Win7 SP1 Question

[FernBch]

Hi Everyone,

This has probably been asked before, but forgive me, I am new here.

I recently bought a PC running Windows 7 ultimate x64. I have noticed that I have some errors most likely associated with the registry. I am getting the "corrupted search provider" message in IE8 and can't fix it, inability to set history days to keep, temp internet file storage, and a few others. I've tried a system restore, but that caused more problems and won't complete succesfully.

My question is, can I uninstall service pack 1 and reinstall it? I would wipe the system clean and start over but I don't have the installation disc for W7.

I know from previous experience with XP pro that I could do what I'm asking because the download from MS pretty much replaced everything. Is the update for W7 Ultimate structured the same? If not, will what I'm asking work anyway?

I don't want to have to get a copy of the OS unless I have no choice. Once I get it straightened out I plan on creating a set of restore discs so if anything happens I can just recover from it and restore my file backup as well.

Thanks in Advance,
Mike

 

[Jacee]

Have you run an Anti-virus and Anti-malware scan?
Flushed the DNS cache?
Cleaned out all temps?

 

[FernBch]

Done, done, and done. The AV scan made things worse (I think). I'm also running Norton 360. I've had the system for about 4 days and the issues showed up after day two.

 

[Jacee]

Totally uninstall Norton:
http://service1.symantec.com/support/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005033108162039?OpenDocument&seg=hm&lg=en&ct=us

Then install Microsoft Security Essentials, update it and run a full system scan. https://www.microsoft.com/downloads...FamilyID=e1605e70-9649-4a87-8532-33d813687a7f

Let me know how you're doing.

 

[FernBch]

Will do. Won't be able to post up the results until later this evening or tomorrow morning.

 

[gregrocker]

I'd also install IE9 for a fresh start. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/internet-explorer/products/ie/home

It's even better than IE8 and out of beta now.

 

[FernBch]

Already tried installing IE9. Didn't help.

 

[sreedhav]

Have you run an Anti-virus and Anti-malware scan?
Flushed the DNS cache?
Cleaned out all temps?

Dear FernBch,
Kindly get a second opinion on any lurking malware with Hitman Pro's free scanner. It is very fast and you may post the results straight away.Link : Products - SurfRight

I want you to run Superantispyware portable scanner too. Please don't get misled by the name. It at times catches more trojans and etc than MBAM! Link : SUPERAntiSpyware.com - SUPERAntiSpyware Portable Scanner

Regards,
Sreedhav

 

[FernBch]

Totally uninstall Norton:
http://service1.symantec.com/support/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005033108162039?OpenDocument&seg=hm&lg=en&ct=us

Then install Microsoft Security Essentials, update it and run a full system scan. https://www.microsoft.com/downloads...FamilyID=e1605e70-9649-4a87-8532-33d813687a7f

Let me know how you're doing.

Norton360 is gone, MSE is installed. Ran the scan and all is clear. Scanned 1.3M files and no threats were detected. Hitman found nothing, Superantispyware portable found nothing.

FWIW, This PC is new and has only seen enough unprotected internet time to download and install AV software. MSE is now the fourth program that I've run since this issue appeared so I'm quite confident that I have no spam, malware, etc. affecting it. I did not install the software when the system was built, so I don't know what was done. The items that are not working properly point to a registry problem and I have no way to correct it, if I'm thinking right. It behaves as if there are entries that are missing altogether.

I tried installing IE9 and it didn't give the ability to set "Days to keep" in history, size of the temp storage, etc. So I reverted back to IE8 and nothing changed. I was hoping to replace whatever is missing through that process, but it didn't. What's not right must have been like that from the beginning.

 

[FernBch]

I've also noticed something else. When I go to download a program, such as microsoft security essentials, if I choose run from the menu box, the progress indicator progresses, but nothing happens when it completes. If I choose save, then run the download it will install no problem. Really beginning to sound like there's something wrong with windows itself.

