No default programs working. System32/disk error?

[AaronPe]

Roughly six hours ago I was using my computer and, with out warning, everything started crashing (including explorer.exe, chrome etc.). The only program that was still working (that I could see) was Skype, because I was talking to somebody while it happened.
I tried hitting CTRL+ALT+DELETE. The menu did not come up and I received how it could not run the menu.

I restarted my computer normally. I got two messages when I restarted. One of them told me how iTunes did not install properly (I've had iTunes for a long time now and haven't touched it in months) and another saying how Windows could not display certain errors do to a .DLL not working and that I have to reinstall the .NET framework.

I took a screenshot and tried opening paint.exe, but when I did, I got the warning:

Unable to create new document

I am unable to access notepad, computer management, device manager etc.

I ran a virus scan this morning and found nothing. I have also not downloaded anything significant since the crash.

It almost seems like a lot of the system programs and files are not working/corrupted.
I am unable to run sfc.exe, however I was able to get a disk check working through cmd and it apparently fixed the problems.

Eventually, I gave up and put in my Windows 7 disk to do a reinstall/repair. The setup would start, say:

'WINDOWS COULD NOT RETRIEVE INFORMATION ABOUT THE DISKS ON THIS COMPUTER"


I've been looking around for a fix all night now, nothing has worked.

 

[DeanP]

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1538-sfc-scannow-command-system-file-checker.html

 

[AaronPe]

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1538-sfc-scannow-command-system-file-checker.html

Unable, I type it in, hit enter and it just starts a new line.
As stated, I am also unable to run sfc.exe.

 

[DeanP]

Just wondering what AV you used to do virus scan?

 

[AaronPe]

Just wondering what AV you used to do virus scan?

I'm using a legit copy of NOD32.

 

[AaronPe]

I'm up for any fix at this point. I can't access a huge amount of my computer's options.

 

[DeanP]

Boot into Safe Mode with Networking, download Malwarebytes and do few scans.

-- You don't need to uninstall ESET - Malwarebytes is a malware/spyware program, not AV.

 

[AaronPe]

I did a Quick Scan. One infected. Here are the results:


Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 1.50.1.1100
Malwarebytes

Database version: 5363

Windows 6.1.7600
Internet Explorer 8.0.7600.16385

3/14/2011 11:36:57 PM
mbam-log-2011-03-14 (23-36-50).txt

Scan type: Quick scan
Objects scanned: 154862
Time elapsed: 3 minute(s), 31 second(s)

Memory Processes Infected: 0
Memory Modules Infected: 0
Registry Keys Infected: 0
Registry Values Infected: 0
Registry Data Items Infected: 1
Folders Infected: 0
Files Infected: 0

Memory Processes Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Memory Modules Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Keys Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Values Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Data Items Infected:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\regfile\shell\open\command\(default) (Broken.OpenCommand) -> Bad: ("regedit.exe" "%1") Good: (regedit.exe "%1") -> No action taken.

Folders Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Files Infected:
(No malicious items detected)


Should I remove the infected reg data?

I'm also starting a full scan now to make sure there is nothing else.

 

[AaronPe]

Also, the message I get when I start windows is:

A fatal error occured. However, mscorees.dll could not be loaded to display the appropriate error message.

Please reinstall the .NET framework.


I've tried reinstalled several different versions of the .NET framework and all of them have failed/crashed.

 

[AaronPe]

I just tried starting ESET NOD32 and it came up with the error message:

"C:\Program Files\ESET\ESET NOD32 Antivirus\egui.exe

File system error (14001)."

The AV did not open.

 

[DeanP]

Do a Repair Install

 

[AaronPe]

Do a Repair Install

I would try that, but when I put in the installation disk, I get a message saying: WINDOWS COULD NOT RETRIEVE INFORMATION ABOUT THE DISKS ON THIS COMPUTER"

I think it's getting worse because I can no longer open the recycling bin, my computer and some of my icons aren't loading.

Looks like I'm going to loose everything on my hard drive.

 

[DeanP]

This can be due to a service not being started in Windows when you try the repair install.

Please try this solution and let me know if it works:
1. Open Services.msc
2. Search for the service “Virtual Disk”
3. Right Click on the service and make it Automatic.
4. Start the Service
5. Reboot into the CD and try to do a repair install again.

 

[AaronPe]

The computer gradually stopped working all together. I was unable to do anything without having the computer freeze up or tell me I'm low on memory (which I'm not).

I shut down and booted from the Windows 7 disk. It was unable to find a previous installation of Windows. I'm currently installing Windows 7 x86. Hopefully this isn't a hardware issue.

As for the step above, it seemed like every default Windows program was inaccessible. This includes programs like paint, notepad etc...I was also unable to access the Control panel, menus, My computer, documents etc.
I couldn't open any pictures either.
I do however have a recent backup so hopefully I don't loose too much.

Thanks for the help though, although as far as I could tell, the computer was pretty much bricked.

 

[DeanP]

Please download SeaTools (HDD Test) and check if you are getting HDD errors.