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General discussion

Empty windows disappearing when I open various vista options

by Kangarew Apr 29, 2009 4:24PM PDT

Whenever I open tasks - such as; right clicking my desktop and clicking personalize, clicking the "New Updates are Available" icon in my tray, open up Network Connections, opening User Accounts, Speech Recognition, Ease of Access Center, and similar programs in control panel - the window shell will appear, then disappear within a second. I have managed to capture a screenshot when attempting to open up my Network Connections, http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v502/KangarooTFC/stupidthing.jpg.

I couldn't find anything googling, can anyone point me in the right direction to fix this?

Here is a part of my dxdiag, ask me if you need more info.
------------------
System Information
------------------
Time of this report: 4/30/2009, 00:21:33
Machine name: ROO
Operating System: Windows Vista? Home Premium (6.0, Build 6000) (6000.vista_gdr.090302-1506)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: Gateway
System Model: GM5626
BIOS: Default System BIOS
Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) Dual CPU E2180 @ 2.00GHz (2 CPUs), ~2.0GHz
Memory: 3070MB RAM
Page File: 1285MB used, 5037MB available
Windows Dir: C:\Windows
DirectX Version: DirectX 10
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
DxDiag Version: 6.00.6000.16386 32bit Unicode

Discussion is locked

3 Posts
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A few thoughts...
by John.Wilkinson Apr 30, 2009 3:47PM PDT

Such an issue can be hard to track down, but here are a few starting points:

1.) Have you installed any desktop enhancements/customizers/patches?

2.) Tried a System Restore to a time prior to the first occurrence?

3.) Try running System File Checker to repair corrupted files. (Explorer.exe-related)

4.) Run through recently-installed software...a corrupt third-party Control Panel extension can cause such problems.

5.) Launch Internet Explorer and look through/disable the installed add-ons...IE addons often (unpredictably) affect Explorer as well since the two are closely linked.

6.) Try another account on the same system, if possible, to see if the issue persists.

Let us know.
John

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Tried
by Kangarew May 1, 2009 1:44AM PDT

1) Yes
2) Cannot even remember the first time I noticed the problem (months ago).
3) Used it, I have 28 errors, missing files, bad hashes etc.
4) Unsure
5) Don't use IE
6) Can't use or make another account - don't have one and can't get into users to make one.

Another piece of info, running in safe mode still did not work.
I am going to try and replace all my error files in 3)

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Quick follow-up information...
by John.Wilkinson May 2, 2009 2:13AM PDT

1.) Be sure to list the changes made/software used.
2.) OK
3.) Let us know the outcome of the repair process.
4.) OK
5.) Unfortunately, it doesn't matter if you use Internet Explorer or not. Software (ranging from screen capture applications to security software) still installs Internet Explorer add-ons, which can cause Explorer.exe malfunctions.
6.) You can add a user using the command line, even when the Control Panel fails to load. Press Windows + R, enter cmd into the Run box, and then enter net user new_user /add at the command line. Log out and try logging in as new_user.

John

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