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Main Forum => General Computer Support => Topic started by: mecanicogolf on February 04, 2017, 10:26:00 am

Title: Repair running havoc on my PC
Post by: mecanicogolf on February 04, 2017, 10:26:00 am
Maybe it´s my PC, maybe it´s the program: Every time I run tweaking.com repairs, it messes up my registry. I ALWAYS have to restore from the previous. Tweaking repairs does me no good. It´s a pity after all these years that this could be happening. That´s what makes me think that it could probably be something with my PC.
This is the third time I have written and have had no response. I was told once that Shane would be emailed about the problem, but never heard from that.
Remember: I run the program as usual. Safe Mode, Admin. rights. etc. with default checked off and restart. When started, my Action Center pops up with red flag and I cannot open it. I have tried even using the Services option and it will not start.
I always thought that this issue was something with Malwarebytes 3.0 because it all started AFTER I installed it (about 3 weeks ago).
I uninstalled it to check and see if this made a difference, but no.

Still awaiting..............
Title: Re: Repair running havoc on my PC
Post by: Boggin on February 04, 2017, 04:08:10 pm
I'll give Shane a Bump email, but I wouldn't expect anything over the weekend.
Title: Re: Repair running havoc on my PC
Post by: jpm on February 05, 2017, 12:44:50 pm
Hey there,

Hard one to diagnose.

Best guess is something in your action center isn't playing nicely. Do you have anything custom in there?

Also, do you see anything odd in the logs?
 
Title: Re: Repair running havoc on my PC
Post by: Willy2 on February 06, 2017, 12:23:02 am
- Are you able to determine what repair is causing the "Action Center" to malfunction ?

- I know that repair #5 needs to do 2 things before it can repair WMI:
      - Start the Security Center (= Action center ???)
      - Export some info that at a later stage is put back/restored.

I could imagine that somehow that that info isn't put back into the registry.

- Or perhaps "Repair UAC" is causing this problem ? Or "Repair Windows Updates" ?
Title: Re: Repair running havoc on my PC
Post by: Willy2 on February 06, 2017, 07:58:08 am
- I also know that repair #26 (Restore Importent Services") "refreshes" the registry info for - among others - the "Security Center" Service. That also could be the problem.
- Is the "Wscsvc" Service enabled & running after running WR ?
Title: Re: Repair running havoc on my PC
Post by: mecanicogolf on February 06, 2017, 10:34:04 am
Hello All,
Just made a BIG discovery. Before running the repairs of Tweaking, I went into Safe Mode (of course) and I waited before I ran the test until I saw the little white flag pop up. It does normally do this with the red X in it due to Windows Update being off. Well this time it popped up and I ran the mouse over it and opened it just to make sure. This time it was not the Update it was telling me but the whole Action Center was off and nothing about Updates. I tried to activate it as it told me to do, but an error came up saying this action could not be done. I then proceeded into the Services and tried from there....no way.

To make a long story short, it has nothing to do with Tweaking.com repairs. It does this when I go to Safe Mode BEFORE running the repairs.

Any suggestions? Should I go to Windows 7 forums or some other place?

Title: Re: Repair running havoc on my PC
Post by: Boggin on February 06, 2017, 10:55:32 am
Have you tried a sfc /scannow from a command prompt run as an administrator ?
Title: Re: Repair running havoc on my PC
Post by: mecanicogolf on February 06, 2017, 10:56:59 am
No. In Safe Mode?
Title: Re: Repair running havoc on my PC
Post by: mecanicogolf on February 06, 2017, 12:00:48 pm
I did it and this is what I got...................

See attachment----
Title: Re: Repair running havoc on my PC
Post by: mecanicogolf on February 06, 2017, 12:03:57 pm
And fixit file...
Title: Re: Repair running havoc on my PC
Post by: Boggin on February 06, 2017, 03:30:46 pm
Have you run the System Update Readiness Tool (SURT) to see what it reports ?

You can download the applicable version from https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/help/947821/fix-windows-update-errors-by-using-the-dism-or-system-update-readiness-tool - scroll down the page for the Win 7 x86 version.

I don't know how big the 32 bit version is but the 64 bit version is 533MB so it may be worth selecting Save and then run it from your Downloads folder.

The log can be found at C:\Windows\Logs\CBS then double click on the Checksur one.

If that doesn't fix it and as you have ran SFCFix.exe you could register and open a thread on the www.sysnative.com forum who have guys who can work wonders with SFCFix.exe and get the relevant files for you.

However, with a Win 7 x86 install disk that includes SP1 you can boot up with it and perform an offboot sfc /scannow where the files are checked and repaired against the incorrupt source of the install disk.

