Many Problems

I want to start off by saying that this is the first time joining and posting to a forum. I have done so in hopes of learning anything that I can about windows, fixing the many problems that I am having and hopefully meeting some new computer friends.

Now for my first post I am looking for some help to the many problems that "I" have created. I'm using a laptop that I was given to use for my work and since then I have taken up computers as a hobby I've always been interested but have taken a more hardcore approach to computers.

In my quest for learning as much as I can on my own I have created some problems with my windows 7 professional on my toshiba laptop. I could go to my IT guy at work and ask him for help, but would rather try to fix things myself for learning purposes.

A couple of problems that I am having is the turn windows features on/off window comes up empty and the other big one is that when I do a system restore it won't restore. It gives me an error and just keeps the computer in the state that it was.

Now I have read quite a few other forums and tried some different things and to no avail. Another small issue is that whenever I try to sync some offline files off my network at work I always have errors say that a program is in use. I have the same error for every file I try to sync. I could be syncing many files to just one file with the same result. I know that alot of my problems come from me downloading some freeware then uninstalling it or from just meesing around with windows while I'm trying to learn on my own.

I also know that most of my problems come down to issues with my registry and I'm afraid to mess with it myself because I just don't want to mess things up to where I can't repair it without formatting and reloading windows 7. So now I'm here seeking help and advice. I'm wanting somebody to help me through my issues and wondering if there is a way to get my registry back to normal.

So if anyone would like to help me in my task I would greatly appriciate it and would love to be able to pass the knowledge on to others when I can. I guess I'm sending out a big SOS smke signal to whoever is paying attention. And many thank you to all that have read this and given me and other the time and support. It's greatly appriciated.

Thank You.

The computer was a hand me down at work and I believe my IT guy did a windows 7 install before he gave it to me. Everything worked fine until about a couple months ago. The problem is I can't pin point exactly when I started having the problems. I'm willing to try anything new. Thank you for the reply.

To resolve this problem, use one of the following methods. For these methods to work, you must be logged on to your computer by using a computer administrator user account. Or, you must be able to supply a user account name and password for an account that has administrative credentials. If you are using your home computer, chances are that you are already logged on by using a computer administrator user account.

If you know that you are logged on as an administrator or that you can supply the logon information for an account that has administrative credentials, go directly to Method 1. If you need help determining whether your account has administrative credentials, follow these steps:

1. Click StartCollapse this imageExpand this image
   
   , and then click Run.
2. In the Open box, type timedate.cpl, and then press ENTER. The Date and Time dialog box opens.
3. On the Date and Time tab, click Change date and time. If the User Account Control dialog box opens, click Continue.
4. One of two things will happen next. Choose either A or B to continue.
   
   A: If you are prompted to type an administrator password, and you see administrator account names listed, you are logged on with a standard account. If A: is true, you are not the computer administrator. If you are logged on with a standard account and you want to continue with this task, you must be able to supply an administrator account name and password every time that you are prompted. Unfortunately, if you do not know the password for any administrator accounts on your computer, these methods cannot help you. You might want to ask someone for help or contact support.
   
   B: If you are not prompted to type an administrator password, and you do not see administrator account names listed, you are logged on with a computer administrator account. Click Cancel, and then click Cancel again to close the Date and Time dialog box. If B: is true, you are the computer administrator, so let's get started.

Method 1: Run the System File Checker (SFC.exe) tool with the sfc /scannow command

Although this method sounds highly technical, it is really a straightforward process that even the less experienced user can do. System File Checker merely makes sure that all system files are where they should be. The sfc /scannow command scans all protected system files and replaces incorrect versions with correct Microsoft versions.

This method is rated: Moderately easy
Estimated time: 5-10 minutes

To run the System File Checker, complete these steps:

1. Click StartCollapse this imageExpand this image
   
   , and then type cmd in the Start Search box.
2. In the results area, right-click cmd.exe, and then click Run as administrator. You will be prompted to type the password for an administrator account. Click Continue if you are the administrator or type the administrator password. Then, click Continue.
3. At the command prompt, type Sfc /scannow, and then press ENTER.
   
   The scan may take some time, so be patient. Windows will repair any corrupted or missing files that it finds. If information from the installation CD is needed to repair the problem, you may be prompted to insert your Windows Vista or Windows 7 CD.

After you run System File Checker, try to run Windows Update. Or, try to turn Windows features off and on to see if the problem is resolved. If this method has worked for you, congratulations, you are finished with this article.

If this method did not work for you, you might want to try Method 2. If you do not want to continue troubleshooting the problem, you might want to contact support.

Method 2: Perform a system restore

Performing a system restore returns system files and settings to a previously non-corrupted state.

This method is rated: Moderately easy
Estimated time: 5 to 10 minutes

To perform a system restore, complete these steps:

1. Click Collapse this imageExpand this image
   
   , type system restore in the Start Search box.
2. Right-click cmd.exe, click Run as administrator, and then click Continue.
3. In the System Restore dialog box, click to select the Recommended restore check box, click Next, and then click Finish.

After you restore your system, try to run Windows Update. Or, try to turn Windows features off and on to see whether the problem is resolved. If this method worked for you, congratulations, you are finished with this article. If this method did not work for you, you might want to contact support.

PCS, I've tried that already and my sfc doesnt work either. Get an error when I run it but forget what error. I will try again and get back to you.

pcs3657

There is no I have nothing further to report
Thank you for this valuable information