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happened to find this version at the website of DriverMax, and I made the mistake of ticking the box to "scan for other outdated drivers".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.

Hi Treehouse,

NOT a fan of 3rd party driver updaters, MS does a pretty good job
OEM drivers are favourite from your homepage
Custom Build ALLWAYS from the manufacturers site.

Something has obviously corrupted System restore, Safe mode will still only find the same restore points.
There is a LAST known good option, you could try that.

As you have all your files backed up externally, might be worth your while doing a clean install, updating everything apart from Cherrytree, NOW create a system image
Imaging with free Macrium - Windows 7 Help Forums

Now start playing with Cherrytree, image re-install 10-15 mins if it ruins your system
once installed and NO probles create new image


Roy

Just looked at your specs

2GB with W7 is NOT really enough for a 64bit install- min 3GB.

Roy

EDIT

My mrs has the same lappy- it came with 3GB?? somebody taken some out????
just read your previous thread
YOUR backup W7 key is on the COA sticker
i can provide a W7 Iso
can you also copy/paste the results from this tool i want to check something
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=52012

i DO NOT believe the install is non-genuine

Hi Torchwood, great info, thanks.

torchwood said:

NOT a fan of 3rd party driver updaters

Me neither now! I'll use MS from now on. Lesson learned.

There is a LAST known good option, you could try that.

OK. Thanks.

As you have all your files backed up externally, might be worth your while doing a clean install

Really rather not, but I guess it's a possible option. One issue is that MS gave me a "one-time" activation key, and I don't want to get into all that wrangle again if it won't recognise it. In fact, I just won't. I'll install Linux.

torchwood said:

Just looked at your specs

2GB with W7 is NOT really enough for a 64bit install- min 3GB.

Roy

EDIT

My mrs has the same lappy- it came with 3GB?? somebody taken some out????

Nah. It'll have had Vista on originally. Seems pretty good, actually, but I know it's not enough. I just haven't got around to putting another 2 GB in yet. Had to get a new hard-drive after that crash and went SSD, which seems to help, but I'm not doing much that needs loads of memory.

just read your previous thread
YOUR backup W7 key is on the COA sticker
i can provide a W7 Iso

All sorted now, thanks.

can you also copy/paste the results from this tool i want to check something
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=52012

i DO NOT believe the install is non-genuine

Could you just tell me a bit more about it first or where I can read about it? I don't want to just install something at this stage without knowing why. What is it you're wanting to check? I'm pretty sure the ISO I burned is legit.

Hi Treehouse,

the tool
Its purely a diagnostic report about how your system has been activated and registered with MS, and has been posted in multiple forums including MS, thousands of em.
There is NO personal data in it.

It will show a partial product key last 3 sets only
(belarc will show the complete key DONT post it.)

im more interested in what type of licence,
then i can provide a link for a W7 service pack 1 Iso download, from MS servers

I do find it odd that comp came with Vista, as i said my mrs has got one, the COA sticker will also show the originally installed OS

As youve only got 2GB the Iso can be for a 32bit option the key should be valid for both


As it sounds like you dont want to go the clean install route the Iso can be used to perform a repair install NO LOSS of personal data but it will repair corrupted registry entries
Repair Install - Windows 7 Help Forums


Roy

Cheers Buddy...
Diagnostic Report (1.9.0027.0):
-----------------------------------------
Windows Validation Data-->

Validation Code: 0
Cached Online Validation Code: 0x0
Windows Product Key: *****-*****-Q69TJ-G3YBJ-KW8XW
Windows Product Key Hash: cQJO3zIxtDOCeiJ5+AhFZ+JYlRM=
Windows Product ID: 00359-114-4402047-85599
Windows Product ID Type: 5
Windows License Type: Retail
Windows OS version: 6.1.7601.2.00010300.1.0.003
ID: {60B857E6-E192-4AB7-B579-3049235DA3A7}(1)
Is Admin: Yes
TestCab: 0x0
LegitcheckControl ActiveX: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Product Name: Windows 7 Home Premium
Architecture: 0x00000009
Build lab: 7601.win7sp1_ldr.170810-1615
TTS Error:
Validation Diagnostic:
Resolution Status: N/A

Vista WgaER Data-->
ThreatID(s): N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Version: N/A, hr = 0x80070002

Windows XP Notifications Data-->
Cached Result: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
File Exists: No
Version: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
WgaTray.exe Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
WgaLogon.dll Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002

OGA Notifications Data-->
Cached Result: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Version: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
OGAExec.exe Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
OGAAddin.dll Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002

OGA Data-->
Office Status: 109 N/A
OGA Version: N/A, 0x80070002
Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Office Diagnostics: 025D1FF3-364-80041010_025D1FF3-229-80041010_025D1FF3-230-1_025D1FF3-517-80040154_025D1FF3-237-80040154_025D1FF3-238-2_025D1FF3-244-80070002_025D1FF3-258-3

