25 replies to this topic

[retired1]

I was referred here by Advanced Setup in the Malware forum for my problem. "Vbalgrid problem. Need help. Post #29" I hope you can help. I had some serious infections which appear to be gone, but now Cryptographic Services will not start. I used Exile360's reg file (see post #27 referenced above) which restored Cryptographic Services, but it will not start. Thanks for any replies.

[retired1]

For clarification, Exile360's reg file mentioned above was FixServices v2.zip.

[exile360]

Greetings

I'm exile360. Let us see if we can't get your PC running right again:

Please download Dial-a-fix

• Unzip it and double click on Dial-a-fix.exe to run it.
  
• Click on the Policies button on the bottom of the window, and when the second window opens up there should be a list of restrictions,
  
• make sure there is a check mark next to each one (there should be by default) and click the Remove button on the lower left.
  
• Click the box under SSL/HTTPS/Cryptsvc that resides next to where it says Fix SSL/HTTPS/Cryptsvc which should automatically check the 4 boxes beneath it as well
  
• Click the Go button on the lower left (please be patient while it's running, it may take a while to complete)
  
• Once it finishes, click on Exit to close Dial-a-fix
  
• Restart your computer and see if it is now functioning as it should and the Cryptsvc is running

Please let me know if you have any questions about my instructions and let me know how the fix went.

Thanks

[exile360]

Yes, you will get errors, but only because some of the dll files it attempts to register no longer exist, it should still work to fix the issue and the errors can safely be ignored:

Quote

Internet Explorer 8 is not supported by Dial-a-fix at this time. If you have IE 8 installed and run Dial-a-fix, you may receive many "Error 127" messages because Internet Explorer 8 replaces a lot of registerable components with non-registerable ones. This is OK - simply ignore all of the errors. Dial-a-fix is still able to do its thing on other files, and the no damage has been done to your system during these error messages. A future version of Dial-a-fix will support Internet Explorer 8 by ignoring those unregisterable components.

From here .

[AdvancedSetup]

Great, good luck - hope this fixes it real quick.

[exile360]

Hopefully, if not then I'll start digging like I always do until I find the fix .

[retired1]

Hi Exile360. Thanks for your help.

There were no restrictions listed on the second window and the Remove button was greyed out. I followed the rest of your instructions successfully. However, after the reboot, I still have Cryptographic Services listed and not Cryptsvc. And Cryptographic Services is not started and will not start.

What should I try next?

[retired1]

Also, one of the many issues (going back to my malware posts) is that when you go to Control Panel / User Accounts, the User Accounts window pops up but except for the header, it is blank. And you cannot add any new accounts. Same thing with Network Connections. The window is blank and will not allow a new connection. You can run through the new connection wizard, but it produces nothing. I'm sure these things are related.

[exile360]

Alright, please download and extract the attached batch file and double click on it to run it. It will take a bit to complete, and once it does, restart your computer and see if things work as they should.  Cryptographic_Service_Fix_1.zip   851bytes   67 downloads

[retired1]

Sorry, no help. The batch file executed and ran for only about 15 to 20 seconds before the command prompt window closed. I rebooted, and still the Cryptographic Services would not start.

[exile360]

Create a batch file:

• Please copy and paste the following text exactly as written into notepad (not wordpad or any other text editor):
  

  @echo off
  reg query HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\CryptSvc /s>"%userprofile%\desktop\CryptoInfo.txt"
  echo+>>"%userprofile%\desktop\CryptoInfo.txt"
  echo=======================================================================>>"%userprofile%\desktop\CryptoInfo.txt"
  echo+>>"%userprofile%\desktop\CryptoInfo.txt"
  sc query type= service>>"%userprofile%\desktop\CryptoInfo.txt"
  start "info" "%userprofile%\desktop\CryptoInfo.txt"
  del /f /q %0

  Once you've done that click on File and select Save As...
  
• In the Save dialogue box click on the drop down menu next to Save as type and select All Files
  
• Name the file CryptoCheck.bat (the .bat extension is very important)
  
• Save the file to your desktop and double click it to run it.
  
• Once it finishes it will open the file it created in notepad, please copy and paste the file's contents into your next reply.

