There are a number of issues and I don't know where to start, so I'll go with the immediate and obvious problems. Bottom of the post will be the backstory to how this all started. The "read this" post made it seem ok to include screenshots, so I've uploaded and included shots (hosted at imageshack). If that isn't acceptable, please let me know
Description:
Problem #1
I am currently unable to install java updates. In the lower right corner I get an alert that there is a java update ready to install. I click on it, set it to download and install the update and not long after, I get the following:
This is for Java 6, update 20
Problem #2
Perhaps problem 1 is related to this. After some (stupid) changes I tried to make this morning (described below) I now am unable to run, or even turn on McAfee AV. I get a message in the lower right corner telling me that I have to solve 5 PC issues (2 important ones). The first two are McAfee and Windows Defender.
When I try to turn on McAfee, I am told that I can't.
Clicking on McAfee gives me the following error:
When I attempt to turn on Defender, I'm told that I need to check for new definitions, but the "Check for updates now" button isn't highlighted or clickable:
Now to the Backstory:
I have a 2 month old laptop with Windows 7 on it (built/purchased from Dell). There are two accounts on this system. My login, which has administrator privileges, and another account for my son. I didn't like that even on his account (non-admin) he could go into C:\users\mylogin and could access my files. So I wanted to 'protect' my documents, pictures, etc.
I went to C:\users\myloginID and right clicked to bring up properties. I went to the security tab and [edit] to change the permissions for my stuff. the group/usernames that I changed was "HomeUsers (systemname\HomeUsers) and changed the permissions to Deny for all of the options: full control, modify, read/execute, list file contents, read, etc.
In doing this, there were a few popups that said certain files/folders couldn't be changed. I figured no big deal, since MY account is an admin account. Once it was finished, all of my desktop shortcuts were gone. I couldn't see anything in my user directory. In order to even see my documents, my pictures, etc, I had to run as administrator. Even opening up single files, I had to do as administrator.
so of course, I'm thinking "what the hell?". I tried to do a system restore and couldn't find one. It's as if I don't have system backups set up, which I do. I tried to get on the internet and do a search for some info with Mozilla and it wouldn't come up. The only way I could bring up Mozilla is "
run as admin" and when I do, the only thing I can do is click the "home" icon, which will take me to a Firefox Google search page. I can search from there, but the back button doesn't work. I can click, but can't go back. I found a page that said to go into control panel > system and security > restore your computer to an earlier time. In doing this, I did a restore from a week ago 7/11, the system initialized the restore, shutdown and rebooted. I thought all was well. Upon logging in to my account, I started seeing the following problems immediately after reboot:
(1) I get an error that comes up about Dell Docks installer is not functioning properly and I should uninstall and reinstall it. Never used it, don't have any clue what it is.
(2)Also, I get an error that says the following:
I have no idea what Softthinks Scheduler is.
I think that covers it. Web browsing was fixed after the restore, but these other problems still exist. Any additional info needed, please let me know. I'm sure I am forgetting something, but it's escaping me at the moment.
Any advice is greatly appreciated.
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