Win 7 got messed up after...

Zioma · 21 Jul 2010

HI, im having some type of problem here...

Once I installed my graphics driver for my video card (Geforce 8600 GT), it fails to install then Windows 7 automatically installs a default driver to take its place. I was like, ok i guess that would work too, but once I rebooted my computer the OS got totally screwed up.

No areo theme (grayed out), no sound, no network, cant access the system files, cant access system restore, cant roll back the driver, cant access windows update, basically cant do anything at this point. Each time I open something helpful an error message pops up and says, "There was an unexpected error, this service is not running. You may need to restart your computer."

When I load task manager, there seems to be 2/3 less processes running then normal.

I tried everything, the only option for me left is to clear my partition and do a fresh re-install. Is there anything I can do? Any information would help. Thanks.

P.S. The graphic driver was NVidia Geforce 8600 Gt version 197.45 if that is needed.

BugMeister · 21 Jul 2010

try this driver - it's the latest for your card..
NVIDIA DRIVERS 258.96 WHQL

Bill2 · 21 Jul 2010

Hello Zioma,

Its difficult to figure out what exactly is screwed up. When it says "...this service is not running...", does it name the service?

In any case, I suggest you try these one by one.

1) If you can locate another driver for your graphics card, try installing that, if required in compatibility mode.

Compatibility Mode

2) Run an sfc scan to repair corrupted system files.

SFC /SCANNOW Command - System File Checker

3) Do a repair install.

Repair Install

Hopefully, one of these will rescue your machine.

Zioma · 21 Jul 2010

I tried installing the new drivers, in normal mode and compatible mode and a error text appears. "The Nvidia control panel could not be installed. The most recent driver that work will now be restored." And thats when it breaks down.

Also the SFC /SCANNOW command also malfunctions. "Windows resource protection cannot start the repair service."

And the repair install doesnt work because my network is down. Yes, it names the service when I try to open it but doesn't allow me to access it. I have never experienced anything like this on my pc before.

Bill2 · 21 Jul 2010

1) The SFC error you are getting can happen if the TrustedInstaller (Windows Modules Installer) service is disabled. Reset the service startup type.

1. Click Start orb, type Services.msc
2. Double-click Windows Modules Installer service
3. Set its Startup type to Manual
4. Click OK.

Now try to run SFC.

2) What do you mean the network is down? Did you try running the repair install from the win7 dvd?

Joshatdot · 21 Jul 2010

Did you upgrade to W7? or clean install?

197.24? no such driver on Nvidias site, and 197.25 is Beta.

Zioma · 21 Jul 2010

The SFC opened, It scanned and fixed/cleaned the files and showed that it was successful. After I restarted the computer everything still looks the same.

I inserted the Windows 7 DVD but when i click install, an error message appears and shows "Windows could not retrieve information about the disks on this computer."

Sorry, i deleted the driver so i thought it was 197.24. It was

Version: 197.45
Release Date: April 13, 2010
File Size: 89.5MB

I used an older version because the new version sometimes made random lag spikes when i watch movies or played games.

Bill2 · 21 Jul 2010

Couple of things;

1) You need to let sfc run at least 3-4 times, it doesnt clear everything in one go. The SFC tut I linked, that also contains instructions on how to view the SFC log. That'll tell you what files couldnt be repaired.

2) For that "Windows cant retreive info..." error, make sure that the virtual disk service is running.

1. Click Start / Run and type SERVICES.MSC
2. Look for the Virtual Disk Service
3. Right click it and choose "Properties"
4. Make sure the Startup Type is Automatic, then start the service.
5. Reboot.