Windows Vista Network, Printer, and Sound Not working

Neil, my computer is completely up to date with Windows. I usually check this about once a week. My big problem is that I can't make a system restore point and also this computer cannot see my laptops due to some Network error.

I'm ready to close this issue and just deal with the computer the way it is and eventually get a new desktop.

Thanks for your help.

Jean

 

Jean, I found this on a Vista Problem site relating to System Restore not working:
Go to > Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Services > and check that RPC is set to Automatic and is started. Then set VSC to Manual and start it.

I've tested this on this Hard Drive I'm using now. You can then go and set a Restore Point. Let's know if this helps. Neil.

 

Neal, I did check that the two RPC's (Remote Procedure Call (RPC) and Remote Procedure Call (RPC) Locator were started and on automatic.

Also I am assuming when you said set VSC to Manual and start it you meant "Volume Shadow Copy." I did exactly what you said but no luck at all.

I also realized now my scanner is not working so in the meantime I'll try to reload the driver and see if I can get that back on line.

Thanks for your help.

Jean

 

Jean, In Device Manager > Action > Scan for Hardware changes?
Followed by Device Manager > View > Devices by connection?
Do your Printers show when doing these checks? Neil.

 

Neil,
I did look in Device Manager > Action > there was no "Scan for Hardware Changes? ". There was just "Help ".

In Device Manager > View > Devices by connection? - No printers were found.

I just don't know what to say.

Jean

 

Looks like you may have to carry out a Repair install with your Vista OS DVD.
It sounds very much like the OS is corrupted or missing vital sections.
Broni cleaned it - you tried sfc /scannow didn't you? and chkdsk?

Your next choice maybe W7 or W8.1 as I reached that point last year. I have carried out a fresh install of Vista after formatting the HD. Mine worked OK for about 2 years - then little problems began - so I bit the bullet.

These days I'm using W8.1 more followed by W7, then Vista and I keep the XP on my wife's comp running along with 2 spare XP's.

I'm going to make the decision about my wife's comp in the next few months, keeping fingers crossed she doesn't have any problems. She doesn't like change and will be totally lost going to W8.1 as she has been with 95/98/XP all through her working days.
Also, having an IT man in the NZCER, she never had to worry when the comps stopped working - they just replaced it with another good working unit. Neil.

 

Neil,
No DVDs came with my computer but I know I made a set of CDs called "System Recovery" on 6/6/08 and there are 7 CDs. If I use these do you think they will wipe my disk clean or could I just do a repair?

I was trying to avoid reformatting it, if possible.

If I do use these CDs, how do I start. Do I put the 1st CD in and then restart the computer?

Thanks for your help and after you answer this question I'll close the issue.

Jean

 

Neil, I found my System Recovery CD that came with my computer and I told it to restore computer to an earlier time. I was surprised when it came up and had many restore points so I selected one from January 2014. I am not sure if I did the right thing but it seems to be working now. I was able to make a restore point for today. I also can see my laptops on the network.

I'm not sure if everything is working yet but at least some of it is. Thanks for your help

If you do not think it is necessary to do anything else, please close this issue.

Thank you again.

Jean

 

Jean, nice to hear you're back working OK. If that "System Recovery" came with the computer - has it got SP1 and SP2 included?
If not - it would pay to go to WU and get ALL updates available to bring it up to speed. Neil.

 

I just checked and the computer has Service Pack 2. I have been updating it through Windows Update. I'll continue and let you know how it is running. I don't think it is 100% perfect yet but maybe as I update it will do better. I'll let you know.

Jean

 

You are the one who has to close this thread by marking it resolved. Click on Thread Tools near the top right and go from there.