Windows 7: Win7 Firewall won't turn on error code 0x6D9 and error code 0x80070424

Ok - I'm trying to fix my friends' computer - Toshiba Satellite L455-S5975 running Windows 7 32-bit

Windows firewall is off and I need to "Update Firewall Settings". When I click use recommended settings, I get a message that says it "can't change some of your settings. Error code 0x80070424" I get the same thing when I click on "Turn Windows Firewall on or off" and "Restore Defaults"

When I click on "Advanced Settings" I get "There was an error opening the Windows Firewall with Advanced Security snap-in" followed by it "failed to load. Restart the Windows Firewall service on the computer you are managing. Error code 0x6D9."



I scanned the computer using both Avast and Microsoft Safety Scanner (full scan and took over 2 hours) - no infections or issues found

I installed all Microsoft updates and followed suggested restarts.

I ran Microsoft Fix It and I get a message that the firewall isn't running or stopped and it can't be fixed.

I have gone into services as an administrator to try and start Windows Firewall...it isn't there - not in the list of services (local)

I also used SlimDrivers to update all the drivers on the computer.

What I am not seeing is how to uninstall and reinstall Windows Firewall...any other program or hardware issue, that would seem to be the easiest solution - but I have yet to see how to do that with Windows Firewall.

I even started the computer in safe mode and chose "Repair computer" only to get a message that there is nothing to repair.

If I can't get the firewall back to "ON" is running Avast or AVG enough to keep the computer safe? Apparently infected applets were installed through Java.

Thanks for any help you have...

PS - I'm not very computer savvy, but I am very good at internet research and following directions.

What other Anti-virus was on the computer before Avast?

They had a trial of Norton a few years ago, but I removed that when I put Avast on it. Aside from that, whatever Windows had/has on there...I guess Windows Defender?

@kooter71 try this: https://blogs.technet.com/b/asiasupp...edirected=true