tokikago

This is going to be a pretty long post, but I did my best in gathering the info that would be most helpful (I think) for the computer gurus out there (most of it was pulled from what I can remember, since I haven't necessarily been recording my actions...):

There are too many problems to list, but this is the current situation (mainly, software problems and conflicts)--

After constant redirecting via MegaUpload's upload toolbar, I went online and ended up reading up on (about a million conflicting comments and opinions on the following software) and downloading (probably too many) programs recommended by Gizmo's Best Free Vista x64 Software, including:

ON 3/2/2009

• CCleaner v2.17.853 (Piriform)--for the past few days, has taken around a minute to load
• Eraser x64 (Heidi Computers Ltd)
• Gadwin PrintScreen 4.4 (Gadwin Systems, Inc.)
• GTK + Runtime 2.14.6 rev a (remove only) <-- what is this?
• ImgBurn (2.4.2.0; LIGHTNING UK!)
• NoteTab Light 5.7 (Remove only; Fookes Holding Ltd.)
• Revo Uninstaller 1.80 (VS Revo Group)
• Smart Defrag 1.11 (IObit) + (JK Defrag x64 3.36, ran once but never finished the first "defragmentation"; it started by itself once I double-clicked the icon, and went on for forever without displaying any comprehensible results)
• SIW version 2009.02.24 (Topala Software Solutions)
• SpywareBlaster 4.1 (Javacool Software LLC)
• SUMo (KC Softwares)
• VC Runtimes MSI (Microsoft Corporation) ??? What is this?
• WinPatrol 2008 (15.9.2008.5; BillP Studios)
• xplorer^2 lite (1.7.1.4; Zabkat)

FROM MICROSOFT’S DREAMSPARK SITE:

• Microsoft Expression Studio (Microsoft Expression Blend 2 (03.02); Design 2 (03.02), Encoder 2 (3.02), Media 2 SP1 (03.03), Studio 2 (03.02), Web 2 (03.03) (Microsoft Coporation)
• Microsoft Visual Web Developer 2008 Express Edition - ENU (Visual Studio 2008) (03.02; Microsoft Corporation)
• Microsoft SQL Server Database Publishing Wizard 1.2 (03.02; Microsoft Corporation)
• Microsoft Visual Studio Web Authoring Component 12.0.4518.1066 (03.02; Microsoft Corporation)

ON 3/3/2009

• Glary Utilities 2.11.0.638 (Glarysoft Ltd)
• SyncBack (2BrightSparks)

EITHER 3/2 OR 3/3

• 7-Zip (to replace WinZip, which was driving me crazy with its stalling)
• AM-Deadlink 3.3 (www.aignes.com) I can't get this to work)
• Fences (v9, I think; Stardock Coporation)
• GIMP 2.6.4 x 64
• Switcher

