uninstalled Sonic RecordNow--IE and other stuff don't work

[ftechguy]

I have a dell PC that came with Sonic record now. I didn't like this program so I uninstalled it to put on Easy CD creator instead. Right off the bat, the install for Easy CD froze and I had to end task it.

Then I noticed IE won't start. Instead, I see the iexplore.exe process appear, but IE windows don't open. Also, Windows installer no longer works either so I can't install/uninstall any more programs. (This would explain the install for CD Creator freezing.) Firefox seems to work fine.

In safe mode, everything seems to work fine.

I tried to System restore to a point before uninstalling Record now but that simply gives me a system state in which Record now is on my system but doesn't work--I get a blank error window with nothing but an Ok button to click to dismiss the message.

Anybody know what else to try now??
Help would be tremendously appreciated!

 

[TamedTech]

If worst comes to worst Dell usualy supply you with a System Restore disk that will put the system back to factory state.

I've not seen this problem before, its is very odd and i cant put my finger on whats causing it as the error messages are so vague.

Rob

 

[linney]

Undo" the System Restore you performed and return to the present time.

Try reregestering msiexec.exe. It might help if you use the Disk Cleanup tool to delete your Temporary files too.

Click Start, and then click Run. In the Open box, type the following line, and then click OK:
msiexec /regserver.

Internet Explorer Fix

http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/IEFIX.htm

Try running ChkDsk to check your drive for errors. Right click your Drive icon/ Properties/ Tools/ Error Checking.

Run the System File Checker program from the Run Box by typing.....Sfc /Scannow in it and have your XP CD handy.

If they don't work you could try repairing windows by running it over itself. You will lose all your windows updates but your files will be untouched.

How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade (Reinstallation) of Windows XP (Q315341)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q315/3/41.asp

 

[ftechguy]

I did the system file check and it didn't report any problems, but IE then worked after. Looked too good to be true, so I restarted and then it's not working.. oh well.
Tomorrow, I'm going to try those other things you suggested, linney--hopefully I won't have to do a repair install.

 

[ftechguy]

Well I checked out the PC this morning and now IE is working again. Really strange. I haven't tried Windows installer yet though..I'm going to wait till a quiet day before I potentially break it again though.

 

[electronicsfreak]

Just for safe keeping, id run the scan below to make sure theres not any virus or malware thats causing this that just happened to start as you removed the program.

http://housecall.trendmicro.com/

 

[UnlimCompSol]

If you do find sometype of virus and malware make sure you delete your old system restore points. I read that they can recreate itself from the system restore points somehow.

Hope that helps a little

Malik

http://www.unlimitedcomputersolutions.com

where your problems are our solutions!!

 

[ftechguy]

Just adding an update here to this rather bizarre incident. I'm finding that if I simply restart this computer, I will run into the problems mentioned above. Doing the system file check doesn't report problems but everything works fine again--until the next restart.
I'm going to check the registry for possible rogue record now entries that could be causing this.....

 

[linney]

310353 - How to Perform a Clean Boot in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;310353&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

316434 - HOW TO: Perform Advanced Clean-Boot Troubleshooting in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;316434&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

310560 - How to Troubleshoot By Using the Msconfig Utility in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;310560&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

Perhaps as you say running a decent Registry cleaner through the registry may pick up some incorrect setting?

Things working in Safe Mode but not Normal Mode would suggest a driver problem.

HOW TO: Verify Unsigned Device Drivers in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q308/5/14.asp