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#1
Won't restore system after driver updates broke cherrytree & ccleaner
I'm wondering whether to try advanced methods of restoring my laptop to an earlier time. Normal method reports success, but doesn't fix problem and shows same restore points next time. I was about to try from Safe Mode, but thought I'd drop in here first (no undo).
Short description of issue
After updating drivers (reported in DriverEasy) - Intel Management Interface, Realtek High Definition Audio, Realtek PCIe FE Family Controller and Intel HD Graphics - I found that Cherrytree (editor) window wouldn't display. It is normally hidden with an icon in the notification area, showing when clicked. It now shows very briefly, then disappears again, although showing its item in the taskbar. I've also noticed (after various attempts to restore system) that Ccleaner won't run, giving the error that I don't have permission, and its icon has changed, maybe to the default for unrecognised exes.
I had made restore points, so when I noticed the problem with cherrytree, I decided to use the restore points to go back one at a time until it was fixed, but discovered that it wasn't going back.
More details
However, the process was complicated by the fact that I had tried to get around the slow download speed of the manual version of Driver Easy by searching online for the Realtek PCIe FE Family Controller driver to download and install manually, making sure it was the same version, 7.112.0811.2017. I intended to continue this way for any further driver installation. However, I happened to find this version at the website of DriverMax, and I made the mistake of ticking the box to "scan for other outdated drivers". DriverMax automatically installed the driver and, of course, DriverMax itself.
At first, I was impressed with DriverMax, it looked like it would let me install drivers more easily, so (IIRC), I tested it by doing the first on its list from within its UI, the Intel HD Graphics. I think this was when I noticed the cherrytree error, because I make notes there of such things, and I also used the in-built Restore feature of DriverMax to try to reverse this (it allows you to choose a restore point and instigates the System Restore), which was when I found that it wasn't going back.
I reverted to using System Restore directly, which also didn't go back (but each time reported success). I tried various earlier points (I haven't tried the latest system-generated one yet), to no avail. I was by now suspicious of DriverMax, which doesn't even have an option not to run at startup, and thought that might be interfering, so uninstalled it. Same. I researched and found advice that antivirus can interfere with Restore, so I suspended services on Avast until after restart. Same.
I thought perhaps the cherrytree issue was not directly related, or could be fixed independently, so reinstalled the latest version again. Same.
I ran Avast smart scan in case of infection. None found. I thought I'd check Ccleaner for its list of restore points, etc., and was denied access, then noticed its icon was wrong.
Do you advise trying a restore point via safe mode, or via installation disc utilities, or something else?
Prior to starting this, I backed up files to an external drive, so data should be safe. I don't have a disc image, and I didn't make a rescue disc. I do have the Windows7 installation disc.