Would reinstallation of Windows 7 fix software and hardware issues?

[NorthernStar]

According to my antivirus (Avast), I have 8 system registry issues; before I used Avast, I used the default antivirus program (Microsoft Security Essentials) that includes the firewall; however, now, I cannot activate the firewall. I've tried enabling it using the Run program, but the firewall nor Microsoft Security Essentials is listed in the list. I then used command prompt to do a scan over any registry issues on my laptop, and it had found several that it could not fix. If Avast is accurate, then I have 8 system registry issues.

Now I am wondering if a re-installation of Windows 7 would fix both software and hardware issues? Or would it simply only fix one? I'm considering sending my laptop in for several fixes: screen replacement, defective touchpad, and to fix these registry issues. However, since I'm doing these, I figured I might as well get a hardware diagnostic.

 

[Slartybart]

What version of Avast are you using. I'm not familiar with the Registry reporting you mention.

If you mean that there are 8 entries in the registry that are related to viruses, they should probably be, at minimum, quarantined.

Don't do that yet though, I'd like to see what they are first.

If the Avast version you have includes a firewall, that will supersede and replace the Windows firewall.

Go to Control Panel > Action Center
expand the security drop down
What does it tell you about Network firewall (ON, OFF ... Winadows Firewall, Avast firewall?)

 

[ignatzatsonic]

A clean reinstall will fix software and hardware issues if the hardware isn't defective. You'd get a new registry.

Almost any registry will have "issues". Whether they have any significance or whether it's worth 10 seconds of your time to fix them is another issue. I've had registry issues according to CCleaner for years and don't bother to fix them. They grow over time. If you are obsessive/compulsive and just can't stand to have issues, then "fix" them and live with the consequences. Otherwise, keep on as usual.

 

[NorthernStar]

Slartybart: I used the "Essential: avast! Free Antivirus" download listed at the bottom of the page at this link: AVAST 2014 | Download Free Antivirus Software for Virus Protection

I don't believe that these registry issues are related to viruses since I have scanned it this past week and the results said there were no viruses on my laptop. Here are some attachments of the issues on my laptop:

1 - Avast! Free Antivirus - Computer Summary: http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r616/NorthernStar_/IMG_3092_zps3a5153f8.jpg
2 - Action Center Overview: http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r616/NorthernStar_/IMG_3095_zpsb1cc4db7.jpg
3 - Action Center Error Message after clicking "Turn On Now" for Windows Security Center Service: http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r616/NorthernStar_/IMG_3094_zpsbc3acf58.jpg
4 - Firewall Overview: http://s1174.photobucket.com/user/NorthernStar_/media/IMG_3096_zps3b44c106.jpg.html
5 - Firewall Error Message: http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r616/NorthernStar_/IMG_3097_zps5e3af878.jpg

Ignatzatsonic: How may I find out if the hardware is defective? The consequences being that money would be wasted on fixing these registry issues, only to have them again in the future?

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Ignatzatsonic: How may I find out if the hardware is defective? The consequences being that money would be wasted on fixing these registry issues, only to have them again in the future?

First step is an accurate description of the symptoms.

It's unclear to me what your symptoms are other than screen and trackball issues.

Hardware issues are usually sorted out through such things as inference based on the symptoms, trial and error, temporary substitution of known good components, and use of certain testing programs (particularly for RAM and hard drives). Some testing tools such as multi-meters can be useful, but most users don't have access to them.

CPUs very rarely fail, so you're more likely to look at drives, RAM, power supplies, or motherboards.

Components are generally replaced rather than repaired.

I see Avast refers to your issues as "registry tweaks". The use of the term "tweaks" would make me suspect that it's not a serious issue.

Have you done any "tweaking" of this system or used any so called repair or fixit programs?

Have you checked to see what services are running or not running?

Have you recently run malware scans?

Have you run sfc /scannow?

Have you looked at processes in Task Manager?

 

[NorthernStar]

No, I have not done tweaking on the system nor used any repair or fixit programs on it nor looked at processes in the Task Manager. However, I have checked to see which services are running or not running, and I believe it is only the Security Center / Firewall that is not running. I have recently done a malware scan this week, and received no viruses as a result. Recently, I believe I did run sfc in Command Prompt in order to scan for corrupted registry files as prompted by a tutorial.

 

[gregrocker]

No one here any longer recommends Avast since it bloated up awhile back. So this is what to expect.

