BleepingComputer.com: Xp programs not working correctly

I ran System mechanic 10 as system was running slow I then rebooted system.

Nothing changed as far as I could tell.

Ran Restore to a later date, said it completed OK.

when I run IE8 some stories on AOL home page won't open so I could read them and my Email won't open any mail.

tried running System Mechanic 10 again and now it won't initialize, it just sits there saying it is initializing.

Deleted System Mechanic 10 and thied to down load with IE8 but it wouldn't download program. I then used Mozilla Firefox to do the download and reinstalled System Mechanic 10, it still wouldn't run.

I deleted IE8 and used Mozilla Firefox to download and reinstalled it, still not working.

I then tried to run Restore again but I only get a blank screen.

I have tried running Norton Utilities and a few other repair programs but still nothing.

Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks

This post has been edited by Acewarlock: 09 June 2011 - 03:51 PM

Bleeping Computer DOES NOT recommend the use of registry cleaners/optimizers for several reasons:

• Registry cleaners are extremely powerful applications that can damage the registry by using aggressive cleaning routines and cause your computer to become unbootable.
  
  The Windows registry is a central repository (database) for storing configuration data, user settings and machine-dependent settings, and options for the operating system. It contains information and settings for all hardware, software, users, and preferences. Whenever a user makes changes to settings, file associations, system policies, or installed software, the changes are reflected and stored in this repository. The registry is a crucial component because it is where Windows "remembers" all this information, how it works together, how Windows boots the system and what files it uses when it does. The registry is also a vulnerable subsystem, in that relatively small changes done incorrectly can render the system inoperable. For a more detailed explanation, read Understanding The Registry.
  
  
• Not all registry cleaners are created equal. There are a number of them available but they do not all work entirely the same way. Each vendor uses different criteria as to what constitutes a "bad entry". One cleaner may find entries on your system that will not cause problems when removed, another may not find the same entries, and still another may want to remove entries required for a program to work.
  
  
• Not all registry cleaners create a backup of the registry before making changes. If the changes prevent the system from booting up, then there is no backup available to restore it in order to regain functionality. A backup of the registry is essential BEFORE making any changes to the registry.
  
  
• Improperly removing registry entries can hamper malware disinfection and make the removal process more difficult if your computer becomes infected. For example, removing malware related registry entries before the infection is properly identified can contribute to system instability and even make the malware undetectable to removal tools.
  
  
• The usefulness of cleaning the registry is highly overrated and can be dangerous. In most cases, using a cleaner to remove obsolete, invalid, and erroneous entries does not affect system performance but it can result in "unpredictable results".

Unless you have a particular problem that requires a registry edit to correct it, I would suggest you leave the registry alone. Using registry cleaning tools unnecessarily or incorrectly could lead to disastrous effects on your operating system such as preventing it from ever starting again. For routine use, the benefits to your computer are negligible while the potential risks are great.

• Ed Bott's Webog: Why I don't use registry cleaners
  
• Do I need a Registry Cleaner?

I suggest running either the sfc /scannow ocmmand...or doing a repair install of XP...to try to replace any missing/damaged system files.

Louis

>>>I ran System mechanic 10...<<<

I see Louis has already posted what I intended. Bears repeating.
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic378243.html/page__p__2125825__hl__using+registry+cleaners__fromsearch__1#entry2125825

Good Luck.

This post has been edited by Union_Thug: 09 June 2011 - 04:17 PM

I will give your reply some though.

Thanks

I assume that you didn't delete these programs (IE8 and Firefox), but rather uninstalled them. Have you tried looking at your task manager to see what is using up all your memory? Ctrl-Alt-Del. I have used TweakNow registry cleaner with great success when my computer starts running a little slow, but I wouldn't use it on a sick PC. It doesn't sound like what you need. From what you said, it sounds like your computer isn't just running slow, but things are hanging?

>>> I have used TweakNow registry cleaner<<<

(((((FACEPALM))))))

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic378243.html/page__p__2125825__hl__using+registry+cleaners__fromsearch__1#entry2125825

Bleeping Computer DOES NOT recommend the use of registry cleaners/optimizers for several reasons:

Registry cleaners are extremely powerful applications that can damage the registry by using aggressive cleaning routines and cause your computer to become unbootable.