Thanks

[retired1]

Okay, here are the results:


! REG.EXE VERSION 3.0

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\CryptSvc
DependOnService REG_MULTI_SZ RpcSs\0\0
Description REG_SZ Provides three management services: Catalog Database Service, which confirms the signatures of Windows files; Protected Root Service, which adds and removes Trusted Root Certification Authority certificates from this computer; and Key Service, which helps enroll this computer for certificates. If this service is stopped, these management services will not function properly. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
DisplayName REG_SZ Cryptographic Services
ErrorControl REG_DWORD 0x1
ImagePath REG_EXPAND_SZ %SystemRoot%\system32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs
ObjectName REG_SZ LocalSystem
Start REG_DWORD 0x2
Type REG_DWORD 0x20

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\CryptSvc\Enum
0 REG_SZ Root\LEGACY_CRYPTSVC\0000
Count REG_DWORD 0x1
NextInstance REG_DWORD 0x1

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\CryptSvc\Parameters
ServiceDll REG_EXPAND_SZ %SystemRoot%\System32\cryptsvc.dll
ServiceMain REG_SZ CryptServiceMain

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\CryptSvc\Security
Security REG_BINARY 00000E0001

======================================================================


SERVICE_NAME: AOL ACS
DISPLAY_NAME: AOL Connectivity Service
TYPE : 110 WIN32_OWN_PROCESS (interactive)
STATE : 4 RUNNING
(STOPPABLE,NOT_PAUSABLE,ACCEPTS_SHUTDOWN)
WIN32_EXIT_CODE : 0 (0x0)
SERVICE_EXIT_CODE : 0 (0x0)
CHECKPOINT : 0x0
WAIT_HINT : 0x0

SERVICE_NAME: AOL TopSpeedMonitor
DISPLAY_NAME: AOL TopSpeed Monitor
TYPE : 110 WIN32_OWN_PROCESS (interactive)
STATE : 4 RUNNING
(STOPPABLE,NOT_PAUSABLE,IGNORES_SHUTDOWN)
WIN32_EXIT_CODE : 0 (0x0)
SERVICE_EXIT_CODE : 0 (0x0)
CHECKPOINT : 0x0
WAIT_HINT : 0x0

SERVICE_NAME: Apple Mobile Device
DISPLAY_NAME: Apple Mobile Device
TYPE : 10 WIN32_OWN_PROCESS
STATE : 4 RUNNING
(STOPPABLE,NOT_PAUSABLE,IGNORES_SHUTDOWN)
WIN32_EXIT_CODE : 0 (0x0)
SERVICE_EXIT_CODE : 0 (0x0)
CHECKPOINT : 0x0
WAIT_HINT : 0x0

SERVICE_NAME: Browser
DISPLAY_NAME: Computer Browser
TYPE : 20 WIN32_SHARE_PROCESS
STATE : 4 RUNNING
(STOPPABLE,NOT_PAUSABLE,IGNORES_SHUTDOWN)
WIN32_EXIT_CODE : 0 (0x0)
SERVICE_EXIT_CODE : 0 (0x0)
CHECKPOINT : 0x0
WAIT_HINT : 0x0

SERVICE_NAME: clr_optimization_v2.0.50727_32
DISPLAY_NAME: .NET Runtime Optimization Service v2.0.50727_X86
TYPE : 10 WIN32_OWN_PROCESS
STATE : 4 RUNNING
(STOPPABLE,PAUSABLE,ACCEPTS_SHUTDOWN)
WIN32_EXIT_CODE : 0 (0x0)
SERVICE_EXIT_CODE : 0 (0x0)
CHECKPOINT : 0x0
WAIT_HINT : 0x0

SERVICE_NAME: DcomLaunch
DISPLAY_NAME: DCOM Server Process Launcher
TYPE : 20 WIN32_SHARE_PROCESS
STATE : 4 RUNNING
(NOT_STOPPABLE,NOT_PAUSABLE,IGNORES_SHUTDOWN)
WIN32_EXIT_CODE : 0 (0x0)
SERVICE_EXIT_CODE : 0 (0x0)
CHECKPOINT : 0x0
WAIT_HINT : 0x0

SERVICE_NAME: Dhcp
DISPLAY_NAME: DHCP Client
TYPE : 20 WIN32_SHARE_PROCESS
STATE : 4 RUNNING
(STOPPABLE,NOT_PAUSABLE,ACCEPTS_SHUTDOWN)
WIN32_EXIT_CODE : 0 (0x0)
SERVICE_EXIT_CODE : 0 (0x0)
CHECKPOINT : 0x0
WAIT_HINT : 0x0

