Multiple "invalid" operations. System Restore inoperable.

All of a sudden I've been getting a bunch of "invalid" operations. It seems to have started with Windows explorer being buggy. It would take a long time for the contents of a folder to be listed and if I'd click off and restart I'd just get a bunch of freewheeling clocks under everything, Desktop, Libraries, Homegroup, Computer, Network. Everything... no details available. (See Explorer_Glitch_Sept-17-2014.jpg)

I'd run CHKDSK and it would get sorted out. (See CHKDSKResults.txt for latest)

But then I'd get these "invalid" function notices. (Sorry, no images for this) For example, I'd just click on "C" in explorer and get nothing but the notice that it was an invalid path... I'd reboot and it happened again after trying to close a program: "Invalid pointer operation." I tried shutting down but it wouldn't shut down because the program I was trying to shut down wasn't shut down because of the "invalid pointer operation." So I had to force a shutdown.

Very strange. I tried a system restore without success. A file wasn't available, it said, probably because of a firewall problem. I disabled the anti-virus but it wouldn't work still. (See SysRestoreFail.jpg)

I'm going to enclose administrative event from event viewer (I don't know if that will help) and a notice about the inoperability of the system restore. I wish I had a picture of the warnings and the codes but I don't. (see AdminEvents.jpg for this... I couldn't upload the .evxt file)

I hope someone can help because my computer knowledge is very limited. For now I'm going to close all programs from Task Manager and try to avoid these problems for the moment. I've backed everything up in preparation for the worst.

Next step restore from an image. This has worked before. I have a repair disc and three restore discs but don't know how to use them or the consequences. I'm hoping there's enough info here for a simple solution....

Test your hard drive with the maker's HD Diagnostic extended CD scan, followed by another full Disk Check.

Run a full scan with Malwarebytes and you AV, then SFC to test System Files, establish a Clean Boot, cull the logs for repeat errors to resolve, utilize System resources from the the Troubleshooting Steps for Windows 7

Thanks very much. I understand some of these things and have tried them, others I'll look up and learn.

gregrocker said:

Test your hard drive with the maker's HD Diagnostic extended CD scan, followed by another full Disk Check.

Run a full scan with Malwarebytes and you AV, then SFC to test System Files, establish a Clean Boot, cull the logs for repeat errors to resolve, utilize System resources from the the Troubleshooting Steps for Windows 7

Sorry, I can't identify what "you AV" is. Could you please explain it?

pxfragonard said:

gregrocker said:

Test your hard drive with the maker's HD Diagnostic extended CD scan, followed by another full Disk Check.

Run a full scan with Malwarebytes and your AV, then SFC to test System Files, establish a Clean Boot, cull the logs for repeat errors to resolve, utilize System resources from the the Troubleshooting Steps for Windows 7

Sorry, I can't identify what "your AV" is. Could you please explain it?

These give a quick list of steps for you to try which are detailed more thoroughly in the blue linked tutorial. Did you click on it?

Layback Bear said:

Greg is inquiring if you have scanned with your anti virus program (AV).
He is also recommend that you do.

Thanks!

gregrocker said:

pxfragonard said:

gregrocker said:

Test your hard drive with the maker's HD Diagnostic extended CD scan, followed by another full Disk Check.

Run a full scan with Malwarebytes and your AV, then SFC to test System Files, establish a Clean Boot, cull the logs for repeat errors to resolve, utilize System resources from the the Troubleshooting Steps for Windows 7

Sorry, I can't identify what "your AV" is. Could you please explain it?

These give a quick list of steps for you to try which are detailed more thoroughly in the blue linked tutorial. Did you click on it?

Yes, thank you, it's quite a list! I'm looking forward to learning more about these mysterious machines!

This is a very good way to learn.

Let us know what you find as you go if you want. Other steps may be indicated by your findings.

So far so good and the computer is acting better.... It's going to take a few days to try all this as I'm new to it... but it's fascinating, really... thanks for your help.