Deleting Files In Vista

When I delete something from the desktop I get a hang with the window telling me how long I have left, 0 secs, but it will not come off the screen.

I discovered a fix but found I need to install SP1 first, which I thought I had ages ago. It is not in my update queue so I DL it from Microsoft. When I attempt to install it, it tells me it is already running. When I right click My Computer I do not see it under windows edition. Also when I delete or even edit a document on my desktop or My Docs, it will freeze the small pane underneath the file with the name. This also means that whilst I can shut my computer down and move around the hard drives without issue, all the icons on my desktop become unusable. At times the mouse arrow becomes the timer but this flickers and does not change itself back to normal. I have tried to install the hotfix for this but was told it was not for my system.

I initially posted this in the Malware section but it turns out that after running various scans, my system is clean. http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?p=1545278&posted=1#post1545278

Thanks in advance for any help you can give.

 

You need SP2 for Vista at this time.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/downloads/service-packs

 

Well I've checked for updates and SP2 didn't come up to download.

I also downloaded it from Microsoft as a standalone and when I attempt to install, it tells me I need SP1.

So I try to install SP1, I run as admin, the box asking to Run or Cancel appears then....nothing.

 

You might try uninstalling SP1, then reinstalling it: KB 948537.

 

I tried yesterday with no luck. Just looked again and it tells me there are no updates installed on the computer at all?

I only have 4 important updates and none of those are the Service packs. I am convinced I installed SP1 last year, after I had neglected to do so for ages.

 

Is your Vista 32-bit or 64-bit?

 

32 bit

 

Ok - download and run the System Update Readiness Tool, which will attempt to resolve certain conditions that could interfere with the installation of updates.
After the tool completes, reboot and try to install Service Pack 2.

 

I tried this yesterday and it tells me that it is installing but the bar does not fill, it just hangs forever. Just tried again and the same thing. I ran through a few suggestions from elsewhere, this being the last of them


2. If the installation still fails, open an elevated Command Prompt window, and then run chkdsk /f. The Chkdsk tool checks the file system and metadata for errors, and then it fixes the errors, if possible. Then try to install SP1 again.

3. If the installation still fails, open an elevated Command Prompt window, and then run SFC /scannow. The System File Checker tool scans all protected files to verify their versions, and then it updates these files, if possible. Then try to install SP1 again.

4. If the installation still fails, open an elevated Command Prompt window, and then run MdSched.exe. The Windows Memory Diagnostic tool tests the Random Access Memory (RAM) on your computer for errors. Then try to install SP1 again.

5. If the installation still fails, download and extract the KB947821 update from the Microsoft Download Center. The Windows6.0-KB947821-XXX.msu file will ensure that the computer is ready to be updated. Then try to install SP1 again.

I really seem to be lost as to what to do next.

 

That ain't good. You might take a look at this Windows Forum thread, see if there's anything there you can check.

Personally, though, when I reach a point like this, I start considering a backup/format/reinstall.

 

Just annoying that it is only this problem I can't rectify.

I will read through the thread you've posted and see if theres anything of help in there. If not, I'll come back and see what help you can provide on the reinstall etc.

I've often heard about the rebuild of comps but always been too nervous to undertake it - I also don't have enough back up storage to dump my stuff elsewhere temporarily.

Thanks for your help so far.

 

No problem. Check out that thread, especially the services, catroot, software distribution stuff - seems like it might apply to your situation.

 

Not good.

Went through his suggestions and it hasn't changed a thing, the Systems Update Readiness Tool is still hanging.

I've left a reply on that thread in the hope a mod there picks it up and can offer some advice.

If not then I'm pretty screwed. I've always been able to find a solution to probs before, never run into such a stubborn one as this before.

 

Ok, scrap that. Went through it again and was successful this time.

However, tried to install SP2 but it tells me I need SP1 first, which I'm positive I already have.

So, I try to install SP1 and the same thing happens.

I get to the point where it asks me to Run the program and.....nada.

 

An update on this.

The thread you pointed me to have not been able to help any further.

I have managed to install the readiness tool but still no luck installing SP1. I have noticed that when I start up my PC for the day, I have to change the clock time, which I know can be associated with the CMOS battery. Do you think all of these problems are associated with that?

However I can delete in safe mode without the hang. I also have problems editing a file name, as the file when then freeze and the timer will appear until I restart. I thought my user may have become corrupted but the problem still exists when I created a new one.

Any more ideas??

 

Ok, hopefully one last update.

After a long drawn out process going through the Clean Boot, I have detected that Windows Search was causing the problem. When I switch this off, I can delete files with no hang, edit files etc.

So one last question....is there a fix for this??!

Not having the search facility is not ideal so is there a way I can fix the search index?

 

Welcome back.

Weird - good job on finding the culprit. There is an update for Windows Search (KB 940157), but I have no idea if that will solve the problem, or introduce new problems.

Frankly, I never use the Windows search function, and haven't for quite a while. I use Agent Ransack, which, IMO, is far better than anything MS has ever come up with.

 

Thanks Cali.

Yeah it does seem very weird that this would cause an issue like this. I've read that you can rebuild the search index, do you think it's worth doing that first to see if it fixes the problem?

I've never heard of Agent Ransack, is that simple app you just install and run to search?

 

I don't have access to a Vista machine at the moment, so you'll have to do your own Search testing. I did note in MS KB 940157 the following:

You'll have to decide if that caveat applies to your situation.

Agent Ransack is a stand-alone program, so it may not have the built-in MS flags that WS contains, but I've found that it is very good for normal file search usage. Give it a shot.