The Windows registry is a central repository (database) for storing configuration data, user settings and machine-dependent settings, and options for the operating system. It contains information and settings for all hardware, software, users, and preferences. Whenever a user makes changes to settings, file associations, system policies, or installed software, the changes are reflected and stored in this repository. The registry is a crucial component because it is where Windows "remembers" all this information, how it works together, how Windows boots the system and what files it uses when it does. The registry is also a vulnerable subsystem, in that relatively small changes done incorrectly can render the system inoperable. For a more detailed explanation, read Understanding The Registry.

Not all registry cleaners are created equal. There are a number of them available but they do not all work entirely the same way. Each vendor uses different criteria as to what constitutes a "bad entry". One cleaner may find entries on your system that will not cause problems when removed, another may not find the same entries, and still another may want to remove entries required for a program to work.

Not all registry cleaners create a backup of the registry before making changes. If the changes prevent the system from booting up, then there is no backup available to restore it in order to regain functionality. A backup of the registry is essential BEFORE making any changes to the Registry.

Improperly removing registry entries can hamper malware disinfection and make the removal process more difficult if your computer becomes infected. For example, removing malware related registry entries before the infection is properly identified can contribute to system instability and even make the malware undetectable to removal tools.

The usefulness of cleaning the registry is highly overrated and can be dangerous. In most cases, using a cleaner to remove obsolete, invalid, and erroneous entries does not affect system performance but it can result in "unpredictable results".

Unless you have a particular problem that requires a registry edit to correct it, I would suggest you leave the registry alone. using registry cleaning tools unnecessarily or incorrectly could lead to disastrous effects on your operating system such as preventing it from ever starting again. For routine use, the benefits to your computer are negligible while the potential risks are great.

• Ed Bott's Webog: Why I don't use registry cleaners
• Do I need a registry Cleaner?
• Registry cleaners and System Tweaking Tools

"I will give your reply some though."
There is no thought that needs to be given to advice you receive here.
It is always factual and well documented information.
If you dont care to take that advice, you WILL be reloading Windows some time soon!

Please READ AND HEED advice about the registry.
The registry is a CORE element of Windows.
If damaged or corrupted Windows will not start and your ONLY recourse will be to format and reload the system!!

Think about it like this:
Lets say you are having a problem with your car in some way.
You dont open the hood and start rearainging thing & pulling wires in an attempt to fix it do you?
Nope!

Apply the same to registry cleaners!

This post has been edited by Eyesee: 09 June 2011 - 09:28 PM

In stead of berating me for something I have already done, why don't you give me the answer to my problem.

Acewarlock, on 09 June 2011 - 10:47 PM, said:

Hamluis already did:

Quote

I suggest running either the sfc /scannow ocmmand...or doing a repair install of XP...to try to replace any missing/damaged system files.

Louis

This post has been edited by Union_Thug: 09 June 2011 - 11:42 PM

Quadrillion: I did uninstall IE8 and System Mechanic NOT FIREFOX and Yes I did look at the task manager and nothing is using CPU time.



"I have used TweakNow registry cleaner with great success when my computer starts running a little slow"

That is the reason I used System Mechanic 10, because it was running slow.


Basically what seems to be happening now is a Microsoft problem as IE8, system info, plus System mechanic 10 won't run. Firefox runs fine.

"I did uninstall IE8"
You cant uninstall internet Explorer. but you can back it down to a previous version.

You can either take the advice given or not.
That choice is yours.

Louis and Union Thug already told you what to do.

I expect we are dealing with viruses/malware and maybe corrupt Windows.
Uninstall ALL registry cleaners and reboot.

First thing I would do is back up your data.

Install good antivirus and antimalware software and scan the system.
Malwarebytes and SuperAntispyware.

Sorry I cant link you to that tonight

"I suggest running either the sfc /scannow ocmmand...or doing a repair install of XP...to try to replace any missing/damaged system files"


What are they and how do I run them?

I'm admittedly joining this thread late. I've read everything here and I'm still not completely sure what you're trying to fix. "Some stories on AOL home page won't open" - what does that mean? And is it only with IE8? Have you tried other browsers? Now that you've uninstalled IE8 do you still have that problem? What OTHER problems do you have - please explain in DETAIL.

How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install (Stevens) - http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

How To Use Sfc.exe To Repair System Files - http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic43051.html

Louis