BleepingComputer.com: Can't access Windows Update or many Control Panel functions

Windows Vista 6.0 SP 2
IE 8
Dell Inspiron 1525

For the last couple weeks, I haven't been able to access the Windows Update page, or many other control panel functions. If I click on Windows Update, Backup and Restore Center, or Security Center (among others), nothing at all happens. I've tried to go to the Windows Update webpage, and it looks like it will open, then immediately closes. If I go to the Microsoft Update page, it's completely blank. No error codes or anything, just blank. Also, on Facebook, I can't "like" anything, or comment on someone's status. Several of the games aren't working either.

Probably not coincidentally, at about the same time, I started getting a message at startup saying something (I don't remember the exact phrasing) about reverting back to the original theme due to a conflict with another program, and also one that says "Runtime Error - Program: C:\Program Files\Dell|Media Direct\PCMService.exe" stating that the application has requested the runtime to terminate it in an unusual way.

When this started, I was running AVG Free, not sure which version. When an AVG scan didn't pick anything up, I switched to Norton 360, which didn't find anything either, so I re-installed AVG Free 9.0. In addition to AVG and Norton, I've run Spybot Search and Destroy, Malwarebytes, Windows Defender (although I get an error when I try to update it). None of them have found anything. I did run a Hijackthis scan, but I have no idea what the results mean. I've tried to do a system restore from Safe Mode, but nothing happened. After posting on the malware forum, I'm confident that's not the problem.

I'm not the most computer savvy person in the world, but I'll do my best to provide any other information you need. Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.

With the information you have provided I believe you will need help from the malware removal team. I would like you to start a new thread and post a DDS log HERE and include a link to this thread. Please make sure that you read the information about getting started before you start your thread.

It would be helpful if you post a note here once you have completed the steps in the guide and have started your topic in malware removal. Good luck and be patient. Help is on the way!

I apologize - I should have mentioned that I first posted this in the Malware forum. After running a few scans, it was determined that was not my problem, and I should post here.

Your previous topic was in "Am I Infected?" forum.
They run some general scans there.
This is not what I asked for in my previous post.
To have your computer 100% checked, you have to go through malware forum.

I'm sorry. The "Am I infected" moderater referred me here ("Ok, run one more scan this on is pretty fast. If no infection then you will need to start a topic in the Vista forum above as it is not malware .."). I will go to the malware forum.

No problem. You may be clean, as well, but we better check

Hello,

Now that you have posted a log here: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic345611.html you should NOT make further changes to your computer (install/uninstall programs, use special fix tools, delete files, edit the registry, etc) unless advised by a MRT Team member, nor should you ask for help elsewhere. Doing so can result in system changes which may not show in the log you already posted. Further, any modifications you make on your own may cause confusion for the helper assisting you and could complicate the malware removal process which would extend the time it takes to clean your computer.

From this point on the MRT Team should be the only members that you take advice from, until they have verified your log as clean.

Please be patient. It may take a while to get a response because the MRT Team members are EXTREMELY busy working logs posted before yours. They are volunteers who will help you out as soon as possible. Once you have made your post and are waiting, please DO NOT make another reply until it has been responded to by a member of the MRT Team. Generally the staff checks the forum for postings that have 0 replies as this makes it easier for them to identify those who have not been helped. If you post another response there will be 1 reply. A team member, looking for a new log to work may assume another MRT Team member is already assisting you and not open the thread to respond.

Please be patient. It may take several days to get a response but your log will be reviewed and answered as soon as possible. I advise checking your topic once a day for responses as the e-mail notification system is unreliable.

To avoid confusion, I am closing this topic. Good luck with your log.

Orange Blossom