REINSTALLED/UNINSTALLED

• AIMP2.51.330--uninstalled
• Comodo Internet Security/Safe Surf 3.8.65951.477 XP/Vista x64 (setup filename) (no anti-virus)--reinstalled
• CyberLink DVD Suite 5.5.0923/LabelPrint 2.20.2128/Power2Go 5.6.3327/PowerDirector 6.5.2129(03.03)--reinstalled with Windows installation files (C:\SWSetup\CyberDVD) after it malfunctioned (before I ever even used it); could not find files (.dll)
• Download Accelerator Plus (DAP) 9104(Build 913) (Speedbit, Ltd.)--uninstalled because I thought I was going to use Free Download Manager, but ended up reinstalling (03.02)
• IE7 Pro for IE (2.4.5; IE7Pro Team) (03.02)--reinstalled, but is malfunctioning AGAIN
• Jaangle (media player)--uninstalled
• K-Lite Codec Pack x64 v210--messed up MPlayer (delayed loading, then suddenly mass-loading of files, only audio, no file), uninstalled
• K-Lite Mega Codec Pack 4.7.0 (03.03)--reinstalled
• Logon Studio Vista (Stardock Coporation)--dysfunctional; error message saying that it needs to close the program when opened, uninstalled
• MPlayer for Windows (Full Package--SMPlayer and MPUI (03.03; LoRd MuldeR (players in the past: MPlayer, Media Player Classic, VLC, Haihaisoft Universal Player, etc.)--reinstalled because K-Lite x64 screwed it up
• Pidgin 2.5.4--uninstalled because it wouldn't integrate with Google Talk (I had wanted to uninstall Yahoo/MSN Live Messenger + ICQ and GoogleTalk); also, French dictionary files didn't load, GTK dictionary files related to this program were manually removed (dictionary with Revo, I think)...
• Vista Shortcut Overlay Remover/Fxvisor 1.3.0 (Frameworkx)--reinstalled several times
• Winzip 12.0--uninstalled
• WinRAR 3.80--uninstalled, both for 7-zip
• XP-Codec Pack 2.4.3 (codec packs of the past: Storm Codec, The Codecs (didn't work at ALL--stalled) Vista Codec Pack, K-Lite (almost all versions), CCCP, Lazy Man's Mastroka Pack (useless), etc.)--uninstalled for K-Lite

UNINSTALLED PAST 6-8 MONTHS/NOT INSTALLED

• BitComet--uninstalled
• BitTorrent-uninstalled; both for uTorrent
• DFX (audio adjuster) for WMP--uninstalled because the default skin wouldn't load (cannot find file) and didn't receive any tech support from the site
• EA Link--uninstalled
• iTunesFolderWatchSetup.zip--have not installed for fear of further destroying the system
• MegaManager--uninstalled because it's useless without premium
• Miranda--uninstalled for Pidgin
• Miro--uninstalled
• PCSx2 0.9.4--uninstalled because main window wouldn't load
• Quero for IE7--deleted for IE7 Pro
• Software Informer--uninstalled because there were too many things to update, didn't want to bloat my harddrive with software I probably wouldn't need (oh, the irony...)
• Safari (the latest version)--uninstalled, rarely used
• SlingPlayer (comes with Vista)--never used, uninstalled
• Songbird (0.8?)--uninstalled, rarely used, preferred Media Monkey 3.0
• Speedbit Video Accelerator (C:\Users\owner\AppData\Local\VirtualStore\Program Files (x86)\Speedbit Video Accelerator)
• Uniblue's Speed Up My PC 2009--uninstalled, useless without payment and took forever to install

OTHER ADDONS (TO RECENT)

• Windows Live Installer (everything) in January
• Adobe Flash Player 10 ActiveX 10.0.12.36 (Adobe Systems Incorporated) 1/17
• BYKI 4 Express (Transparent Language, Inc.) 2/19
• DisableFlip3D.reg (disabling Vista's 3D Flip for Switcher)
• Adobe Flash Player 10 Plugin 10.0.22.87 (Adobe Systems Incorporated) 3/2
• QTTab Bar 1.2.3b5
• Java(TM) 6 Update 11 6.0.110 (Sun Microsystems, Inc.) 3/3
• Apple Software Update 2.1.1.116 (Apple Inc.) 3/7

STUFF I REMEMBER DELETING FROM THE REGISTRY/WINDOWS…

• Stuff from SysWOW64...?
• DFX
• BitComet
• BitTorrent
• MegaManager
• Haihaisoft Universal Player
• BitComet/BitTorrent
• Storm Codec
• SlingPlayer
• Seven-Zip (Codecs/Player?) <--what was this?

