Windows 7: Windows files broken after a series of unsolicited shutdowns

Thanks. I think at this point I will go down route 2) to speed things up a bit. Some of the other software seems to be broken too, so I will reinstall / repair install it one by one where necessary.

I guess restoring from system restore points is not a viable alternative, is it?

Also, I'm looking to avoid such a mess in the future- do you think this was just caused from an uncontrolled power off or some virus, or something else?

Will do the repair install tomorrow and report back how this went.

I suspect that it's simply the machine power-cycling at the wrong time during the install of a batch of updates.

Having said that, check the disk using CHKDSK /R and see what it reports, and an offline virus scan never hurts :)

Good luck with the repair install!
Repair Install

Ok, is there a specific offline virus scanner / boot CD you would recommend?

Try this:
Windows Defender Offline

Windows Defender Offline
Avira Rescue disk
Emsisoft Emergency Kit

at a pinch...
ESET Online scanner

Thanks, will try Win Defender Offline and Avira Rescue and report back. Almost done downloading Win 7 with SP 1 ISO for later repair install.

Just one question guys: Would you also consider upgrading to Windows 8 (either after the repair install or as a clean re-install)? I know it takes time to get used to it but have also read a lot of good things in terms of security and performance. I have it in a virtual machine on my Mac laptop and find it ok to use even though it certainly has a learning curve.

Mmm... its really a matter of personal preference. I tried it in the RC days but never could get used to it.

I recommend a visit to our sister forum and read a bit more to get a clearer picture:
Windows 8 Forums

I have run Win Defender Offline & Avira Rescue CD and they found a few suspect files, essentially within archives, but nothing likely to have created this mess.

After trying to restart after completing the Avira full scan, though, the system hang had to be reset. Next time Windows loaded, it did not reach the user selection menu but restarted after a BSOD screen so fast that I could not read it. It remains this way every time I restart.

I do not seem to be able to collect the dump/log file with the message as the OS does not start anymore.

Windows proposes to start the system start repair tools but they do not find anything and propose to send the information to Microsoft, saying that the tool cannot repair the system start automatically. In the problem details, it indicates "corrupt volume".

This leads me to think that the Intel 520 SSD (with dreaded Sandforce controller) might be defective after all, even though the Intel SSD Toolbox confirmed that its firmware was up to date and that the drive is fine. This is particularly annoying since I was willing to pay the premium in order to get an expensive Intel SSD rather than a cheaper competitor.

I will next try the repair install. If the corruption remains or reappears, I will definitely move to a Samsung 840 or Plextor drive.

Of course I will file a RMA complaint with Intel, but I just can't afford to send in the drive and wait weeks for it to come back.

Steve06

Lets get started with this tool. It is much better than Windows Defender Offline





Download Farbar Recovery Scan Tool

Here Farbar Recovery Scan Tool Download

Click on the Download Now button that goes with your bit version



Plug the flash drive into the infected PC.

Enter System Recovery Options.

To enter System Recovery Options from the Advanced Boot Options:
Restart the computer.
As soon as the BIOS is loaded begin tapping the F8 key until Advanced Boot Options appears.
Use the arrow keys to select the Repair your computer menu item.
Select US as the keyboard language settings, and then click Next.
Select the operating system you want to repair, and then click Next.
Select your user account an click Next.

To enter System Recovery Options by using Windows installation disc:
Insert the installation disc.
Restart your computer.
If prompted, press any key to start Windows from the installation disc. If your computer is not configured to start from a CD or DVD, check your BIOS settings.
Click Repair your computer.
Select US as the keyboard language settings, and then click Next.
Select the operating system you want to repair, and then click Next.
Select your user account and click Next.

On the System Recovery Options menu you will get the following options:
Startup Repair

System Restore

Windows Complete PC Restore

Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool

Command Prompt

Select Command Prompt

In the command window type e:\frst.exe (for x64 bit version type e:\frst64) and press Enter


The tool will start to run.
When the tool opens click Yes to disclaimer.
Press Scan button.
FRST will let you know when the scan is complete and has written the FRST.txt to file
Please copy and paste both logs in your reply.(FRST.txt and Addition.txt)

Ok, here it is.