SERVICE_NAME: Eventlog
DISPLAY_NAME: Event Log
TYPE : 20 WIN32_SHARE_PROCESS
STATE : 4 RUNNING
(NOT_STOPPABLE,NOT_PAUSABLE,ACCEPTS_SHUTDOWN)
WIN32_EXIT_CODE : 0 (0x0)
SERVICE_EXIT_CODE : 0 (0x0)
CHECKPOINT : 0x0
WAIT_HINT : 0x0

SERVICE_NAME: JavaQuickStarterService
DISPLAY_NAME: Java Quick Starter
TYPE : 10 WIN32_OWN_PROCESS
STATE : 4 RUNNING
(STOPPABLE,PAUSABLE,ACCEPTS_SHUTDOWN)
WIN32_EXIT_CODE : 0 (0x0)
SERVICE_EXIT_CODE : 0 (0x0)
CHECKPOINT : 0x0
WAIT_HINT : 0x0

SERVICE_NAME: Kodak AiO Network Discovery Service
DISPLAY_NAME: Kodak AiO Network Discovery Service
TYPE : 10 WIN32_OWN_PROCESS
STATE : 4 RUNNING
(STOPPABLE,NOT_PAUSABLE,IGNORES_SHUTDOWN)
WIN32_EXIT_CODE : 0 (0x0)
SERVICE_EXIT_CODE : 0 (0x0)
CHECKPOINT : 0x0
WAIT_HINT : 0x0

SERVICE_NAME: KodakSvc
DISPLAY_NAME: Kodak AiO Device Service
TYPE : 10 WIN32_OWN_PROCESS
STATE : 4 RUNNING
(STOPPABLE,NOT_PAUSABLE,ACCEPTS_SHUTDOWN)
WIN32_EXIT_CODE : 0 (0x0)
SERVICE_EXIT_CODE : 0 (0x0)
CHECKPOINT : 0x0
WAIT_HINT : 0x0

SERVICE_NAME: lanmanserver
DISPLAY_NAME: Server
TYPE : 20 WIN32_SHARE_PROCESS
STATE : 4 RUNNING
(STOPPABLE,PAUSABLE,ACCEPTS_SHUTDOWN)
WIN32_EXIT_CODE : 0 (0x0)
SERVICE_EXIT_CODE : 0 (0x0)
CHECKPOINT : 0x0
WAIT_HINT : 0x0

SERVICE_NAME: lanmanworkstation
DISPLAY_NAME: Workstation
TYPE : 20 WIN32_SHARE_PROCESS
STATE : 4 RUNNING
(STOPPABLE,PAUSABLE,ACCEPTS_SHUTDOWN)
WIN32_EXIT_CODE : 0 (0x0)
SERVICE_EXIT_CODE : 0 (0x0)
CHECKPOINT : 0x0
WAIT_HINT : 0x0

SERVICE_NAME: McDetect.exe
DISPLAY_NAME: McAfee WSC Integration
TYPE : 110 WIN32_OWN_PROCESS (interactive)
STATE : 4 RUNNING
(STOPPABLE,NOT_PAUSABLE,ACCEPTS_SHUTDOWN)
WIN32_EXIT_CODE : 0 (0x0)
SERVICE_EXIT_CODE : 0 (0x0)
CHECKPOINT : 0x0
WAIT_HINT : 0x0

SERVICE_NAME: MpfService
DISPLAY_NAME: McAfee Personal Firewall Service
TYPE : 110 WIN32_OWN_PROCESS (interactive)
STATE : 4 RUNNING
(STOPPABLE,PAUSABLE,ACCEPTS_SHUTDOWN)
WIN32_EXIT_CODE : 0 (0x0)
SERVICE_EXIT_CODE : 0 (0x0)
CHECKPOINT : 0x0
WAIT_HINT : 0x0

SERVICE_NAME: Nla
DISPLAY_NAME: Network Location Awareness (NLA)
TYPE : 20 WIN32_SHARE_PROCESS
STATE : 4 RUNNING
(STOPPABLE,NOT_PAUSABLE,IGNORES_SHUTDOWN)
WIN32_EXIT_CODE : 0 (0x0)
SERVICE_EXIT_CODE : 0 (0x0)
CHECKPOINT : 0x0
WAIT_HINT : 0x0