THE ITUNES PROBLEM

• Uninstalled iTunes 8 because after uninstalling the useless QuickTime Player, iTunes failed;
• Tried wiping out iTunes leftovers using Windows Uninstall and manually deleting leftover QuickTime/iTunes files from (if the files right now are the same as they were before):
  1. C:\Windows\System32\QuickTime.qts
  2. C:\Windows\System32\QuickTimeVR.qtx I believe?
  3. C:\ProgramData\Apple Computer
  4. C:\ProgramData\Apple\Installer Cache
  5. C:\Program Files\iTunes
  6. C:\Program Files (x86)\iTunes
  7. C:\Program Files (x86)\iPod
  8. C:\Users\owner\AppData\LocalLow\Apple Computer
  9. C:\Users\owner\AppData\Local\Apple
  10. C:\Users\owner\AppData\Local\Apple Computer
  11. C:\Users\owner\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer
  12. C:\Users\owner\AppData\Local\VirtualStore\ProgramData\Apple Computer

Also files from the registry (WOW I AM SO SMART TO HAVE MESSED WITH THE REGISTRY SO MUCH)...

• Downloaded iTunes 8 x64 installer from Apple site, 7-zipped it and removed QuickTime.msi/MobileMe64.msi/Bonjour.msi, but the "quiet/passive" CMD tweaks to download JUST iTunes didn't work;
  
• Installed QuickTime Alternative, manually reinstalled Apple Software Update and Apple Mobile Device Support (but iTunes DOES NOT RECOGNIZE IPOD); took way too long to load with no iPod sync;
  
• Reinstalled iTunes 8 using a switchless installer with QuickTime Alternative, but still did not recognize iPod;
  
• Uninstalled QuickTime Alternative and deleted switchless installer, reinstalled iTunes 8 with complete installation (ARGH).

(And the entire installer was in French?)
Yet, Media Monkey recognizes my Touch? Sometimes? (It's dead at the moment.)
QuickTime 7.55.90.70 Apple Inc. 3/7

DISCREPANCIES:
Uninstallers--

• On CCleaner Uninstall and Windows Uninstall (not on Windows Uninstaller Manager, Revo Uninstaller, or Glary):
  1. 7-Zip 4.65 (x64 edition) Igor Pavlov
  2. Apple Mobile Device Support 3/7
  3. Bonjour 3/7
  4. COMODO Internet Security/SafeSurf (COMODO)
  5. GIMP 2.6.5
  6. iTunes (8)
  7. Java(TM) 6 Update 11/12 (64-bit)/2

• Number of programs: Sumo says 77, Revo says 130ish, etc.
• Secunia scanner says Java and Adobe Flash Player are out of date--but downloads from the net are the same files as the ones I have now
• Downloaded Windows Uninstall Manager to uninstall iTunes, but iTunes wasn't on the list
• JavaRa used to replace old Java files (can't find the link for some reason); have installed Update 12 x64, but can't uninstall Update 2
• Folders on desktop do not open up on click--show arrows that I must right-click to bring down a menu?! After restore point, back to normal?
• Norton 360 cannot scan single files--but now it can?
• Cannot find Windows Live OneCare scanner
• Is Fences interfering with Fxvisor, HideRecycleBin.reg and erasing icon text?
• VISTA IS EATING UP HARDDRIVE SPACE FOR NO REASON!(After tracks erased, ended up with 110 GB free, now it's 77 GB?!)
• Switcher-2.0.0.2705 wasn't working, then suddenly did...
• Ave's Windows (Vista) Explorer button replacements (Delete/New Folder) -- disabled by regular Windows Explorer and the usage of xplorer^2 lite
• Ave's Transparent Glass -- in folder, but not sure if they are working
• HideRecycleBin.reg (and using Alt+225 to erase the text underneath icons on desktop)--doesn't work
• QuickTime Alternative and SlingPlayer folders are still in Program Files (x86)
• IE7Pro icon not in IE--when clicking IE7Pro Preferences or Grab and Drag--get "Error: IE7Pro BHO hasn't been loaded." (reinstalled--worked; now not working)
• Norton 360 self-disabled Auto-Protect and Email Scanning? (resolved…somewhat)
• FxVisor: After clicking on “logoff” to activate shortcut erasing, this comes up:

“Unhandled exception has occurred in your application. If you click Continue, the application will ignore this error and attempt to continue. If you click Quit, the application will close immediately.
The system cannot find the file specified.
See the end of this message for details on invoking just-in-time (JIT) debugging instead of this dialog box.

