I'd run through these troubleshooting steps, especially SFC scan to check system file integrity, then Repair Install if it finds irreparable files or nothing.
You may need to run SFC scan more than once to repair everything, or run it from Command Line on DVD or REpair CD to repair files which run with Windows: SFC -SCANNOW Run in Command Prompt at Boot - Windows 7 Forums
Ahhh man.
I'm not trying to ruffle any feathers here or anything. So don't take offense.
As soon as a problem pops up, it's always uninstall Norton. I think there is another issue here. The OP said MSE is now the fourth AV he's ran. Yes yes, we all know Norton had a pretty horrible run for a while and I think it's safe to say it's improved.
I'm just saying I think there's a bigger issue here, and having the OP uninstall this, then install more of that is only going to make things worse.
I know MSE is a great solid free alternative, but I don't go around basing it's performance on the past. Cough cough... Defender.
So I guess this brings me back to my origional dilema. My system acts like there are missing registry entries that I can"t correct and are causing some issues, how can I go about fixing it? The system is custom built, has a legit and validated Win 7 Ultimate x64 installation, and I for whatever reason the builder used, doesn't have the install software with it. I've searched and haven't located any on the HDD anyway.
My origional question was, can I uninstall the update for SP1 (it's listed in the installed updates), then reinstall it to attempt to recover from my issue? I origionally asked because I know this can be done with previous versions of windows. I remember exclusivly that XP Pro would do this. The update for SP1 then was around 54MB in size and pretty much re-did the entire installation. Is the SP1 update for Ultimate similiar? I have no other preinstalled recovery software or options with the exception of purchasing a full install of Win7 Ultimate x64.
I will do this if I have NO other choice. I'm hoping to be able to correct my issues and then create a recovery disc(s) or an image disc(s) afterwards, if I can. I guess I can chock this whole experience up to making sure what I am getting so I never have to go through this again.
Edit:
SFC /verifyonly showed no violations after running
That I know works. Just found it odd as earlier versions of Windows allowed you to choose run and install it from there.
EDIT:
I guess I should also let you know that I am kinda new to Windows 7. My last OS was XP Pro and because I ran it for a few years I pretty much knew what you could and couldn't get away with, tweak, etc. I'm finding out that there are some things that are better and some that you can't do anymore.
Since this is a custom build, how reputable is the builder? Is he/she local? If so, how much of a hassle would it be to take the comp back so the builder can diagnose the problems under warranty?I did not install the software when the system was built, so I don't know what was done.
A new machine shouldn't have the issues you're experiencing. Sounds almost like a corrupt install of the OS.This PC is new and has only seen enough unprotected internet time to download and install AV software.
Never heard anything bad about the builder, he came with some good reccommendations from people I know and he is local. I tried to contact him the first day I had issues and found out he's in the hospital. Just to make sure I wasn't being "scammed" I checked into it and he really is and will be out of commision for a couple weeks at least.
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