Can't load Devices and Printer Options Anymore

DPChristm · 31 Jan 2018

From my control panel:
Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\Devices and Printers
I can no longer load my printers (and presumably devices).

When I try to open it, I get a slow green bar at the top, that never finishes.

I have seen many posts saying that you need to go into Services, and switch to automatic and/or start the service.

When I go into services, my only Bluetooth option is Bluetooth Support Service (which is disabled)

Service status (Start, Stop, Pause, Resume, Restart) is greyed out, and I can't make any changes

When I change Bluetooth Support Service to Automatic, and hit OK or Apply, I get a message that says "The system cannot find the path specified."

I suspect there is something I am going to need to do in the registry, but I don't know what.

Snick · 31 Jan 2018

Hi DPCristm,

Take a look at these websites regarding your issue.
Here
&
Here
Have a few questions for you.
When did your problem start?
Did you recently add or change any peripherals, programs, etc., just prior to your issue?
Do you have any restore points prior to your issue?
Do you have a recent backup/image of your system prior to your issue?

DPChristm · 01 Feb 2018

Thanks

Tried the steps listed in those articles with no luck.
Not sure exactly when because it is not a feature I go into often.
I haven't added any peripherals. just one printer/scanner combo that I have had for about 5 years.
I can't say about the restore points, since I don't know when the issue started.
However, I have already tried a restore to the earliest point available with no luck.
Since then, I accidentally deleted my restore points with a disk cleanup.
I did create backup disks when I first got the computer, and would have to find them. However, I don't want to reset things that far back if I can avoid it.

DPChristm · 14 Feb 2018

Anyone have any ideas on this. Very frustrating, getting no where with all the regular steps.

Snick · 14 Feb 2018

Repair install/in-place upgrade will correct your problem, reinstalls windows, leaves your programs, files, folder, pictures, etc. Hyperlink is to Shawn's tutorial on it.

Do you have a Windows 7 x64 installation disk or have you downloaded the ISO (file) from Microsoft or Heidoc.net. If your Windows 7 is OEM (original equipment manufacturer) you won't be able to do either. from Microsoft you'll need your 25-character product key when they as for it. If that's not and option, you may be able to locate a friend who has one and borrow it (I'd make a copy of it while you have it)!