************** Exception Text **************
System.ComponentModel.Win32Exception: The system cannot find the file specified
at System.Diagnostics.Process.StartWithCreateProcess(ProcessStartInfo startInfo)
at System.Diagnostics.Process.Start()
at VistaArrowGone.Form1.btApply_Click(Object sender, EventArgs e)
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.OnClick(EventArgs e)
at System.Windows.Forms.Button.OnClick(EventArgs e)
at System.Windows.Forms.Button.OnMouseUp(MouseEventArgs mevent)
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.WmMouseUp(Message& m, MouseButtons button, Int32 clicks)
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.WndProc(Message& m)
at System.Windows.Forms.ButtonBase.WndProc(Message& m)
at System.Windows.Forms.Button.WndProc(Message& m)
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.ControlNativeWindow.OnMessage(Message& m)
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.ControlNativeWindow.WndProc(Message& m)
at System.Windows.Forms.NativeWindow.Callback(IntPtr hWnd, Int32 msg, IntPtr wparam, IntPtr lparam)


************** Loaded Assemblies **************
mscorlib
Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.3074 (QFE.050727-3000)
CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/Microsoft.NET/Framework/v2.0.50727/mscorlib.dll
----------------------------------------
FxVisor
Assembly Version: 1.3.0.0
Win32 Version: 1.3.0.0
CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files%20(x86)/Frameworkx/FxVisor/FxVisor.exe
----------------------------------------
System.Windows.Forms
Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.3053 (netfxsp.050727-3000)
CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Windows.Forms/2.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.Windows.Forms.dll
----------------------------------------
System
Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.3053 (netfxsp.050727-3000)
CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System/2.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.dll
----------------------------------------
System.Drawing
Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.3053 (netfxsp.050727-3000)
CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Drawing/2.0.0.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/System.Drawing.dll
----------------------------------------
System.Configuration
Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.3053 (netfxsp.050727-3000)
CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Configuration/2.0.0.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/System.Configuration.dll
----------------------------------------
System.Xml
Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.3074 (QFE.050727-3000)
CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Xml/2.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.Xml.dll
----------------------------------------

************** JIT Debugging **************
To enable just-in-time (JIT) debugging, the .config file for this
application or computer (machine.config) must have the
jitDebugging value set in the system.windows.forms section.
The application must also be compiled with debugging
enabled.

For example:

<configuration>
<system.windows.forms jitDebugging="true" />
</configuration>

When JIT debugging is enabled, any unhandled exception
will be sent to the JIT debugger registered on the computer
rather than be handled by this dialog box.”

ACTIONS:

• Glary Utilities:
  1. Disk Cleaner,
  2. Registry Cleaner,
  3. Shortcuts Fixer (I don't believe I ended up deleting anything...?),
  4. Uninstall Manager (Clean up & Repair section);
     -
  5. Startup Manager (Optimize & Improve section);
     -
  6. Tracks Eraser (Privacy & Security section; TOOK FOUR HOURS TO FINISH--MIGHT BE THE CAUSE OF ALL THE MALFUNCTIONS);
     -
  7. Disk Analysis--(deleted iTunes remenants (iTunes Music),
  8. Duplicate Files Finder (no action),
  9. Empty Folders Finder (erased zero-bit folders) (Files & Folders section)
  
  
• Smart Defrag: defragged C drive 03.03; D drive had no room for defragmentation
  
  
• CCleaner: cleaned registry several times, used Cleaner for Windows and Applications several times
  
  
• Revo Uninstaller: uninstalled several programs, used its Junk Files cleaner probably 3 or 4 times
  
  
• WinPatrol 2008: used to delay some startup programs, moved some back to original startup
  
  
• Not sure how to use SpywareBlaster, SIW, SyncBack, and really have no use for Gadwin...(why did I install them, then?)
  
