Media Center has taken control of my daughters laptop

[billberry12]

My daughter tried to sync her music with a new MP3 player she got for Christmas. After syncing the music, WMC has taken over everything. Desktop Icons, etc. all open WMC. I cannot go to system restore. I cannot go to internet explorer. They all open WMC. Please help.

 

[richc46]

Its a new computer can you get to system restore in safe mode?
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/69585-safe-mode.html

 

[billberry12]

When I click on system restore in safe mode, it takes me to WMC, just like it does in normal mode. It seems like it is an icon issue of some kind, but I can't figure out what to do to correct it. Next idea pleas, and thanks.

 

[richc46]

Do you have anything on the computer that will make you sad to lose
Pics, etc
Its new so there should not be too much.
I just want to know so that I know what options are availble. We do not have to worry about that now.

 

[billberry12]

The computer is not new. It is a year old. The music player is what is new.

 

[richc46]

It sounds like an association problem. I am looking for a way to change it in your present condition.

 

[richc46]

Run the fixit from the following link and check if that helps you fix this issue.
When you run an .exe file on a Windows Vista-based or Windows 7-based computer, the file may start a different program

If there is no way to use the program, in you condition, we will try another alternative.

 

[whs]

Maybe we can get System Restore working like this:

1. Press WIN+R to get the Run box
2. Paste %systemroot%\system32\rstrui.exe into the run box, click OK
3. That should bring up System Restore and hopefully you can go from there.


PS: for Richards suggestion you will need a browser working. You can start IE by pasting this into the Run box: "C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe" (including the quotes) Hopefully that will work.

 

[richc46]

If whs idea does not work go with this

If you create a recovery DVD, you may be able to boot to recovery options
Create Recovery DVD

The Windows 7 recovery disk is used to boot Seven when it won't boot - to run Startup Repair, System Restore, access a Command Line, Recover using a Vista Backup Image, etc.
System Recovery Options

If Windows will not start now, boot the Recovery CD to run Startup Repair which automates System Restore as well as numerous other tests including System File Checker which can repair system files which are not corrupted beyond repair.

If Windows still will not start, try booting into Safe Mode to run sfc /scannow to repair System files.
Special Thanks Given to Seven Forums.




Below is a bulletin distributed by MS to explain the start up procedure when Windows will not boot. Startup Repair

Problems starting up a PC can be tricky to fix, since Windows hasn’t had a chance to load its arsenal of troubleshooting tools. Some people simply give up and reinstall Windows.
Startup Repair is designed to prevent a time-consuming reinstallation by diagnosing and repairing problems that prevent Windows from booting. Introduced in Windows Vista, Startup Repair is even easier to use because Windows 7 now installs it on your hard drive for you.

Click this bar to view the full image.

The Startup Repair tool in Windows 7 can help fix problems that prevent Windows from booting up.



Get help

• Startup Repair: frequently asked questions
• What are the system recovery options in Windows 7?

 

[billberry12]

Sorry guys. Neither one works. I can't get to IE to click on the link, and when I do the run command, it does not find it.

 

[richc46]

If WHS idea did not work, go with the repair

 

[whs]

Hmm, just tried both and they worked perfectly - means your system is really mucked up. I have to think. Richard's neurons work faster. Maybe he has another idea - LOL.

 

[richc46]

With my repair, you boot with a dvd. Did you try that?

 

[whs]

And once you booted as Rich says, you could run Command Prompt and use the same commands as I suggested for the Run box. That works too. Just make sure you type it in exactly as posted. Command prompt is very unforgiving with typos.

 

[billberry12]

The run scannow take me to WMC. I am about to try the W7 DVD system repair. I will report back. Thanks so much for hanging with me here.

 

[richc46]

Try the DVD with WHS method. If no dice, go with my repair. It should work.

 

[billberry12]

The DVD repair did not work. I did notice there was an option for system restore, so I am about to try that next, from the DVD.

 

[richc46]

Yes that is what you are suppose to see. Go for it.
The DVD does not fix, it allows you to get to repair options, Everything is going the way it should.

 

[billberry12]

Got it to system restore from the DVD. Tried to restore it to yesterday. System Error, Did not work. It suggested I try to restore to an earlier date. I am restoing to day before yesterday now. I'll let you know.

 

[richc46]

go back 3 days before the problem started.