SERVICE_NAME: NVSvc
DISPLAY_NAME: NVIDIA Display Driver Service
TYPE : 10 WIN32_OWN_PROCESS
STATE : 4 RUNNING
(STOPPABLE,PAUSABLE,ACCEPTS_SHUTDOWN)
WIN32_EXIT_CODE : 0 (0x0)
SERVICE_EXIT_CODE : 0 (0x0)
CHECKPOINT : 0x0
WAIT_HINT : 0x0

SERVICE_NAME: PlugPlay
DISPLAY_NAME: Plug and Play
TYPE : 20 WIN32_SHARE_PROCESS
STATE : 4 RUNNING
(NOT_STOPPABLE,NOT_PAUSABLE,ACCEPTS_SHUTDOWN)
WIN32_EXIT_CODE : 0 (0x0)
SERVICE_EXIT_CODE : 0 (0x0)
CHECKPOINT : 0x0
WAIT_HINT : 0x0

SERVICE_NAME: Pml Driver HPZ12
DISPLAY_NAME: Pml Driver HPZ12
TYPE : 10 WIN32_OWN_PROCESS
STATE : 4 RUNNING
(STOPPABLE,NOT_PAUSABLE,ACCEPTS_SHUTDOWN)
WIN32_EXIT_CODE : 0 (0x0)
SERVICE_EXIT_CODE : 0 (0x0)
CHECKPOINT : 0x0
WAIT_HINT : 0x0

SERVICE_NAME: PrismXL
DISPLAY_NAME: PrismXL
TYPE : 110 WIN32_OWN_PROCESS (interactive)
STATE : 4 RUNNING
(STOPPABLE,NOT_PAUSABLE,ACCEPTS_SHUTDOWN)
WIN32_EXIT_CODE : 0 (0x0)
SERVICE_EXIT_CODE : 0 (0x0)
CHECKPOINT : 0x0
WAIT_HINT : 0x0

SERVICE_NAME: seclogon
DISPLAY_NAME: Secondary Logon
TYPE : 120 WIN32_SHARE_PROCESS (interactive)
STATE : 4 RUNNING
(STOPPABLE,PAUSABLE,IGNORES_SHUTDOWN)
WIN32_EXIT_CODE : 0 (0x0)
SERVICE_EXIT_CODE : 0 (0x0)
CHECKPOINT : 0x0
WAIT_HINT : 0x0

SERVICE_NAME: SNMP
DISPLAY_NAME: SNMP Service
TYPE : 10 WIN32_OWN_PROCESS
STATE : 4 RUNNING
(STOPPABLE,NOT_PAUSABLE,IGNORES_SHUTDOWN)
WIN32_EXIT_CODE : 0 (0x0)
SERVICE_EXIT_CODE : 0 (0x0)
CHECKPOINT : 0x0
WAIT_HINT : 0x0

SERVICE_NAME: Themes
DISPLAY_NAME: Themes
TYPE : 20 WIN32_SHARE_PROCESS
STATE : 4 RUNNING
(STOPPABLE,NOT_PAUSABLE,ACCEPTS_SHUTDOWN)
WIN32_EXIT_CODE : 0 (0x0)
SERVICE_EXIT_CODE : 0 (0x0)
CHECKPOINT : 0x0
WAIT_HINT : 0x0

SERVICE_NAME: W32Time
DISPLAY_NAME: Windows Time
TYPE : 20 WIN32_SHARE_PROCESS
STATE : 4 RUNNING
(STOPPABLE,NOT_PAUSABLE,ACCEPTS_SHUTDOWN)
WIN32_EXIT_CODE : 0 (0x0)
SERVICE_EXIT_CODE : 0 (0x0)
CHECKPOINT : 0x0
WAIT_HINT : 0x0

[exile360]

Step 1:

There seem to be quite a few necessary services that aren't running.

