Where should I start? (Windows Vista)

I had a problem with all my computers working on my wireless network back in the winter. My laptop (w/Vista) was the only one not in the same workgroup... I made them all the same. I was able to get to each other computer... to the internet... exactly how I wanted it set up. But shortly after I got that working, I noticed that the network icon, in the tray, had a red X through it; but I could still go anywhere on the network and had access to the internet.

I then got the error message that my antivirus software was not active (even though it was); I use AVG. The Security Center won't let me say I have my own program, or whatever. Also, the firewall won't turn on... at least it says it won't.

I also get Windows Installer error.... Windows Installer could not be accessed.

Also, these updates won't install - Security Update for Windows Vista (KB2393802 & KB2633171).

As you can see, I have a plethora of problems. What order should I attempt to fix them? I've done Google searches on the Security Center problem and the Installer problem. I've tried a few of the solutions with no good results. This forum has helped me before, please guide me again. Thank you.

L

 

I would start here http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=35407 This will guide you through the steps to determine if you are infected.

 

So infection is the only thing that could cause all of this? I've done the Spybot Search & Destroy and AVG with no errors. Thanx

 

Check if the Windows Installer service is running if not, start it.
Click the Start Button, select Run, and type services.msc then press Enter.
Scroll down to Windows Installer and double click it
You can see if you can start the service there

Also read http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb%3BEN-US%3BQ315346 on how to re-register the installer if that fails. Take special note of item 2 regarding backing up your registry.

 

Well... right off the bat... I get error 3: cannot find specified path to executable. Don't know where to look and it doesn't seem to have the Find Target button...

 

Log into an admin account.
Click the Start Button, select Run, and type services.msc then press Enter.
See if Remote Procedure Call (RPC) is started, if not start it, set to automatic.
reboot
Click the Start Button, select Run, and type services.msc then press Enter.
Check that Remote Procedure Call (RPC) is started - the win installer needs RPC
*** NOT Remote Procedure Call (RPC) Locator ***
Scroll down to Windows Installer and double click it. Start this service.


If this still doesn't get you going, http://support.microsoft.com/kb/942288 has the Installer package you can install. Do these things from an admin account.

 

RPC is already set to Automatic and starting...
Still get the message about can't find location.
On to the microsoft link. Thanx.

 

Post back results...

 

When I click on the link, it takes me where I can download the latest version of installer. I do so and attempt to run it, but get the same message I had previously stating installer doesn't work... don't remember the whole message, I'm at work. Sorry to be dense.

 

Can you post the message when you get a chance? Thanks...

 

When I get home, I'll do it again and post screen shots. Is that still kosher here? I can post on my site and put a link here if that helps.

 

Now I remember... I downloaded all the versions of installer that show up when you go to the link. I started with X86 and then each of the others just for giggles. Got the message on each one that the update wasn't for my machine. What am I doing wrong?

 

Do you see this when you go to the download page from Microsoft?

This article applies to a different version of Windows than the one you are using. Content in this article may not be relevant to you.

They will give you a link to what you need for your machine...

 

The link takes me to Windows Installer 4.5 Redistributable. I select X86 for my system and get the error it does not apply to my system. Just for giggles I downloaded and tried all the ones on the page; got the same message.

I have Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 2 installed. All I want to do is to be able to install things without getting errors. Nothing will install any more.... updates... nothing. What can I do?

 

Have you been to this page:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/942288

 

Yes... that is the one I was talking about.

 

OK, read this:
http://windowsfixup.com/2009/06/vista-sp2-problems-uninstall-run-readiness-tool-reinstall/

It will show you how to uninstall SP2, run a fixit, and reinstall SP2. All links are genuine microsoft links.

 

Exactly what I was looking for! Thanx!

 

Good. Keep us posted on your progress...

 

I go to the article... I get to the section
Uninstall Service Pack 2

Method 1
Appwiz.cpl shows NO installed updates.

Method 2
A don't have system restore disks that I can find.

Method 3
The .exe file is not in C:\temp, or any other place on the computer.

Even though, when I check View basic information (Control Panel >
System and Maintenance > System

It shows
Windows Vista Ultimate
Copyright (c) 2007 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
Service Pack 2

I still cannot find Service Pack 2 to uninstall it.

Now what?

 

I am assuming the silence is, no one knows.

Now I'll ask a question, but I think I already know the answer. If I upgrade to Windows 8 (from Vista) that will just carry the problems over, or fix them?

From what I've seen of 8, not to thrilled, then again Vista sucks. I just may take the chance. We shall see.

 

I would create a backup of any files I would want to save and do a clean install. The potential for carrying over your issues to the new OS are fairly good.

As for windows 8.... I am sticking with windows 7 for now. But that is more of a personal preference.

 

I go here: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/948537

Option 1: I see nothing that looks like SP2 when I bring up appwiz.cpl

Option 2A: I don't have system disks... supposedly, I have the restore crap on my D drive. I go and run PCRestore.exe to format and reset everything. It comes up and runs for a bit, then I get an error box with only the red X in it.

Option 2B: rstrui is not found

Option 3: I cannot find the service pack files anywhere on my computer.

I have no idea what I can do to fix this. Does anyone else?

Thanx
L

 

So I've stumped the experts? FM...

 

Well... I was doing a Google search today trying to fix this mess... I found some place called OmniSupport that said they were Microsoft Certified and could find and fix all the problems. There was no mention of a charge, or that they were selling anything, so I started a chat session with a tech. Did the Remote thing with him and he discovered a bunch of stuff, which he said he could fix if I joined their program for only $299 a year. I'm unemployed and told him that. I also told him I had 4 computers in the house and couldn't afford that for each (hinting the $299. was for all). He came back with they could cover them all for $800. Once again I told him I was unemployed... he then said he could fix all my issues one time for $140. and I could delay payment until 12/29... I told him that if I didn't have a job now, I didn't know if I'd have one by then. He then said he couldn't help me...

At any rate... I should have done as you all suggested in the 1st part of this thread. Once again, I have ignored the best advise there is and it is all free. I shall begin the malware stuff tonight. Thanx.

L

 

Did the MalWare thing... was declared MalWare free. Now what? Any particular order? I'd really like to upgrade to Windows 7, but have been told that I could just carry the problems over.

To recap:
1. Installer is hosed. Can't install anything.
2. Windows Security won't let me tell it AVG is my anti-virus and won't let me reactivate my firewall.
3. I have the network icon in the try... the red X through the two screens... but I have full wireless access to my network.
4. KB2393802 and KB2633171 say they installed, but never do.

I've been told SP2 is causing a bunch of this trouble. I cannot find it anywhere to uninstall reinstall. I have no restore points that I can find. I attempt to go to my D drive where all the recovery crap is, run the exe to format and reinstall Windows Vista Ultimate. It runs for a while, then I get an error message box with nothing but a red X in it.

I just want to know where to start, so that one thing isn't causing more trouble. I have all my personal files on my desktop and that is backed up via Carbonite. There are a few programs on this laptop that are unique to it, but I have the source on the desktop. I want to go with Windows 7 because I don't think 8 will do me any good. I don't have any sort of touch screen and love the way Windows 7 works on my wife's laptop.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanx!

 

Going back to uninstalling SP2, it seems you should have had many updates viewable.

You type in appwiz.cpl you get a list of installed programs. From the left panel you click "view installed updates" and you get nothing in the list?