add&remove pgrms [fails with a Rundll appwiz.cpl error]

When I click on the Add or Remove programs icon in my control panel I get a RUNDLL
An exception occured while trying to run "shell32.dll,control_RunDLL "C:\WINDOWS\System32\appwiz.cpl" Add or Remove Programs" I didn't see any related posts so I started this one. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

 

Could be any number of things but lets start with a 'fix' that will take care of the most likely ones.

Click on start, on run, key in cmd and click OK.

When you get the cmd window (DOS looking thing) open, key in each of the following lines and press the ENTER key after each line. You'll need to click OK on each of the confirmation windows.

Code:

regsvr32 mshtml.dll
regsvr32 shdocvw.dll -i
regsvr32 shell32.dll -i

If you still can't run the add/remove piece, the back to start, run, key in

Code:

sfc /purgecache
sfc /scannow

and OK after each of those entries. You may be prompted for your XP Install CD and need to put it in the drive.

When you test after either or both of the above fixes, try starting add/remove by clicking on start, run, keying in appwiz.cpl and clicking OK.

 

I tried all of the above

I tried all of the above. I'm still getting the same RUNNDLL ERROR. Any other Ideas??

 

Take a look in your event viewer and for an information event with a source of Windows File Protection. It will have details of any changes made by the SFC command. When you find the event, open it, click on the icon below the up/down arrows (sends a text copy to your clipboard) and paste the results here.

 

I learned something new today... "EVENT VIEWER" LOL I hope this helps Thanks for takin the time.

Event Type: Information
Event Source: Windows File Protection
Event Category: None
Event ID: 64017
Date: 1/23/2005
Time: 4:50:07 PM
User: N/A
Computer: HURST-KB68BO356
Description:
Windows File Protection file scan completed successfully.

For more information, see Help and Support Center at http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/events.asp.

 

Here's another one

Event Type: Information
Event Source: Windows File Protection
Event Category: None
Event ID: 64020
Date: 1/23/2005
Time: 4:39:42 PM
User: N/A
Computer: HURST-KB68BO356
Description:
Windows File Protection scan found that the system file c:\windows\system32\drivers\cinemst2.sys has a bad signature. This file was restored to the original version to maintain system stability. The file version of the system file is 5.0.0.93.

For more information, see Help and Support Center at http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/events.asp.

 

The event log entries look fine. At this point, I'm stumped but I think with the title change I made, one or two of our serious OS guru types will take a look so hopefully expert help is on the way.

 

bigdaddy, please check your PM. I may have a tool that can crawl the ARP settings and resolve this problem for you.

 

To add some additional info....

The entries were probably a result of using sfc switch of /purgecache. This switch is ordinarily used to avoid this behavior or gotcha':
Windows File Protection (WFP) provides a built-in mechanism that, in some cases, prevents a hotfix, service pack, or application from replacing key system files with earlier versions of those files. WFP uses the system file catalog to verify that protected system files are valid. When you download and install a hotfix or service pack, the hotfix usually includes a catalog update, and a service pack always includes a catalog update that describes all the files in the service pack. Each file has a catalog entry that contains the current version number and a file signature (i.e., a checksum of the file's contents). Although unusual, catalogs occasionally contain incorrect version numbers or file signatures, which can cause problems immediately after an update or installation, during the next system restart, or when you run an OS utility or application. WFP protects all system files stored in the %systemroot%\system32\dllcache directory. When an upgrade or application attempts to replace a file that appears in the \dllcache directory, WFP permits the replacement only if the new file has the correct version number and signature.

You had probably at some point, updated or had overwritten the system file "cinemst2.sys ". By purgeing the dll cache and having it rebuilt a mismatch flagged the file as replaced and proceded to do as it is designed to do, "restore the protected file" with the file it now has cached in dllcache.

I believe it is advised that when using this switch you must redo or at least recheck for your updates both microsofts and any driver or software you may have done.

I ran across this page while trying to find a helper write up to use in my explanation of recent reported event but I also noted an interesting bit of advice at the bottom that you may find applicable. In the link that follows scroll down to the bottom and see the section entitled "When Add/Remove Programs Doesn't Respond ". This is food for thought at any rate, if Bens tool doesn't do the trick:
http://www.winntmag.com/Article/ArticleID/27471/27471.html

Also:
http://www.techexams.net/technotes/xp/devicesdrivers.shtml#permissions
Scroll down to section entitled "driver signing "...
I believe the default is as shown at least that is what I have mine set as. While it is optimal to install things that have been tested and passed by MS this is not very practical in the wide scheme of things. I have older software as well as hardware drivers that may not have been certified. This setting allows me to decide if I wish to ignore the warning and continue with the installation anyway.

 

oops

 

Hello bigdaddy,
Oops? Just oops?

Are you teasing those of us watching this post with curiousity and interest by dangling an "empty calorie" post update carrot? Where's the beef?

 

Well sorry for the vegetable tease ~ Ben sent me a tool however it came with a disclamer indicating that it was created by 300 monkeys in a room. That particular piece of information terrifies me. All I need to know is if everyone else has had work done by those specific monkeys. If so I will be much more comfortable using the tool!!

 

If I had a problem and Ben sent me a utility he had done that in his opinion could diagnose or fix the problem, I would happily use it.

I think the '300 monkeys' is a pre-computer/literary reference (think Shakespeare and typewriters). If not, I hope he has a really good air cleaner in that room.

 

I can not figure out how to run the tool Ben sent me. I copied the files to the same folder. When I double click to launch the exe file a small black window comes up briefly and then goes away. I do not know how to get it to the fix/or diagnostic mode. I believe I can use the tool with a little help.
Maybe my ancestors were related to one of the 300 monkeys. LOL

 

follow the direction in the Readme file included in the zip.

 

This says the file is a .ZIP file.

Did you COPY or UNZIP them.

BillyBob

 

I right clicked on the zip files and extracted them to a folder in "my documents ". I may not be doing it right as I am new to using zip files.