I would System Restore to before you installed Avast and reinstall MSE with the WIndows Firewall.

If you have a problem getting infected then the solution which works best is to buy Malwarebytes Real Time Protection for $19 for life. It will not let anything bad in. Otherwise just use the MBAM scanner as needed.

 

[NorthernStar]

The system restores listed for use only go back to June 26 of this year, and by then, I had already installed Avast. Any other suggestions?

 

[gregrocker]

If uninstalling Avast and reinstalling MSE with Win7 firewall doesn't help, then try SFC /SCANNOW Command
to check for damaged System files.

But if you still are running the HP factory preinstalled Win7, then that has the worst of all brands load of bloatware and duplicate utilities which interfere with better versions built into Win7. I would strongly consider doing a Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 to finally experience Win7 on that PC.

Be sure to read the Special Note for HP Owners at the end. Many later HP models have a Minimal Recovery option on HP System Recovery that is close to the reinstall and less work. It also shows how to preserve the valuable hardware Diagnostics which can be booted to run from the F12 key.

 

[NorthernStar]

gregrocker: I will try uinstalling those programs, but I have already tried using sfc to search for damaged system files coming up with corrupted files that were not able to be fixed. How will I know if I am running on the preinstalled version of Windows 7?

 

[Slartybart]

Thanks, the registry errors reported by Avast are from their Grime Fighter.
Ignore those for the moment. They aren't errors, they're Avast's idea of an optimized system. They could be anything from a start menu customization to replacing a MS application (Notepad) with a non-MS application (Textpad).

The other images indicate a more serious issue, the last (Windows Firewall cannot change some of your settings:
0x80070424) gives the most details.

See: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/236709-services-restore-default-services-windows-7-a.html
Scroll down to the following registry files, download and merge them
Base Filtering Engine (BFE )
and
Windows Firewall (MpsSvc)

Restart your machine after both services are restored to their defaults.

---

Follow the Download, Scan, and Clean steps in this tutorial on the author's site: How to use AdwCleaner version 3.x

Post any logs here on SevenForums - not on the General Changelog Team (GCT) site. SevenForums members might ask you to launch other on-demand scanners that are not familiar to GCT.
The Scan log is saved in C:\AdwCleaner\AdwCleaner[R#].txt
The Clean log is saved in C:\AdwCleaner\AdwCleaner[S#].txt

Please attach both to a new post.
See: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/9733-screenshots-files-upload-post-seven-forums.html
:tip:You can also post screen shots directly on SF - it's easier for members reading your thread to see the pictures inline.if members

A TechNet blog suggests that this might be caused by a wide spread malicious program, but that was written in 2011. It's possible that you happened on it 3 years later - won't know until the scan logs are posted (there will be additional scans).

---

I don't want to distract you from your original question. If you are prepared to re-install - that is certainly the easiest and often quickest way to resolve any issue.


I'd like to see if restoring BFE and the firewall service solve the larger issues.
I'd also like to see if AdwCleaner finds and repairs anything.

Thanks

Bill
.

 

[Slartybart]

gregrocker: I will try uinstalling those programs, but I have already tried using sfc to search for damaged system files coming up with corrupted files that were not able to be fixed. How will I know if I am running on the preinstalled version of Windows 7?

If you have SFC errors, the tide turns a bit in favor of a re-install.

If you have never done a Clean re-install (using the HP recovery methods doesn't count as a Clean re-install), then you're probably running Windows as HP delivered the machine (Windows preinstalled by HP).

Bill
.

 

[AddRAM]

It`s a shame you did not create a disk image of windows when it was in perfect working order.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/663-backup-complete-computer-create-image-backup.html

Macrium Reflect FREE Edition - Information and download

If you decide to re install windows, let us know and we`ll gladly help you with that.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1649-clean-install-windows-7-a.html

Microsoft Security Essentials and Malwarebytes are all you need. Both are free

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security-essentials-download

http://www.malwarebytes.org/lp/lp4_r/?gclid=CLTgv6vcs78CFc9j7Aody1cApQ

 

[gregrocker]

gregrocker: I will try uinstalling those programs, but I have already tried using sfc to search for damaged system files coming up with corrupted files that were not able to be fixed. How will I know if I am running on the preinstalled version of Windows 7?

Are there a bunch of HP programs in All Programs list? Turn off them and everything else besides MSE after replacing Avast, In msconfig>Startup and >Services (after hiding all MS Services). This will preview the kind of performance you'll be having with the Clean Reinstall.

