Vista Ultimate missing File/Folder names

Hi Folks,

I have a Dell Vostro running Windows Vista Ultimate. Recently the file and folder names disappeared . The only thing left in any folder is the icons. I also noticed that the 'search' facility now states that' it failed to initialize' and the system icon under control panel is not working. Apart from that the PC runs fine. I first suspected a virus or malware so i have ran Malwarebytes, Avast antivirus and Superantispyware.. Only the later picked up a few items which i removed to no avail. I have also ran a 'repair' from the Vista Disk. I have tried all combinations of holding shift, alt ..etc while toggling through the view settings and selecting different folders. I have tried customising folders and changing templates. I have tried removing the 'Hide filenames' option where I could find it. I have ran combofix just in case the registry was corrupted.

None of the above has made the slightest difference. Actually when I toggle the 'hide Filenames' option on and off I can see the icons move as if to make space for the folder/file names. This lead me to believe that perhaps the file names where there but perhaps in a colour like 'transparent' crazy as this seems . Needless to say that lead me no where. Couldn't find any option for text colour on files/folders

If anyone has experience this then please help as i have no other option than to now reformat the system and re-install Windows. This is really a last resort as loads of data and apps on the system.

Thanks in advance..

 

Hello,
Did you use the Ctrl + Shift key combination while clicking on View? Another option would be a system restore to a point before the trouble began if one is available.

 

Hi Tgel, Yes as mentioned in my initial message I have tried all combinations of Ctrl, Shift etc. Spent about 5 hours googling . I have also tried to restore to an earlier point and I have also selected 'last known good configuration' while hitting f8 during boot.

Thanks

 

You said you ran a repair from the Vista disk. Was this just the repair computer option when the Vista disk first boots? Before doing a reformat and reinstall, I would try doing a repair install first. I would get the product key from your installation first in case you need it.

http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/88236-repair-install-vista.html

 

What I was actually trying to ask was if you did a startup repair that is shown when you boot the Vista Disk or a full repair install as referenced in my link which is done inside of windows.

 

Hi tgell

I have ran the repair computer option that you get when you first boot from the vista DVD. However, I also tried selecting the 'Install' option hoping that like XP I would get an opportunity to reinstall Vista over the old version hence fixing the 'corrupt/broken' files. Unfortunately the only options I arrived at where...1. Upgrade the PC...This was greyed out and could be select .. 2. Install a fresh copy of Vista which would format the system and loose all programs and data..AAAAGGHHH!!

Thanks for your assistance..