If you don't have such a disk, PM me your address and I can send you a couple - just need to know if you are using Home Premium or Pro.
Title: Re: Repair running havoc on my PC
Post by: mecanicogolf on February 07, 2017, 09:44:57 am
I did just that and awaiting. Looks like I need a clean install. I have other issues with this PC besides this.
Title: Re: Repair running havoc on my PC
Post by: Boggin on February 07, 2017, 01:00:10 pm
You just did what ?
Title: Re: Repair running havoc on my PC
Post by: mecanicogolf on February 07, 2017, 01:52:34 pm
Nothing yet. I said I might need a clean install. I am about to do Readiness tool. I will try that first then do another src\scan.
Title: Re: Repair running havoc on my PC
Post by: Boggin on February 07, 2017, 02:03:39 pm
It's just that you said, "I did just that and awaiting" and I was wondering what you meant.
Title: Re: Repair running havoc on my PC
Post by: mecanicogolf on February 08, 2017, 05:49:34 am
I have a Windows 7 disk and will try it that way. Readiness did not fix much. Also, as you can see from my scan file, I have a lot more problems than that.
Refresh me: I insert disc and then boot up with it and then run a scan with it inserted?
Best to give me step by step instructions.
Thanks
Title: Re: Repair running havoc on my PC
Post by: Boggin on February 08, 2017, 08:26:25 am
Your install disk needs to include SP1 otherwise you will get an error that it doesn't match your volume - or words to that effect and you won't be able to use it.

If you don't have your computer set to boot from the DVD drive first, tap F12 as you switch on then using the cursor keys, select CD/DVD, insert the disk and press enter,

You will be briefly prompted to press any key to boot from CD/DVD - do that.

You may be presented with an inverse window with Windows Setup (EMS Enabled) highlighted - press enter.

Use the dropdown to change the Time and currency format if required - I need to change mine to United Kingdom - click on Next

Click on Repair your computer then make a note of where it locates Windows 7 as it may not always be C: - click on Next and select Command Prompt

Enter (where X is your location letter) -

sfc /scannow /offbootdir=X:\ /offwindir=X:\Windows

For clarity, there's a space before each /

This will take a while to run and doesn't give a % count as it progresses.

Let us know what it reports.

When done, enter exit to close the cmd window, remove the disk and click on Restart.









Title: Re: Repair running havoc on my PC
Post by: mecanicogolf on February 08, 2017, 05:26:47 pm
I´m so sorry Boggin, but the disc I have (thought it was W7 Sp1) is a repair Windows 7. It is not the original...it´s just a repair. I can fix startup problems and check memory or completely reinstall and save my files also.

You mentioned you had a disc for windows. I will PM you my data.
Title: Re: Repair running havoc on my PC
Post by: Boggin on February 16, 2017, 12:21:59 am
In reply to PM -

For you to have gotten to the Command Pompt from my instructions in Reply #16, you would appear to be doing things right, but check to see that you are entering the cmd correctly, ensuring there is a space before each /

Before you enter the cmd again, enter this one first to confirm you are using the correct drive letter in the cmd.

bcdedit |find "osdevice"

From the error you say you are getting would tend to point to a slight error in your entering it.

sfc /scannow /offbootdir=X:\ /offwindir=X:\Windows

That is a Pipe symbol before find in the bcdedit cmd which is the uppercase of \ and remember to substitute my X for your partition letter.
Title: Re: Repair running havoc on my PC
Post by: mecanicogolf on February 16, 2017, 05:00:37 am
No I didn't know that. X then would be my C partition letter. OK. We'll give her a try tinight

Please confirm : I know if I don't get this perfect, it won't work :

sfc /scannow /offbootdir=C:\ /offwindir=C:\Windows

Is there a space between \ /?

You got to explain all this to me just like you would a kid. I have no idea but I'm good at following instructions.

Title: Re: Repair running havoc on my PC
Post by: Boggin on February 16, 2017, 07:51:59 am
That looks good and yes, there is a space between \ /
Title: Re: Repair running havoc on my PC
Post by: mecanicogolf on February 16, 2017, 08:08:45 am
OK. Let you later on

Title: Re: Repair running havoc on my PC
Post by: mecanicogolf on February 16, 2017, 05:02:55 pm
This is what I got: Looks like it did nothing. Not one file was replaced.
sfc and also ran SFCFix, inserted the disc again and nothing.

I have 104 files (same as before).

Now what can I try?

Title: Re: Repair running havoc on my PC
Post by: Boggin on February 17, 2017, 02:11:20 am
I'm just wondering if it could be a corrupt profile and creating another admin account would fix it, but I'm going to ask for advice on this as to why it is unable to verify or fix those components.

Hopefully there should be a reply before Monday.
Title: Re: Repair running havoc on my PC
Post by: mecanicogolf on February 17, 2017, 08:44:30 am
It ran for about 10 minutes. I noticed the discussion never kicked in during the whole time so I knew it was doing nothing..
PC running fine otherwise. Amazing. And fast sine I uninstalled MSE and Malwarebytes. Installed Webroot instead and what a difference.
Title: Re: Repair running havoc on my PC
Post by: Boggin on February 17, 2017, 08:49:06 am
Are you talking about the offboot sfc /scannow ?

That takes about 30 mins on my Win 7 laptop and you should see a flashing cursor under where it says it will take some time - did you have that ?