Reset Services:

• Download the attached reg file and extract it  Reset_All_Services.zip   867bytes   44 downloads
  
• Double click on it to merge it with the registry and answer Yes when prompted
  
• Answer Ok when it completes, noting if you had any errors and writing them down to let me know in your next post
  
• Reboot your computer

Step 2:

Create a batch file to gather more info:

• Please copy and paste the following text exactly as written into notepad (not wordpad or any other text editor):
  

  @echo off
  reg query HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\Root\LEGACY_CRYPTSVC /s>"%userprofile%\desktop\CryptoInfo2.txt"
  reg query HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Eventlog\System\cryptsvc /s>>"%userprofile%\desktop\CryptoInfo2.txt"
  echo+>>"%userprofile%\desktop\CryptoInfo2.txt"
  echo============================================================================>>"%userprofile%\desktop\CryptoInfo2.txt"
  echo+>>"%userprofile%\desktop\CryptoInfo2.txt"
  sc queryex state= all type= service>>"%userprofile%\desktop\CryptoInfo2.txt"
  echo EOF>>"%userprofile%\desktop\CryptoInfo2.txt"
  del /f /q %0

  Once you've done that click on File and select Save As...
  
• In the Save dialogue box click on the drop down menu next to Save as type and select All Files
  
• Name the file CryptoCheck2.bat (the .bat extension is very important)
  
• Save the file to your desktop and double click it to run it.
  
• Once it finishes you will find a file on your desktop called CryptoInfo2.txt
  
• Right click on it and hover your mouse over Send To and select Compressed (zipped) Folder
  
• Attach the CryptoInfo2.zip file you just created to your next reply

Be sure to let me know if you have any errors with the reg file and check the status of the Cryptographic Service again to see if it's now running.

Thanks

[retired1]

The Reg file ran successfully with no errors. On reboot, Cryptographic Services still would not start.

Attached is the CryptoInfo2.zip file.

Attached Files

•  CryptoInfo2.zip   3.63K   105 downloads

[exile360]

Hello again

I found the real root of the problem, it's not the Cryptographic Service behind this, it's the RPC (Remote Procedure Call) service. Almost all other Windows services depend on RPC in order to be able to run, including Cryptographic Service so we need to see if we can correct the issue with RPC.

Create another batch file:

• Please copy and paste the following text exactly as written into notepad (not wordpad or any other text editor):
  

  @echo off
  reg query HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\RpcSs /s>"%userprofile%\desktop\RPCInfo.txt"
  reg query HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\Root\LEGACY_RPCSS /s>>"%userprofile%\desktop\RPCInfo.txt"
  start "RPCInfo" "%userprofile%\desktop\RPCInfo.txt"
  del /f /q %0

  Once you've done that click on File and select Save As...
  
• In the Save dialogue box click on the drop down menu next to Save as type and select All Files
  
• Name the file RPCCheck.bat (the .bat extension is very important)
  
• Save the file to your desktop and double click it to run it.
  
• Once it finishes it will open the file it created in notepad, please copy and paste the file's contents into your next reply.

[retired1]

One other observation that I've forgotten to mention, the Extended tab on the Services panel is also blank except for a couple of small gears at the top of the window. I've been checking the services on the Standard tab which appears normal. However, the Cryptographic and RPC Services will still not start.

Here is the txt file:

! REG.EXE VERSION 3.0

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\RpcSs
Description REG_SZ Provides the endpoint mapper and other miscellaneous RPC services.
DisplayName REG_SZ Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
ErrorControl REG_DWORD 0x1
Group REG_SZ COM Infrastructure
ImagePath REG_EXPAND_SZ %SystemRoot%\system32\svchost -k rpcss
ObjectName REG_SZ NT Authority\NetworkService
Start REG_DWORD 0x2
Type REG_DWORD 0x10
FailureActions REG_BINARY 00000000000000000000000001000000000000000200000060EA0000
ServiceSidType REG_DWORD 0x1

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\RpcSs\Parameters
ServiceDll REG_EXPAND_SZ %SystemRoot%\System32\rpcss.dll

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\RpcSs\Security
Security REG_BINARY 01001480900000009C000000140000003000000002001C000100000002801400FF010F0001010000
00000001000000000200600004000000000014008D00020001010000000000050B00000000001800
F
F010F0001020000000000052000000020020000000014009D0000000101000000000005040000000
0
0018009D000000010200000000000520000000210200000101000000000005120000000101000000
0
0000512000000

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\RpcSs\Enum
0 REG_SZ Root\LEGACY_RPCSS\0000
Count REG_DWORD 0x1
NextInstance REG_DWORD 0x1

