freezes when entering control panel

HI

Doubt this is a malware issue, more drivers and thats where is gets tricky as you will well be aware not all 3rd party companies have released drivers fully compatible with Vista as yet.

Which version Vista ( RTM I guess by the version codes ) also x86 or x64?
Did you have to search around for drivers for this install or did most come off the DVD/WinUpdate?

On initial install did this happen or after installing a certain application or driver?

but as the common one for causing that problem with a freezing Control Panel is/was Realtek AC97 Audio drivers, I would test this to see if that is indeed the issue, either, uninstall the audio drivers or goto Device Manager and disable the Audio Driver by right clicking it and choosing Disable.

Reboot and check if your Control Panel still freezes.


It can also be cause by one of your installed applcations as many are not as yet Vista compatible as many OEMs are not releasing drivers or updates to software until Vista is released to retail.

So to trace the applcation possibly causing this you would have to uninstall many of them if not all, Cyberlink DVD unless its the Ultra version ( which is Vista Media Center Compatible ) could also cause you to not get into Control panel.

Are your ATi drivers the latest for Vista ( last released were from DEC13 ) as the control panel for ATi did cause issues for some?