When it completes, it will give the same report as it does when you run a sfc /scannow within Windows.
Title: Re: Repair running havoc on my PC
Post by: mecanicogolf on February 17, 2017, 08:54:09 am
Yes. I had all that. It started up, said this would take some time and the cursor flashed the whole time. 10 mins later, it gave me the message just like sfc /scannow:  sfc found cruruptions and could not fix. But only 10 minutes.
Title: Re: Repair running havoc on my PC
Post by: Boggin on February 17, 2017, 09:07:53 am
Have you tried creating another admin account and running a sfc /scannow in that ?

I'm not sure if a repair install would resolve or if your computer would accept it - I'm unable to do one on my Toshiba laptop as it gets so far, fails and reverts back.

You would need your COA sticker key to activate it should you want to try that.

A repair install doesn't affect your installed programs or personal stuff.

It's unusual for MSE to cause any problems.

Does your Action Center flag work now since you uninstalled those two programs and have you run another sfc /scannow since doing so ?
Title: Re: Repair running havoc on my PC
Post by: mecanicogolf on February 17, 2017, 09:32:07 am
I can try under administrative account. Might work.
When I run the repairs, I still get the red flag.
This evening I'll try the scannow again under admin and let you know.
Title: Re: Repair running havoc on my PC
Post by: Boggin on February 17, 2017, 09:51:19 am
So does the flag work after restoring the registry from running Windows Repair ?

Instead of creating another admin account, you can invoke the hidden admin account by running the cmd prompt as an admin and entering -

net user administrator /active:yes

shutdown /r /t 00

After the reboot you will see an admin log in icon to click on.

This will rearrange the desktop and then you can run the sfc /scannow as normal by running the cmd prompt as an admin.

This account should be disabled when done as it isn't advisable to have it enabled all of the time.

To disable it, redo the net user cmd changing yes to no then enter the shutdown cmd to reboot.
Title: Re: Repair running havoc on my PC
Post by: mecanicogolf on February 17, 2017, 09:58:15 am
No. After running repairs, the flag stays on and I always have to restore backup. In other words, the repairs do me no good right now. Unless, of course, I can figure out which repair it is. But the most logical thing to do is fix my PC first. That's where the problem is I'm sure.
Title: Re: Repair running havoc on my PC
Post by: Boggin on February 17, 2017, 10:00:02 am
Invoke the hidden admin account and run the sfc /scannow - you can also check to see if the flag works in that account.
Title: Re: Repair running havoc on my PC
Post by: mecanicogolf on February 17, 2017, 10:22:01 am
Will do. Thanks
Question: My PC right now is in Spanish language. Should I put it back to English or does this matter?
Title: Re: Repair running havoc on my PC
Post by: Boggin on February 17, 2017, 02:16:34 pm
What language was it in when you ran the Windows Repair program ?
Title: Re: Repair running havoc on my PC
Post by: mecanicogolf on February 17, 2017, 04:30:50 pm
Spanish.
I just switched it to English and ran it again...nothing.

I will try what you mentioned above with Admin, and see.
Title: Re: Repair running havoc on my PC
Post by: mecanicogolf on February 19, 2017, 03:53:06 pm
Not working or maybe I´m not doing it right.

This is getting pretty frustrating. About ready to throw in the towel and reinstall this PC.

It takes a while (all day) but it´s less headaches
Title: Re: Repair running havoc on my PC
Post by: Boggin on February 20, 2017, 12:01:02 am
If you'd entered the net user cmd correctly then it should have produced an Admin icon onto the desktop on the reboot.

If this is an OEM machine then a factory reset probably is the way the way to go.
Title: Re: Repair running havoc on my PC
Post by: mecanicogolf on February 20, 2017, 04:46:58 am
Yes. I was thinking the same. I'll let you know what the outcome is.
By the way, I'm still getting red flag.
Title: Re: Repair running havoc on my PC
Post by: Boggin on February 20, 2017, 07:45:24 am
Well whatever is the cause of that will be resolved by the factory reset.
Title: Re: Repair running havoc on my PC
Post by: jpm on March 04, 2017, 08:27:56 am
My best guess is that your userclass.dat is mucked up. One of these to methods should help you.

https://www.kapilarya.com/fix-action-center-not-working-in-windows-10
Title: Re: Repair running havoc on my PC
Post by: mecanicogolf on March 04, 2017, 06:43:54 pm
I have Windows 7 Home Premium 32 bits.

Will this work for 7?
Title: Re: Repair running havoc on my PC
Post by: mecanicogolf on March 19, 2017, 07:21:38 pm
Silence
Title: Re: Repair running havoc on my PC
Post by: Boggin on March 20, 2017, 02:47:37 am
I thought jpm would have come back on this one but I think it's Ntuser.dat in Win 7.

The only fix I know for that corruption is to create a new account.

You could try the steps in the Win 7 section of this article but I would have went for the factory reset.

https://neosmart.net/wiki/corrupt-user-profile/
Title: Re: Repair running havoc on my PC
Post by: mecanicogolf on March 20, 2017, 07:39:16 am
Thanks Bogging. I'll try this out.