! REG.EXE VERSION 3.0

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\Root\LEGACY_RPCSS
NextInstance REG_DWORD 0x1

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\Root\LEGACY_RPCSS\0000
Service REG_SZ RpcSs
Legacy REG_DWORD 0x1
ConfigFlags REG_DWORD 0x20
Class REG_SZ LegacyDriver
ClassGUID REG_SZ {8ECC055D-047F-11D1-A537-0000F8753ED1}
DeviceDesc REG_SZ Remote Procedure Call (RPC)

[exile360]

Step 1:

Cryptographic Service fix batch file:

• Download the attached zip file and extract the batch file it contains.  Cryptographic_Service_Fix_2.zip   1.03K   47 downloads
  
• Double click the batch file to run it and wait while it processes.
  
• Once it completes you will be notified to save any open documents and press a key to let it reboot your system. Allow it to do so when ready
  
• Once your computer restarts check to see if things are now working as they should be. If they are not, proceed to Step 2.

Step 2:

Download the attached zip file but don't run it yet, it must be run from Safe Mode.  Reg_Fix2__Safe_Mode_Required_.zip   345bytes   43 downloads

You should either print or save these instructions because in Safe Mode you don't have internet access.

To boot into Safe Mode:

• Restart your computer.
  
• When the machine first starts again it will generally list some equipment that is installed in your machine, amount of memory, hard drives installed etc. At this point you should gently tap the F8 key repeatedly until you are presented with the Windows XP Advanced Options menu.
  
• Select the option for Safe Mode using the arrow keys.
  
• Then press Enter on your keyboard to boot into Safe Mode.

You should then be presented with the Windows XP Login screen. Log in to Windows and when it prompts you about Safe Mode and asks if you'd like to continue click Yes.

Once you've done that extract the reg file and double click it to merge it with the registry and answer Yes and Ok to the prompts. Once it completes reboot your computer and let it start normally.

Let me know if the services are running as they should

Thanks

[retired1]

I'm sorry, Exile360, but no joy!

Step 1 produced the following:

Could not find c:\wutemp
The automatic update service is not started.

More help is available by typing NET HELPMSG 3521.

The Automatic Updates service is starting.
The Automatic Updates service could not be started.

A system error has occurred.

System error 1722 has occurred.

The RPC server is unavailable.

System error 1068 has occurred.

The dependency service or group failed to start.

The Computer will now reboot.
Save any open documents and press a key when ready.
Press any key to continue . . .


On the reboot, nothing changed.


Step 2 accepted the registry change in safe mode. On reboot from safe mode, nothing changed.


At this point, unless you have something else to try, I'm thinking about trying a Windows Repair Install per instructions in this link: http://michaelsteven...pairinstall.htm
This computer also has a restore partition (if it works?). I have been avoiding these drastic steps up to this point.

I really appreciate your time and help. And certainly if you'd like me to try something else, I'll give it a shot. What do you think?

[exile360]

Yes, a repair install might fix it, just note that you'll likely need to reinstall some of your software after you're done for the software to work. Also, create a System Restore point before doing the repair install just in case.

Create a fresh Restore Point

• Click on Start and right click My Computer and select Properties
  
• Click on the System Restore tab
  
• Click the box next to Turn off System Restore to enable it again
  
• Reboot your computer
  
• Once your PC is booted again click on Start and select Control Panel
  
• Click on Performance and Maintenance (Note: if you do not see Performance and Maintenance listed click on the Switch to Category View link on the left pane of the window)
  
• Click on System Restore on the left pane of the window
  
• Once the System Restore interface opens select Create a restore point and click on the Next button
  
• In the Restore point description: box type Repair Install Restore Point and click on the Create button
  
• Once it says Restore Point Created click on the Close button

Also, if you have or can find a Windows XP disc matching your version (Home, Pro, MCE etc) and current service pack level (Service Pack 3 as I recall) you can use sfc as detailed in this tutorial. If you can find an actual XP with the same version but a different service pack level you can slipstream it as detailed here.

To tell the truth, I suspect the issue is some level of corruption of system files as we've already tried pretty much everything else. A reinstall/repair install or SFC would be the only ways to potentially correct it if that is indeed the case.

[retired1]

Thank you for all of your advice. I will attempt the repair install. We gave it a good shot.