 

[gregrocker]

I'd run through these troubleshooting steps, especially SFC scan to check system file integrity, then Repair Install if it finds irreparable files or nothing.

You may need to run SFC scan more than once to repair everything, or run it from Command Line on DVD or REpair CD to repair files which run with Windows: SFC -SCANNOW Run in Command Prompt at Boot - Windows 7 Forums

 

[electrotune1200]

FWIW, This PC is new and has only seen enough unprotected internet time to download and install AV software. MSE is now the fourth program that I've run since this issue appeared so I'm quite confident that I have no spam, malware, etc. affecting it.

Ahhh man.

I'm not trying to ruffle any feathers here or anything. So don't take offense.

As soon as a problem pops up, it's always uninstall Norton. I think there is another issue here. The OP said MSE is now the fourth AV he's ran. Yes yes, we all know Norton had a pretty horrible run for a while and I think it's safe to say it's improved.

I'm just saying I think there's a bigger issue here, and having the OP uninstall this, then install more of that is only going to make things worse.

I know MSE is a great solid free alternative, but I don't go around basing it's performance on the past. Cough cough... Defender.

 

[FernBch]

So I guess this brings me back to my origional dilema. My system acts like there are missing registry entries that I can"t correct and are causing some issues, how can I go about fixing it? The system is custom built, has a legit and validated Win 7 Ultimate x64 installation, and I for whatever reason the builder used, doesn't have the install software with it. I've searched and haven't located any on the HDD anyway.

My origional question was, can I uninstall the update for SP1 (it's listed in the installed updates), then reinstall it to attempt to recover from my issue? I origionally asked because I know this can be done with previous versions of windows. I remember exclusivly that XP Pro would do this. The update for SP1 then was around 54MB in size and pretty much re-did the entire installation. Is the SP1 update for Ultimate similiar? I have no other preinstalled recovery software or options with the exception of purchasing a full install of Win7 Ultimate x64.

I will do this if I have NO other choice. I'm hoping to be able to correct my issues and then create a recovery disc(s) or an image disc(s) afterwards, if I can. I guess I can chock this whole experience up to making sure what I am getting so I never have to go through this again.


Edit:

SFC /verifyonly showed no violations after running

 

[Jacee]

I've also noticed something else. When I go to download a program, such as microsoft security essentials, if I choose run from the menu box, the progress indicator progresses, but nothing happens when it completes. If I choose save, then run the download it will install no problem. Really beginning to sound like there's something wrong with windows itself.

You need to choose "Save", then click on the program to run the install.

 

[FernBch]

I've also noticed something else. When I go to download a program, such as microsoft security essentials, if I choose run from the menu box, the progress indicator progresses, but nothing happens when it completes. If I choose save, then run the download it will install no problem. Really beginning to sound like there's something wrong with windows itself.

You need to choose "Save", then click on the program to run the install.

That I know works. Just found it odd as earlier versions of Windows allowed you to choose run and install it from there.


EDIT:

I guess I should also let you know that I am kinda new to Windows 7. My last OS was XP Pro and because I ran it for a few years I pretty much knew what you could and couldn't get away with, tweak, etc. I'm finding out that there are some things that are better and some that you can't do anymore.

 

[marsmimar]

I did not install the software when the system was built, so I don't know what was done.

Since this is a custom build, how reputable is the builder? Is he/she local? If so, how much of a hassle would it be to take the comp back so the builder can diagnose the problems under warranty?

This PC is new and has only seen enough unprotected internet time to download and install AV software.

A new machine shouldn't have the issues you're experiencing. Sounds almost like a corrupt install of the OS.

 

[FernBch]

Never heard anything bad about the builder, he came with some good reccommendations from people I know and he is local. I tried to contact him the first day I had issues and found out he's in the hospital. Just to make sure I wasn't being "scammed" I checked into it and he really is and will be out of commision for a couple weeks at least.