Add/remove programs empty

[teqmod]

We are having a problem with a 2000prof machine. In Add/remove programs there is nothing there. When I tried to start the windows installer service it failed. I went to the event logs and can see the list in event viewer but cannot open any of the errors. While checking things through Explorer I tried to open the \winnt directory and saw no folders or files. I can open non-system folders and view the contents. I can open the event log remotely and open the individual logs. I can use the command prompt and list the files in the \winnt directory. I have performed a virus scan and came up with nothing. In the app event log I found Event system error 4097. Nothing else really in the logs that looks suspect. Ideas?

 

[erikhertzel]

Try system file checker:

To do this simply go to the Run box on the Start Menu and type in:

sfc /scannow

Regards.

Erik

 

[teqmod]

Nice try!!

I just ran this and no luck. Thanks for the input, any other ideas?

Also, I guess the original symptom might help. The user complained that she could copy but not paste and cannot drag and drop files.

 

[maxthedork]

Try this:

Start / Run / REGSVR32 APPWIZ.CPL

That re-registers the Add/Remove Applications applet in Control Panel

 

[teqmod]

Well to resolve the problem I had to go with some extreme measures. I did a second install into another directory. Next I booted with an ERD and copied all of hte files from the new install to the old install in the WINNT directory and the system32 directory. I then rebooted to the original OS and everything is working so far. I am reapplying SP4 and reinstalling office since this problem began with an office issue. I am still not sure why all of these problems happened and I guess now I never will but it is working now.

 

[wolluf]

A repair reinstall might also have resolved the issue:-

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;292175&Product=win2000

 

[teqmod]

I tried the repair option first, no luck. I actually did this as a last ditch effort. Honestly I did not expect it to work.