Browser Data-->
Proxy settings: N/A
User Agent: Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 8.0; Win32)
Default Browser: C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe
Download signed ActiveX controls: Prompt
Download unsigned ActiveX controls: Disabled
Run ActiveX controls and plug-ins: Allowed
Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe: Disabled
Allow scripting of Internet Explorer Webbrowser control: Disabled
Active scripting: Allowed
Script ActiveX controls marked as safe for scripting: Allowed

File Scan Data-->

Other data-->
Office Details: <GenuineResults><MachineData><UGUID>{60B857E6-E192-4AB7-B579-3049235DA3A7}</UGUID><Version>1.9.0027.0</Version><OS>6.1.7601.2.00010300.1.0.003</OS><Architecture>x64</Architecture><PKey>*****-*****-*****-*****-KW8XW</PKey><PID>00359-114-4402047-85599</PID><PIDType>5</PIDType><SID>S-1-5-21-2785788139-3172466215-127188836</SID><SYSTEM><Manufacturer>TOSHIBA</Manufacturer><Model>Satellite C660</Model></SYSTEM><BIOS><Manufacturer>TOSHIBA</Manufacturer><Version>2.00</Version><SMBIOSVersion major="2" minor="6"/><Date>20120509000000.000000+000</Date></BIOS><HWID>C9333107018400FC</HWID><UserLCID>0809</UserLCID><SystemLCID>0409</SystemLCID><TimeZone>GMT Standard Time(GMT+00:00)</TimeZone><iJoin>0</iJoin><SBID><stat>3</stat><msppid></msppid><name></name><model></model></SBID><OEM><OEMID>TOSCPL</OEMID><OEMTableID>TOSCPL00</OEMTableID></OEM><GANotification/></MachineData><Software><Office><Result>109</Result><Products/><Applications/></Office></Software></GenuineResults>

Spsys.log Content: 0x80070002

Licensing Data-->
Software licensing service version: 6.1.7601.17514

Name: Windows(R) 7, HomePremium edition
Description: Windows Operating System - Windows(R) 7, RETAIL channel
Activation ID: 2e7d060d-4714-40f2-9896-1e4f15b612ad
Application ID: 55c92734-d682-4d71-983e-d6ec3f16059f
Extended PID: 00359-00170-114-440204-00-2057-7601.0000-1042017
Installation ID: 003404301293133095243375855323079553786884875845513441
Processor Certificate URL: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=88338
Machine Certificate URL: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=88339
Use License URL: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=88341
Product Key Certificate URL: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=88340
Partial Product Key: KW8XW
License Status: Licensed
Remaining Windows rearm count: 3
Trusted time: 23/09/2017 23:29:19

Windows Activation Technologies-->
HrOffline: 0x00000000
HrOnline: 0x00000000
HealthStatus: 0x0000000000000000
Event Time Stamp: 7:24:2017 10:52
ActiveX: Registered, Version: 7.1.7600.16395
Admin Service: Registered, Version: 7.1.7600.16395
HealthStatus Bitmask Output:


HWID Data-->
HWID Hash Current: LgAAAAEAAgABAAEAAAABAAAAAgABAAEAJJSAHxKJpF+aUcgvemICWxivWERcXQ==

OEM Activation 1.0 Data-->
N/A

OEM Activation 2.0 Data-->
BIOS valid for OA 2.0: yes
Windows marker version: 0x20001
OEMID and OEMTableID Consistent: yes
BIOS Information:
ACPI Table Name OEMID Value OEMTableID Value
APIC TOSCPL TOSCPL00
FACP TOSCPL TOSCPL00
HPET TOSCPL TOSCPL00
MCFG TOSCPL TOSCPL00
ASF! TOSCPL TOSCPL00
SLIC TOSCPL TOSCPL00
SSDT PmRef CpuPm
UEFI PTL PTLBUF8
UEFI PTL PTLBUF8
UEFI PTL PTLBUF8

Hi treehouse,

Jolly decent of MS to give you a Retail key, it can be transferred to ANY computer.

Looking at that report it looks like the original OS was 7 not Vista

anyway
you can try either the clean or repair install with this D/l
W7 SP1 X64 home premium

https://software-download.microsoft....031a8ae8103fad


This link is only valid till midnight Sunday.

DONT FORGET TO PULL THE FULL KEY using Belarc you WILL need it
Belarc - System Management For The Internet Age. Software license management, IT asset management, IT security, Cyber Security.



Roy

Hi Treehouse,,

Are you running UEFI bios, it didnt come with that, doesnt matter unless your planning to clean install


Roy

Hi Roy, I don't understand the need for this download. Can't I just use the disc I burned already when I did the last full reinstall?

Also, when you say "repair install", is that the same as using rescue utilities, either from the extended boot menu or the installation disc?

This is all well above my pay grade. You seem to have come to the conclusion that some kind of reinstall is required. Are you sure it's not possible to diagnose the problem and do something less drastic to fix it?

You suggested the last known good option, but when I select that, the additional info says that it will use the settings from the last known successful boot. I'm not sure that's much use, since it's booting fine.

Edit: I don't know if it's UEFI, but I don't think so.

Thanks for your help,
John