New
#21
Tom,
Now I know something is wrong, here's what happens - (pic enclosed)
CSI Unable to Query Store Version Total count: 1
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New #22
Hi Sheena,
You'll be glad to know that error was caused by an error in my script :) Sorry about that!
Command Prompt
Warning: this fix is specific to the user in this thread. No one else should follow these instructions as it may cause more harm than good. If you are after assistance, please start a thread of your own.- Click on the Start
button and in the search box, type Command Prompt - When you see Command Prompt on the list, right-click on it and select Run as administrator
- When command prompt opens, copy and paste the following commands into it, press enter after each
attrib -s -h C:\Windows\system32\config\components
- Click on the Start
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New #23
https://www.dropbox.com/s/vopvryhr8p...onents%202.zip
Hi Tom
I have followed your instructions and I hope I did it correctly !! I am very grateful that you are going to all this trouble in helping me, Thanks so much
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New #24
Hi Sheena,
That's excellent, great job! You're most welcome for the help so far, it's been a pleasure working with you.
I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news but your COMPONENTS hive has been irreversibly damaged. Usually the file size of a COMPONENTS hive is roughly 48MB, yours is 256KB so it is missing ~99.5% of the data it should contain!
As much as I hate to say it, the only way this will be fixed is to do a clean install: Clean Install Windows 7
Strangely, the last two Windows Update threads I've replied to have been exactly the same problem - a 256KB COMPONENTS hive that is damaged beyond repair. I'm willing to put two threads down to coincidence but I'll keep an eye out for future threads in the off chance there could be patterns emerging. Out of curiosity, do you use registry cleaners at all? Also, how old is the computer? This may well be caused by a registry cleaner, or it could be faulty hardware, or it might actually be a bug at Microsoft's end (very unlikely with just two threads, but possible nonetheless).
Tom
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New #25
Ah Tom Tom Tom :)
Thanks so much for the reply !! I can't believe what happened. As I said this laptop is used by the whole family, children too !! So I have no idea what has gone on
I can't do a clean install asI purchased this laptop 2 years ago with 7 already installed on it. Have you any advice ? I appreciate it
Sheena
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New #26
Hi Sheena :)
What make/model is your computer? It might have a recovery partition which we could use. Unless it came with recovery discs?
It's possible to make our own Windows 7 DVD and use the product key on your case if my first plan doesn't work out. Is it still legible?
Tom
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New #27
It's a Dell Inspiron N7010
I can see the product key too.
The only CD it came with is Drivers and Utilities that were pre installed ?
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New #28
Tom,
I got sorted. I did a full reinstall. Lost a few things even though I backed up but nothing major. Thanks for all your help and time.
Sheena.
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New #29
Hi Sheena,
It's a shame it had to come to that, but at least your family will be running on a stable computer now. Feel free to drop in at any time if you have any further problems!
You're most welcome for the help :)
Tom
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New #30
FYI, I just encountered this same issue on my parents' computer: Windows Update fails to work, sfc /scannow errors out, a 256kb components file, etc. Judging by this thread looks like the only solution is a clean install -- bad news, but at least I can stop expending further effort trying to fix this. Thanks!
The main reason I registered here to post this though is to let you know a possible cause: this computer had been infected with the nasty "Win Internet Security 2013" malware/hostageware (see Remove Win Internet Security 2013 Virus - Fake Windows Internet Security 2013 Malware | Malware Removal - Software & Tutorials). I had successfully removed it, but apparently it left some things beyond repair and/or my healing efforts broke other things. Oh well.
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