• SUMo: scanned for updates—but when I click on the link, it leads me to their site, which has links to softpedia and other download sites who DON’T HAVE THE FILE

Norton 360 Scan Details
3/9/2009 12:56 PM
Scan Duration: 02:09:53
Total Security Risks Detected: 1
Viruses: 0
Other Risks: 1
Total Items Repaired: 1
Total Items Scanned: 614,438
Files: 602,711
Processes & Start-up Items: 10,888
Registry Entries: 624
Network & Browser Items: 187
Other Items: 28
Risks Detected: Tracking Cookie

(OF COURSE THERE AREN’T ANY MALWARE/SPYWARE/TROJAN-VIRUS PROBLEMS WITH MY NOTEBOOK—THAT WOULD BE TOO PREDICTABLE.)

From Windows System Restore--
3/9/2009 12:28:46 PM Install: Installed FxVisor
3/8/2009 10:46:49 PM System: Scheduled Checkpoint
3/7/2009 8:47:58 PM System: Norton 360 Registry Clean
3/7/2009 8:41:10 PM Install: Installed apple Mobvile Device Support
3/7/2009 8:36:39 PM Uninstall: Removed Apple Mobvile Device Support
3/7/2009 8:34:52 PM Install: Device Driver Package Install: Apple, Inc. Universal Serial Bus controllers
3/7/2009 8:33:33 PM Install: Device Driver Package Install: Apple, Inc. Universal Serial Bus controllers
3/7/2009 8:09:53 PM System: Scheduled Checkpoint
3/7/2009 1:21:42 AM Install: Installed iTunes
3/7/2009 1:19:09 AM: Install: Device Driver Package Install: Apple, Inc. Universal Serial Bus controllers
3/6/2009 4:00:10 PM Install: Windows Update
3/5/2009 4:16:27 PM Uninstall: Revo Uninstaller's restore point - AIMP2
3/5/2009 10:40:05 AM [UNDO: RESTORE OPERATION] before installed QuickTime Alternative
3/5/2009 10:26:06 AM Install: Device Driver Package Install: Apple, Inc. Universal Serial Bus controllers
3/5/2009 2:07:58 AM Uninstall: Removed iTunes
3/5/2009 2*06:38 AM Uninstall: Removed Apple Software Update
3/5/2009 2:05:01 AM Uninstall: Removed apple Mobile Device Support
3/5/2009 2:02:33 AM Uninstall: Removed Apple Mobile Device Support
3/4/2009 9:47:15 PM Install: Windows Update
3/4/2009 9:34:31 PM Install: Installed Apple Software Update
3/4/2009 9:31:23 PM Install: Installed Apple Mobile Device Support
3/4/2009 9*02:27 PM Install: Installed iTunes
3/4/2009 8:38:42 PM Install: Installed Windows Installer Clean Up
3/4/2009 8:27:41 PM Install: Installed Vista Shortcut Manager
3/4/2009 8:04:01 PM Uninstall: Removed Apple Software Manager
3/4/2009 8:01:58 PM Install: Installed QuickTime Alternative

--

I think that's it...should I do a HijackThis log?

...I'd actually like to dump it all and start over, but I don't know what I'll do with Microsoft Office 2007 and its activation (it was such a pain), along with Firefox and IE7 bookmarks (how to save those...?), videos, and other such important data D:

Please tell me if you need additional links/information--I'll do my best to help myself

~bow

tokikago

Whoops. This is in my profile, but it'll be easier if I just post this here...

HP Pavilion dv2700 Notebook PC, AMD Turion(tm) 64 X2 TL-60 2.00GHz, 4.00 GB (RAM), NVIDIA MCP67M