Loss of functions following recommended critical update

[Mercurialspirit]

Yesterday (11/02/12) Windows notified that there were a couple of critical updates available for installation. Always keen to keep my spec up-to-date I proceeded to install them. I'm afraid I don't know the details of the updates. As I did a System Restore (see below) they have been removed from the list of Installed Updates.

After automatic installing and re-starting the first thing I noticed was that the screen resolution had been changed. Fixed that through control panel. More importantly I discovered that the following had occurred:

1. I could not get any sound.
2. Could not get streaming video. Flash crashed every time
3. Certain links within Control Panel would not function

Investigating (1) above, Device Manager reported that the hardware was functioning correctly. In attempting to resolve this via Control Panel/Appearance & Personalization/Personalization I noticed that the Sounds link indicated No sounds and I could not click through from the link (see below) to change anything (this happens with a few other Control Panel options).

I can find no way of reaching the sound properties. All links are non-functioning.

For (2) I uninstalled Flash Player using the Flash uninstaller, cleared out the registry of any remaining entries for it (yes there were still a couple) and re-installed it (v11.1.102.55) and re-started PC. On first re-install I had no success but tried same process again and did get it to stream video (no sound). However when I started PC today we are back to the same problem.

I have also cleaned registry with no improvement.

Having drawn a blank with these two problems I then did a system restore to the point where the Windows updates occurred. This has not changed anything so I am really stuck as to know what if anything I can do. The system and applications generally are working fine. Networking and Internet connection is fine. As the machine came pre-loaded with Win 7 I do not have a Windows Disk.

I am very frustrated with what appears to be a glitch caused by a Windows update. Any suggestion please.
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[JMH]

Mercurialspirit,

You mention

cleared out the registry of any remaining entries

and

I have also cleaned registry with no improvement.

> How did you clear / clean the registry?

> Have you a Back Up, prior to this nuisance occurring, you could use?