Got a good one with Add/remove Programs

[Gizmokid2005]

Here's what I found :

1. It could be one of the XP patches from MS; if you can get the updates to appear in the list, try removing one at a time (Then reboot) taking note of which ones you remove.

2. If you have an XP install disk, insert it and using the 'Run' command, type sfc /scannow to use the System File Checker which can determine if you have any corrupted system files. SFC will NOT run on XP without the install disk.

Thanks F1. I'm going to try the sfc first, just a slight bit easier than deleting updates. If that doesn't work, then I'll work with the updates.

I am sorry Gizmo , I was at work and didn't get a chance to test it ahead and that is the reason why I suggested not deleting them.
You should have been able to rename appwiz.cpl and reboot fine but like F1 mentioned, without modifying the files, just run the sfc /scannow if the files were corrupted, etc. the tool should extract the good ones from the XP CD.

It will only ask for the CD if you do not have the habit of copying the i386 folder from the CD to your local disk and chage the data of "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion" > SourcePath value to wherever you saved the i386 folder at.

No worries TL. I knew how to fix it and what I changed. We all screw up sometimes. And I didn't know you could do that with the CD. I'll have to look into that, as it would make my life so much easier (especially with trying to make a new BartPE boot disc).

I'll get back at ya'll when I finish with my work.

[Gizmokid2005]

Well, I did the SFC to no avail....the most recent update that my PC shows as installed is on 7/4/07 and it's the Windows Genuine advantage tool....I'm at a loss....I'm going to uninstall a few things that I know I don't use (like the Freez apps) and maybe it is tied to one of those....

EDIT: Deleted the freez programs....no go...

[TurcoLoco]

The reason I mentioned renaming those two files was I was actually hoping XP would immediately replaced them with their cached and presumably clean copies from the system32/dllcache directory. If sfc didn't do it either then I think F1's suggestion about deleting the updates one at a time till you find the one might help, it does sound like a pita process but it culd help.

One thing though, when did this problem started? Did you noticed this soon after installing the Windows updates or was it weeks, months after? If it is the latter, then I tend to think the updates would not be the cause.

I have not look deeper into your registry backup cause I was waiting for your sfc feedback, now I will try to scan thru. I did notice a few things but they were minor imo and doubt any of them was the cause. I will let you know what I find...

Can I suggest something offbase but easy to try? Uninstall your video card drivers, then reboot, then install the latest version (if there is one available) of the drivers.

[Gizmokid2005]

That's funny, the problem started a little while ago, and I JUST updated my vid card drivers (the problem was there before hand). I don't have a timeframe, I just noticed it about a month ago, but I don't know how long it's been there...I can always try to replace those files from the dllcache manually....

Let me know what you find.

[F1]

Since you mentioned videocard drivers, I did see some entries where people had this problem after updating their ATI drivers; I accidently let Windows update do my ATI card and I had to rollback the driver as it fuXored my display. You may want to try rolling back a video driver update just to check....

[Gizmokid2005]

I would chalk it up to vid card drivers if not for the fact the problem existed before hand. That's a good thought though.

[TurcoLoco]

Yeah, I have to concur with F1 on this one again. I went through your list and nothing but a few minor invalid yet ignorable issues. Nothing that would cause this problem, besides the problem entry I thought you might have would cause a blank area not black/white strips where you would see normal entries so this really does sound like an issue with display (drivers) imo.

[Gizmokid2005]

Alright. I will uninstall them tomorrow and see what I come up with...I just don't understand how exactly that would cause an issue...seeings I have no other display issues except in Add/Remove programs.....hmmmm

[TurcoLoco]

I have another loco idea, probably time consuming but if you follow my instructions it should not be too bad and if it is caused by an overflow issue based an on invalid/corrupt uninstall program icon value or icon location or the icon itself, this will point it out and prove it.

Here is what you do, browse to the previous registry location I gave you. Under UNINSTALL you will see all system and 3rd party application entries.
Starting with the first 3rd party that you installed, right-click on the program sub-key on the left then do Export and save the file on your desktop, confirm that it is there then right-click on delete that same sub-key.
Hit F5, then open Add-Remove Programs applet to check to see if there is a change or not. If it didn't then close Add-Remove Programs, double-click on the saved registry key on the desktop to merge it back and move to the next one.
I would skip the programs from A to D since all programs are listed just fine all the way to DriveImage XML, so start with the next 3rd party you see on the list.

[Gizmokid2005]

Reinstalling the vid card drivers didn't help...I like your idea about removing registry keys....definitely time consuming...but I guess....that's going to have to be a last resort? No wonderful programs for this one...I'm thoroughly suprised TL...you have a utility for EVERYTHING.