To reinstall or....?

Vista Ultimate64

Suddenly getting strange problems: IE will not open ("Cannot find
"<webaddress>" message opens in small window) just trying to open IE, Audio
editing programmes suddenly can't find the sound card (which is working
fine), and there seems to be problem with Windows Installer as I can't
install or uninstall programmes without error messages popping up - just a
few probs so far.
I have an idea I might have a corrupt Registry - but I'm open to suggestions
as to what I could/should do first...?

Thanks

"Paul Graham" <paulgraham@pobox.com> wrote in message
news95221BF-A1EA-4721-9C33-2A4052CB0FB6@microsoft.com...
> Vista Ultimate64
>
> Suddenly getting strange problems: IE will not open ("Cannot find
> "<webaddress>" message opens in small window) just trying to open IE,
> Audio editing programmes suddenly can't find the sound card (which is
> working fine), and there seems to be problem with Windows Installer as I
> can't install or uninstall programmes without error messages popping up -
> just a few probs so far.
> I have an idea I might have a corrupt Registry - but I'm open to
> suggestions as to what I could/should do first...?
>
> Thanks
If this is a relatively recent issue you might try using System Restore to
take you back to a time prior to when this began. Start
Menu\Programs\Accessories\System Tools\System Restore. While System Restore
is designed to restore only the registry and system settings to a specific
point in time as a precaution your data should always be well backed up.

--
Michael Solomon
Backup is a PC user's best friend
DTS-L.Org: http://www.dts-l.org/

Thanks Michael,
I tried the System Restore, but the problem is still there. I'll try an even
earlier SR to see if that can help.
(All data is backed up to a second HD so I'm happy with that!)
Failing that, should I go ahead with reinstalling Vista?

"Michael Solomon" <user@#notme.com> wrote in message
news:uADsiCS4HHA.3716@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>
>
> "Paul Graham" <paulgraham@pobox.com> wrote in message
> news95221BF-A1EA-4721-9C33-2A4052CB0FB6@microsoft.com...
>> Vista Ultimate64
>>
>> Suddenly getting strange problems: IE will not open ("Cannot find
>> "<webaddress>" message opens in small window) just trying to open IE,
>> Audio editing programmes suddenly can't find the sound card (which is
>> working fine), and there seems to be problem with Windows Installer as I
>> can't install or uninstall programmes without error messages popping up -
>> just a few probs so far.
>> I have an idea I might have a corrupt Registry - but I'm open to
>> suggestions as to what I could/should do first...?
>>
>> Thanks
> If this is a relatively recent issue you might try using System Restore to
> take you back to a time prior to when this began. Start
> Menu\Programs\Accessories\System Tools\System Restore. While System
> Restore is designed to restore only the registry and system settings to a
> specific point in time as a precaution your data should always be well
> backed up.
>
> --
> Michael Solomon
> Backup is a PC user's best friend
> DTS-L.Org: http://www.dts-l.org/

"Paul Graham" <paulgraham@pobox.com> wrote in message
news:902AB676-ACF2-4EA5-85BD-6BBC544DAC61@microsoft.com...
> Thanks Michael,
> I tried the System Restore, but the problem is still there. I'll try an
> even earlier SR to see if that can help.
> (All data is backed up to a second HD so I'm happy with that!)
> Failing that, should I go ahead with reinstalling Vista?
>
> "Michael Solomon" <user@#notme.com> wrote in message
> news:uADsiCS4HHA.3716@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>>
>>
>> "Paul Graham" <paulgraham@pobox.com> wrote in message
>> news95221BF-A1EA-4721-9C33-2A4052CB0FB6@microsoft.com...
>>> Vista Ultimate64
>>>
>>> Suddenly getting strange problems: IE will not open ("Cannot find
>>> "<webaddress>" message opens in small window) just trying to open IE,
>>> Audio editing programmes suddenly can't find the sound card (which is
>>> working fine), and there seems to be problem with Windows Installer as I
>>> can't install or uninstall programmes without error messages popping
>>> up - just a few probs so far.
>>> I have an idea I might have a corrupt Registry - but I'm open to
>>> suggestions as to what I could/should do first...?
>>>
>>> Thanks
>> If this is a relatively recent issue you might try using System Restore
>> to take you back to a time prior to when this began. Start
>> Menu\Programs\Accessories\System Tools\System Restore. While System
>> Restore is designed to restore only the registry and system settings to a
>> specific point in time as a precaution your data should always be well
>> backed up.
>>
>> --
>> Michael Solomon
>> Backup is a PC user's best friend
>> DTS-L.Org: http://www.dts-l.org/
>
If no luck with SR, try opening IE with no add-ons, Start
Menu\Programs\System Tools\Internet Explorer (No Add-ons)you must use this
shortcut, then see if IE opens to your home page and then other addresses.
If yes, you'll need to disable add-ons one by one until you find the
offending add-on. Control Panel\Internet Options\Programs tab\Manage
add-ons button, select the first in the list, disable it, then try opening
IE and see what happens. Keep doing so until you find the offending add-on.

Once found, run Vista normally for awhile as add-ons or BHOs, Browser Helper
Objects can cause overall system instability and the one causing the problem
with IE may be the source of all your issues. Also be sure to scan for
viruses and adware/malware.

--
Michael Solomon
Backup is a PC user's best friend
DTS-L.Org: http://www.dts-l.org/