Restore for Windows XP
>
> http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_restore.htm
>
> How to start the System Restore tool at a command prompt in Windows XP
>
> http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;304449
>
>
> Repair Install: (This option has the best chance of succeeding and it
> preserves everything in your OS--you do not lose anything with this option):
>
> Make sure the DVD you have is a Vista DVD
>
> Pitfalls: If the DVD came from friend or relative or P2P, you may have
> problems. P2P besides being illlegal in many countries including the U.S.
> can be corrupt. If CD came from friend or relative, they may have given
> you the CD to use but if product key is in use, MSFT is not going to accept
> it for activation. Make sure you clean the CD carefully using proper
> cleaning fluid and strokes that radiate from center like spokes on a wheel.
>
> Again a repair install has the most likely chance to succeed in XP, (and can
> work in Vista) but you need
> to have a Vista DVD.
>
> First, in order to do a Repair Install You must boot to the bios setup and
> position booting from the "CD" first in the boot order--it probably will not
> say DVD but might.
>
> Booting to Bios Setup:
>
> For 85% of PC's and all Dells you can tap the F2 key to reach bios setup.
>
> How To Enable DVD/CD Rom Support (put CD boot first) in bios setup boot
> order:
>
> http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org/how..._support_i.htm
>
> Screen Shot of bios setup boot order:
> http://www.poy.net/proxy/bios2.jpg
>
> Repair Install Does Not Lose Anything; you may need to try 2-3 times but
> that's rare.
>

I did a Google search for this problem. It seems that many people are having
this. Some suspect it has to do with the iNvidia 8000 series display card.
Some others are saying that it has to doiwth the Java scripting.

If you were to fully re-install Vista it would be good to see if that fixes
it, and for how long.

--

Jerry G.



"Harlow" wrote:

Hello Harlow,
Before you do anything drastic, try the following 2 suggestions :

1.) Right click on an open space of your desktop > click Personalize > click Change Desktop Icons. Now, see if the box in front of the Control Panel has been checked. If not, do so.

2.) Right click on Start Button > click Properties > click Start Menu tab > click Customize. Now, see if the Control Panel section has been checked at all. Choose either " display as a link " or " display as a menu ". UN-CHECK " Don't display this item ".
Please reply afterwards.