Solved Windows 7 keeps resetting my advanced system settings on it's own

[Matlet]

Hi! For a while now, I've been having problems with windows because apparently it resets some settings on it's own. The two main things I've noticed that it changes the visual settings of windows and action center gives me a prompt occasionally for changing windows update settings to update them automatically which is recommended. I noticed this morning that my visual settings were reset and action center told me to change settings which I've already changed multiple times before. Anyone have an idea how to fix these problems? I want to be in control of my own computer.

 

[AddRAM]

In no way should that happen. Start running virus and malware scans.

 

[Matlet]

In no way should that happen. Start running virus and malware scans.

Thanks for replying, but it happens. I found no malware with thorough scans. Still need help.

 

[AddRAM]

You are an admin, correct ?

 

[Matlet]

You are an admin, correct ?

Yes!

 

[Bumpkin]

You might try running System File Checker.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1538-sfc-scannow-command-system-file-checker.html?ltr=S

 

[Matlet]

You might try running System File Checker.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1538-sfc-scannow-command-system-file-checker.html?ltr=S

Thank you so much for the link, Windows found lots of corrupt files and successfully repaired them. I'll use the computer for a couple of days and then get back to you if issues resurface. Again, thank you for the link.

 

[Bumpkin]

Since SFC found lots of corrupt files, I would run Disk Check.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/433-disk-check.html

The preferred method is Option Two - chkdsk c: /r The computer will restart, the operation will take a while depending on the size of the drive.

 

[Matlet]

Since SFC found lots of corrupt files, I would run Disk Check.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/433-disk-check.html

The preferred method is Option Two - chkdsk c: /r The computer will restart, the operation will take a while depending on the size of the drive.

My Advanced Systemcare 6 schedules disk checks after a scan if it's needed, but thanks for the pointer.

 

[Matlet]

Bump, problem persists. To elaborate what my problem is exactly, Windows resets my performance settings on it's own. See picture!

 

[Bumpkin]

Have you run System File Checker again? If you have more corrupt files you need to check the hard drive. It is better to run the drive's manufacturer's diagnostic tool. Here is a link to download the programs for most drives Hard Drive Diagnostics Tools and Utilities (Storage) - TACKtech Corp. you will need to burn the file to a disc and boot using the disc.

When you boot using a repair tool or even Windows Disk Check repairs can be made that are not possible with a installed program on the drive your are trying to fix.

 

[lehnerus2000]

Do you run software which changes your display (e.g. games)?

I noticed an icon for something called "Background Changer".
Could that be altering your settings?
W7 has a built-in wallpaper slideshow function.

 

[gregrocker]

This really only could happen with infection or more likely mods being done as suggested above. These modifications alter System Files so that SFC finds problems while virus scans come up empty.

If you've used theme modifications or other tweaking, I'd System Restore to beforehand. Otherwise you can run SFC again until it comes up clean to see if the problem resolves.

Is this a factory preinstall? If so most tech enthusiasts prefer to Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7
to get beyond the bloatware which corrupts and throttles Win7. If you stick with the tools and methods given (even for retail) you'll have a perfect install, which you can then backup as an image so you never have to reinstall again.

 

[Matlet]

The background changer changes the background of the windows login screen. This isn't a factory pre-install. I believe I've always had the problem, but identified it just recently, so system restore wouldn't help. Another things windows keeps resetting on it's own are administrative tools services and windows update settings. I still need help.

 

[DavidE]

Since SFC found lots of corrupt files, I would run Disk Check.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/433-disk-check.html

The preferred method is Option Two - chkdsk c: /r The computer will restart, the operation will take a while depending on the size of the drive.

My Advanced Systemcare 6 schedules disk checks after a scan if it's needed, but thanks for the pointer.

Do you run the registry cleaner or PC tune up tool?
If so, these tools can create more problems than they fix.

Did you ever run a Disk Check?

Do you have these issues with all user accounts?
Maybe your Account profile is corrupt?

 

[Layback Bear]

I recommend removing Advanced System Care 6. It causes all kinds of problems for many. Hopefully any damage caused by it can be repaired using sfc /scannow.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1538-sfc-scannow-command-system-file-checker.html

 

[Matlet]

Since SFC found lots of corrupt files, I would run Disk Check.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/433-disk-check.html

The preferred method is Option Two - chkdsk c: /r The computer will restart, the operation will take a while depending on the size of the drive.

My Advanced Systemcare 6 schedules disk checks after a scan if it's needed, but thanks for the pointer.

Do you run the registry cleaner or PC tune up tool?
If so, these tools can create more problems than they fix.

Did you ever run a Disk Check?

Do you have these issues with all user accounts?
Maybe your Account profile is corrupt?

I clean and defrag my registry and hard disk very often and I use a few tools to maintain balance on my computer. Would you recommend getting rid of some of them? I run disk checks often. What do you mean by corrupt account profile?

 

[Layback Bear]

Their is a very good chance that Advanced System Care has caused your problems.
Once ASC has fooled with your registry you just might have to do a clean install.
Hopefully SFC /SCANNOW will fix the problems.

 

[DavidE]

I clean and defrag my registry and hard disk very often and I use a few tools to maintain balance on my computer. Would you recommend getting rid of some of them? I run disk checks often. What do you mean by corrupt account profile?

Sometimes a User account (profile) can get corrupted and have problems.
It's easy to create a new account and see if the settings stay the way you set them.

I agree with Layback Bear about ASC and SFC...

 

[gregrocker]

Are you aware by now that you can change backgrounds and even set up a slideshow after loading them into the Desktop Backgrounds link at Control Panel>Personalize? Then if you want to advance the slideshow you can rightclick the desktop to Change Background.

I would uninstall the unnecessary Background Changer program then run SFC /scannow again, or if possible System Restore to before it was installed, to see if that solves the problem with Visual Effects.

Those edits can be beneficial on low-resource PC's by editing out fading, sliding, animation, dragging intact and selection rectangle. You'll normally be notified if this is the case at Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\Performance Information and Tools\Advanced Tools where I would also scan the Performance log for repeat errors to resolve, and generate a System Health Report.

I gave you a tutorial Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 which also applies to retail in which the tools and methods which assure a perfect install are outlined. With other tools, you're on your own.

Short of that if what's been suggested doesn't resolve the problem then work through these Troubleshooting Steps for Windows 7, report back results.