Every installed program no longer starting


  1. Posts : 25
    Windows 7 Home Basic
       #1

    Every installed program no longer starting


    I have a very strange problem just occurred on one Windows 7 desktop. I was using a software VOIP phone on it, when the PC put itself to sleep after 10 minutes, presumably according to my power saving plan.

    When I tried to wake the computer with a keypress, I got the message the computer was not shutdown normally. I chose to start normally. Then I got the message Windows 7 could not start normally, but there was an option to repair start up files, which I chose. A window came up suggesting it might take an hour to fix, so I went away to use another phone.

    When I came back Windows had booted to the desktop, but whenever I try to start a program I get the message:

    "The application has failed to start because its side-by-side configuration is incorrect. Please see the application event log or use the command line sxtrace tool for more detail."

    This error occurs now with everything : games, Firefox, IE, MS Office, email client. The only thing still working is Notepad and the 2D Windows games.

    I had a look to see if there was a recent restore point I could go back to and I was given this message:
    "No restore points have been created on your computer's system drive."

    I had a default home premium install so I think there should have been restore points..

    Anyway this is an internet surfing and gaming computer. My documents are on my own partitions. Any help would be appreciated, but if I can't get it going by Christmas I shall probably format the partition and reinstall Windows.
    Last edited by Fritz Fraghof; 22 Dec 2010 at 08:36.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 17,796
    Windows 10, Home Clean Install
       #2

    Welcome
    Start with a clean boot, maybe that will help solve the mystery.
    http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135
    If that has no affect, try in safe mode as a test. Lets see what the problem is

    Run your antivirus updated and full scan
    Download and run malwarebytes, full scan and updated.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 25
    Windows 7 Home Basic
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Thanks for your answer richc46.

    I went through the clean boot procedure, which made no difference. I always keep a close eye on msconfig and the only startup items were ATI drivers anyway. Safe mode : yes. Started..

    I began a full scan with MS Security Essentials but after 45 minutes it seems a full scan might take 6-8 hours. Malwarebytes will not install. I get the same message:
    "The application has failed to start because its side-by-side configuration is incorrect. Please see the application event log or use the command line sxtrace tool for more detail."

    TBH I think a virus is a very low possibility. I keep MSSE up to date and had Malwarebytes installed until recently. I indulge in very low risk behaviour. Even my web browsing is with Firefox with adblock plus, no-script etc

    UPDATE : I am commencing to format the Windows partition and reinstall 7. It should only take six hours or so to reinstalll everything.
    Last edited by Fritz Fraghof; 23 Dec 2010 at 00:02.
      My Computer


 

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