Would reinstallation of Windows 7 fix software and hardware issues?

According to my antivirus (Avast), I have 8 system registry issues; before I used Avast, I used the default antivirus program (Microsoft Security Essentials) that includes the firewall; however, now, I cannot activate the firewall. I've tried enabling it using the Run program, but the firewall nor Microsoft Security Essentials is listed in the list. I then used command prompt to do a scan over any registry issues on my laptop, and it had found several that it could not fix. If Avast is accurate, then I have 8 system registry issues.

Now I am wondering if a re-installation of Windows 7 would fix both software and hardware issues? Or would it simply only fix one? I'm considering sending my laptop in for several fixes: screen replacement, defective touchpad, and to fix these registry issues. However, since I'm doing these, I figured I might as well get a hardware diagnostic.

A clean reinstall will fix software and hardware issues if the hardware isn't defective. You'd get a new registry.

Almost any registry will have "issues". Whether they have any significance or whether it's worth 10 seconds of your time to fix them is another issue. I've had registry issues according to CCleaner for years and don't bother to fix them. They grow over time. If you are obsessive/compulsive and just can't stand to have issues, then "fix" them and live with the consequences. Otherwise, keep on as usual.

NorthernStar said:

Ignatzatsonic: How may I find out if the hardware is defective? The consequences being that money would be wasted on fixing these registry issues, only to have them again in the future?

First step is an accurate description of the symptoms.

It's unclear to me what your symptoms are other than screen and trackball issues.

Hardware issues are usually sorted out through such things as inference based on the symptoms, trial and error, temporary substitution of known good components, and use of certain testing programs (particularly for RAM and hard drives). Some testing tools such as multi-meters can be useful, but most users don't have access to them.

CPUs very rarely fail, so you're more likely to look at drives, RAM, power supplies, or motherboards.

Components are generally replaced rather than repaired.

I see Avast refers to your issues as "registry tweaks". The use of the term "tweaks" would make me suspect that it's not a serious issue.

Have you done any "tweaking" of this system or used any so called repair or fixit programs?

Have you checked to see what services are running or not running?

Have you recently run malware scans?

Have you run sfc /scannow?

Have you looked at processes in Task Manager?

No one here any longer recommends Avast since it bloated up awhile back. So this is what to expect.

I would System Restore to before you installed Avast and reinstall MSE with the WIndows Firewall.

If you have a problem getting infected then the solution which works best is to buy Malwarebytes Real Time Protection for $19 for life. It will not let anything bad in. Otherwise just use the MBAM scanner as needed.

The system restores listed for use only go back to June 26 of this year, and by then, I had already installed Avast. Any other suggestions?

If uninstalling Avast and reinstalling MSE with Win7 firewall doesn't help, then try SFC /SCANNOW Command
to check for damaged System files.

But if you still are running the HP factory preinstalled Win7, then that has the worst of all brands load of bloatware and duplicate utilities which interfere with better versions built into Win7. I would strongly consider doing a Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 to finally experience Win7 on that PC.

Be sure to read the Special Note for HP Owners at the end. Many later HP models have a Minimal Recovery option on HP System Recovery that is close to the reinstall and less work. It also shows how to preserve the valuable hardware Diagnostics which can be booted to run from the F12 key.

gregrocker: I will try uinstalling those programs, but I have already tried using sfc to search for damaged system files coming up with corrupted files that were not able to be fixed. How will I know if I am running on the preinstalled version of Windows 7?