 

[NorthernStar]

Slartybart: Does it matter whether or not the files are saved to the desktop? I tried dragging them to the desktop after downloading, and it wouldn't move due to my defective touchpad.

As for replacing the .reg files, I followed the instructions, and the settings have stayed the same. This would be fixed with a clean reinstall, correct?

Below is the report I received from the cleaner. Does this log disclose any personal information about my laptop in any way? Also, I am currently running on the Windows preinstalled by HP.

AddRam: Thank you for the links!

Gregrocker: I'll check those out, thank you very much.

I have two questions about doing a Clean re-install of Windows 7; I currently have Microsoft Office 2010 that I had paid for previously when my family first bought this laptop, while I have a game that takes a few days to download and install due to slow internet connection. Is there anyway to burn these or save them, so I can input them onto the hard drive after a clean re-install?

 

[gregrocker]

Did you save the Office Key and installation media?

If not retrieving the key is covered in Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7. You can download the installation ISO to burn to CD and reinstall with key from Office 2010 Direct Download Links.

If you plan to reinstall, please study carefully the steps to prepare and do a perfect Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 then set it up and maintain it perfectly. The tutorial compiles everything that's worked best in tens of thousands of installs we've directly helped with here since beta.

 

[Slartybart]

Slartybart: Does it matter whether or not the files are saved to the desktop? I tried dragging them to the desktop after downloading, and it wouldn't move due to my defective touchpad.

As for replacing the .reg files, I followed the instructions, and the settings have stayed the same. This would be fixed with a clean reinstall, correct?

Below is the report I received from the cleaner. Does this log disclose any personal information about my laptop in any way? Also, I am currently running on the Windows preinstalled by HP.
.....
I have two questions about doing a Clean re-install of Windows 7; I currently have Microsoft Office 2010 that I had paid for previously when my family first bought this laptop, while I have a game that takes a few days to download and install due to slow internet connection. Is there anyway to burn these or save them, so I can input them onto the hard drive after a clean re-install?

No, it doesn't have to be the Desktop. Those instructions just make it easier to find and launch the program for some people.

Too bad the reg files didn't resolve the issue.
Yes, a Clean reinstall will fix just about any computer issue except for hardware.

SevenForums is very mindful of your privacy. Almost every utility suggested by members presents information necessary to troubleshoot issues on a machine. No personal information is disclosed.
Some people think that their user ID or network information should be veiled. But a userID of Bob isn't very private, and a network address of 192.168.1.27 isn't a security issue because the 192.168 address is not addressable out side of your local network (it can only be access on your computer or router)

The only real personal information that should never be posted are things such as your home address, phone#, eMail address, SS#, medical information - you know the standard don't tell people these things.

As far as Windows goes, never publish your License key. That could be used by an unscrupulous person to activate Windows and possibly cause you, the license owner, difficulties with Microsoft Genuine Advantage.

If, on the rare occasion a member does post information that should not be made public, SF admins scrub it if they see it. If a member does not follow the prescribed method for posting information, I will ask them to remove the image or data and replace it with a non-sensitive version. The two most common posting 'errors' I come across are screen shots for eMail configuration (eMail is exposed when it should have been blacked out) and Speccy reports (a local snapshot exposes the license key, a PUBLISHED snapshot does not)

Purchased software:
you need to be sure that you have the

• license key so you can reinstall the program after a Clean reinstall of Windows.
• you have the install media (discs or download location)

Greg already posted good information on this subject - please follow his instructions with regards to purchased software.

Bill
.

 

[Slartybart]

If you are going to do a Clean re-install, we can forget about cleaning the malware found by AdwCleaner.

I think you'll find that your machine runs much better in the long run with a Clean reinstall.

Greg has already posted the tutorial for that - read and prepare, then read again. Ask any questions before proceeding, it's always easier to provide an answer to a question than to recover from missing a step.

Bill
.

 

[NorthernStar]

No, I do not believe I did, but I'll look around to make sure. Thank you so much for your help! I appreciate it. I just have one last question if you don't mind answering it -- is there a way to look at the actual inside of the laptop to clean it? I would love to get this laptop cleaned really well like new. I hope you guys didn't mind all these questions; I'm a very curious person.

 

[Slartybart]

Google search results, Cleaning in an HP laptop

Read or watch a few before you begin.
I skimmed through this one (no audio), but it looks like a good place to start.
HP Pavilion dv6 - Disassembly and fan cleaning - YouTube