Win 7 Explorer corrupt - no Personalization, no Program detail in CP

[TerryBlaker]

Last week, I download Combofix to scan for malware (as recommended by a tech). After the download and automatic scan I discovered the following anomalies: Personalizn displays a Windows Explorer "Unspecified error"; the item "Program Uninstall" is no longer in Control Panel; Search just hangs - no activity at all; Properties (in task bar and program list) does nothing. I restored an Acronis full back up that I had done just a few hours earlier but it didn't change anything. My techie tried to tell me I had viruses (but they were just screen saver files with weird names) and still he couldn't fix it. Trying to reinstall from my upgrade CD (I had Vista before) doesn't work as it reports that it found errors but can't correct them. Techie wants to do a complete RE&RE and I don't want that. Any suggestions?

 

[codekiddy]

Welcome Terry,

It looks to me that you're missing some windows files, and without knowing what files etc.. errors.. it's hard to fix that.
also that missing files and errors may really be caused by malware.

clean reinstall should be the last option but in this case, I think this is the only option.
anyway you still can backup your personal files and folders from current installation and transport them into new windows installation!

but hey, you can still wait, maybe someone comes with some wierd idea

 

[sreedhav]

Last week, I download Combofix to scan for malware (as recommended by a tech). After the download and automatic scan I discovered the following anomalies: Personalizn displays a Windows Explorer "Unspecified error"; the item "Program Uninstall" is no longer in Control Panel; Search just hangs - no activity at all; Properties (in task bar and program list) does nothing. I restored an Acronis full back up that I had done just a few hours earlier but it didn't change anything. My techie tried to tell me I had viruses (but they were just screen saver files with weird names) and still he couldn't fix it. Trying to reinstall from my upgrade CD (I had Vista before) doesn't work as it reports that it found errors but can't correct them. Techie wants to do a complete RE&RE and I don't want that. Any suggestions?

Dear TerryBlacker,
You are smart and i base that on the single fact that you are using a cooling pad! I want you to do two things,1) download SuperAntiSpyware Portable scanner (and run)from:SUPERAntiSpyware.com - SUPERAntiSpyware Portable Scanner and 2) Download Housecall ( and run)from: HouseCall - Free Online Virus Scan - Trend Micro USA. It's worth the effort!

Bestwishes and regards,
sreedhav

 

[lehnerus2000]

sfc /scannow

You may need to open the "Command Prompt" and execute:

sfc /scannow
​

Tutorial:
SFC /SCANNOW Command - System File Checker