gregrocker,
First, thank you for your quick responses. I posted my two comments right before I went to bed, so I didn't see your responses until now. I will post replies and updates here as soon as I am able.
I started a new topic because I felt this problem was entirely different and far worse than my previous problems. Looking back, I can see I didn't clearly explain, but my old problem is secondary at this point. My PC has had a bunch of new problems pop up, and these overshadow all the old ones. I only meant to reference it for anyone curious, not ask them to dig through old posts.
My main goal was to inquire about a repair install, but I can list the actual problems if it would be helpful:
1) I shut down via start menu, and was told windows would install updates. Updates installed properly (or so it seemed) and the computer shut itself down.
2) I rebooted to let the updates go into effect. I noticed my Kaspersky Internet Security 2013 icon was in the icon tray, but was unresponsive. Even a right click on the icon did not open a menu or option to close the program.
3) When attempting to shut down or restart via start menu, nothing would happen. The start menu would simply disappear and I'd just be sitting at the desktop. I believe KIS was responsive, as the system could not end the unresponsive program. Also, end process via task manager did not work to end avp.exe (KIS). I was forced to perform a hard shut down by holding the power button.
4) Upon reboot, I immediately attempted to uninstall KIS. During the uninstall wizard, my system rebooted itself.
5) Upon reboot, I successfully uninstalled KIS. I also took the opportunity to remove a couple other programs that were not needed.
6) Upon reboot, my computer was displaying things weirdly, only showing folders and not files. I rebooted via start menu.
7) Upon reboot, Windows started up, but was unstable
8) I tried a couple times to run sfc /scannow, but my system rebooted as soon as I initiated the scan (same happened in safe mode)
9) I went to windows update to try to update the system. There were several .net framework updates and other stuff. I ran those updates and all worked except a Microsoft virus scan program
10) I was asked to reboot to apply changes. When I clicked the reboot button, my system shut off and rebooted to the black and white screen that says the system didn't shut down properly
11) I then had several tries to log onto windows, but was always met with something along the lines of "updates weren't installed properly"
12) I tried the last known good config, but it said the same thing. However, it allowed me to the desktop
13) I tried system restore, but it won't restore. I tried about 10 times. It always fails and reboots itself
You are correct about backing up files. I will follow your steps for troubleshooting and hopefully get it stable enough to back up my files.
Do you really thing a clean install would be more ideal than a repair install? I understand it would work the best, but all the time and effort I put into organizing and adjusting my system will be lost. That's why I'm so hesitant to go that route. Sort of a last, last resort
And regarding your comments about learning to do this myself...that is exactly what I'm after. I have gotten over my head, and can't simply find results through google. So I turned to these forums, but I definitely want to do this myself. That's why I'm so hesitant to take it in to Best Buy or a shop. I feel they might have the knowledge, but I have just as much ability. Anyway, thank you for your help and responses.
