Windows update screwed up my desktop, Windows 98 toolbar

Something is wrong if you are getting burned with updates. Never once in my life did I or other people I know get burned by a Microsoft update like this, and I used windows me. Not saying it cannot happen, its just I suspect something else is wrong with your computer.

So lets find out whats going on here. Most people that have problems with windows is mostly caused due to poorly written programs by 3rd parties.

1.) What programs do you have running at startup?


2.)You may have programs running at startup that is causing this issue. Please see this tutorial to temporary disable them and see if the issue is resolved:

Troubleshoot Application Conflicts by Performing a Clean Startup

3.) What security software do you use?

4.) Download the latest video driver for your laptop from here:

http://global-download.acer.com/GDFi...C=ACER&SC=PA_6

5.) Please Run sfc /scan now using option 2 in this tutorial: SFC /SCANNOW Command - System File Checker

Please post back the results.
Please indicate what message was displayed at the end:

Windows found no integrity violations

OR

Corrupt files were found, and windows was unable to fix them.

OR

Corrupt files were found, and windows successfully repaired them

6.) You can do a System Restore back to a point before this issue. But this is only a quick fix, we would need to find the real cause.


Any questions just ask :)

I suspect Windows Update did install a new Video driver and that is what caused the problem. Just a guess on my part. Look at Windows Update History and see what it shows for the update session that caused the problem.

Normally there is no reason to update a driver unless you are having a problem. That's the "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" axiom.

I will point out that all driver updates from windows update will always be under optional. Also, the manufacturer works with microsoft to develop and test those drivers before putting them on windows update. Sometimes though, the manufacturer decides to release updates for drivers but only on their website, as they do not want to go through the rigorous testing process that microsoft uses for drivers. I find that windows drivers are much more stable and perform better than the ones updated by the manufacturer. But that is due to the fact that they are tested more.

If you chose to install them under optional, it will install them. This however does not happen automatically.

So I would like to know what updates were recently installed. It is possible that the updates that were installed caused the video driver to fail, but I am not sure why. Acer is known for having crappy drivers and cheap hardware. You might want to go to intel website here to check for the latest drivers for your product. Your video driver came from this website form acer:

Acer | Download

I would check to make sure all your drivers are up to date.

I would also look at intels website here: Intel® Driver Update Utility

I will note that the drivers that ship with your system typically are the most stable. Drivers for video and everything else should be kept up to date if you're a gamer or heavy user, but if you have issues it is better to roll back. As stated above, if its not broke do not fix it. So really, there should not be a reason to update drivers constantly. I myself like to stay as up to date as possible. Sometimes though, the windows update drivers are the best for your system. This is especially true in pre-built store bought pcs.

I also suspect that you might have a program at startup causing the issue, and you might have some other things wrong with your pc we do not know about.

If you wish to explore that, let us know.

This is the only one I see that had any problems.

Defective Security Update KB 2957509

Doesn't look like it would cause a video problem.

I have a thought.
I do not have any sites to prove it.
I don not have any previous post to prove it.
Just a thought.

Is it possible that Malicious Software Removal Tool saw your Windows 98 gadget as malicious. MSRT could of run in the background and quarantined it.

HUH?


When the op mentioned windows 98 look like-they were talking about the classic theme. Aero was disabled, so it goes to a windows 98 kinda look, classic theme. Try it: Go to personalize, and scroll down to the bottom. Click windows classic theme.