Vista 64 not running system programs

It started with a windows update on Sept 7. I downloaded and installed a few (8-10) critical and recommended updates. Something never quite took because it took forever to install (hours) and I eventually had to shut down my computer manually.
Now when it boots up I can run most programs but not any windows core items such as device manager, system configuration, windows update, etc. Even outlook won't run unless I run it in outlooks "safe" mode. When I select these items, I get the blue "wait" circle forever. I have to Ctrl-alt-delete to start task manager and shut them down.
When I f8 into "safe mode" everything works great so I disabled all startup items and services (many differant combinations) and did a normal boot with the same problem every time.
I then did a system restore (multiple times from sequentially older dates) from safe mode (wouldn't run in normal mode) and still the same problem.
I really don't want to format and reinstall vista and all my programs. Any suggenstions?