Windows Update crashes Windows Explorer, System Restore

[KafkaSong]

I have an Acer 4810t laptop, 3GB Memory running Windows 7 home edition 32 bit. I have no 3rd party firewall and am running Norton 360 (subscription fine and up to date)

Was working fine until recently. First thing I noticed was computer wont shut down. It progresses, logs off and goes to 'Shutting Down' screen. But never gets passed this. I normally have to hard reboot, although at one point it did go to a blue screen of death.

I thought I might, then, need to update system, but I cannot get to my Windows Update screen. I choose it from Control Panel and Windows Explorer freezes. The pointer turns to a rotating circle, and that is it. I cannot even kill it in task manager.l

Finally, I thought I'd try a System Restore but this won't even load into a window at all. Clicking it has no effect.

Lastly, I did try a fix I saw somewhere about the SQMCLient but this this didnt fix anything.

I really hope someone can help!!

 

[Flavius]

1.burn special recovery disk for Windows 7 Download Windows 7 System Recovery Discs — The NeoSmart Files on other computer,burn,boot it and restore system METHOD II System Restore

2.Pack all *.DMP files from C:\Windows\Minidump folder and attache to post

 

[KafkaSong]

FANTASTIC!! The system restore worked, but I think i misread your email. When I look in the minidump folder (in the restored state) there are no files.

I should have done this before I restored I'm guessing?

 

[Flavius]

FANTASTIC!! The system restore worked, but I think i misread your email. When I look in the minidump folder (in the restored state) there are no files.

I should have done this before I restored I'm guessing?

System restore don't change Minidump folder,check pagefile setting by using DumpConfigurator Windows Platforms Tools,if anytime you will have another BSOD then post back here.You can also use verifier tool to check any issue with drivers:Vista Freezing - Vista Forums

 

[TaraSWinTeam]

Glad the system restore worked- your mention of not having a firewall is a bit concerning. Learn more about your security options here: Security checklist for Windows 7.

Cheers,
Tara
Windows Outreach Team

 

[KafkaSong]

Hey Guys,

So latest is. I restored to an earlier period, removed Norton and any traces of earlier virus checkers. So now I can access Windows Update and System Restore.

However, I am still getting the problem where Windows doesn't shut down properly. It gets to the 'Shutting Down' screen and remains there indefinitely. I have to hard crash the system to get it to restart.

Not only that, but if I try and create a restore point I get the following message.
"A Shadow Copy could not be created for the following reason:The creation of a shadow copy has timed out.Try again this operation.(0x81000101)"

Overall, its a bit strange, as sometimes it does seem to restart ok (usually directly after a System Restore), but then reverts to stalling at shutdown.

Lastly, not sure if this is important, but I've noticed when it's in the state where it doesnt shut down properly, I have missing icons in the lower right hand corner task bar. Normally I can see my volume control and wireless meter. When it is in this state these are missing.

I should also say I followed the steps above about the verifier.exe for drivers and haven't seen any issues come up. The minidump folder is still empty. I dont actually get a BSOD as the screen just stalls on 'Shutting Down'

You've all been brilliant so far, hope you can help in this last step!

 

[Flavius]

Relate to VSS follow to suggestions from both links:
Unable to Perform a File Backup Error: (0x81000101)
Shadow copying has timed out (0x81000101)

 

[Flavius]

However, I am still getting the problem where Windows doesn't shut down properly.

It will be hard to diagnose.Prepare logs from OTL http://oldtimer.geekstogo.com/OTL.exe (MAIN+EXTRAS),select all (image)

both logs MAIN and EXTRAS attache to post.

 

[KafkaSong]

I did try all the VSS things mentioned to no avail.

Did also try the OTL but I got a program not responding, it seems to stall at the 'Getting Drive Info' stage. But will try again now.

In another development, when I system restore now (from the Repair Menu at boot), the restore gets to the 'Finalizing Restore' stage then 'Finished Restore' but here is the kicker.

Once it says 'Finished Restore' I get a message saying '0x8000ffff' unknown system error.

The restored state has then reverted to 'Windows Updates' no working. I have no restored to my very first restored session and it works again, but the main thing is I cannot shut the machine down.

I'm just at a loss. I REALLY, REALLY appreciate all the help you are giving. I know it must be really hard to analyse without being here, that is why Im hoping the OTL works so that the logs can explain better than I can. Are there other logging tools I can use?

 

[Flavius]

The question is what really working in your system
I start to suspect any hardware issue.

1.Diagnose your hdd by using tool appriopriate for your model Bootable Hard Drive Diagnostics - Vox
2.Run cmd.exe with administrative previlliges (right click on cmd.exe as admin) and type

sfc /scannow

3.If you can generate system health report System Health Report - Vista Forums
4.Find following files:

C:\Windows\System32\Winevt\Logs\Application.evtx
C:\Windows\System32\Winevt\Logs\System.evtx
C:\Windows\LOGS\CBS\CBS.log

All these files + system health report pack and attache to post or if it will be too big to attache here upload on Speedy Share - upload your files here

 

[KafkaSong]

Flavius, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR HELP. My machine works, I am so, SO pleased!!! You are a legend. I wish there were more people on the net like you, pleasant and so helpful.

I salute you!