System Mechanic 7 Professional Problem

[Blaster]

Obtained the software download from Iolo Technologies. Installed it with no problems. Everything went well. However, everytime I click on the System Mechanic's desktop icon, the program's dashboard, or control panel, appears partially completed. The parts of the dashboard that are complete, I can use those functions (which are minor). (The software's antivirus and firewall appear to function fine). However , accessing the program's major functions is not possible. I've contacted Iolo on numerous occassions about the problem and am told to download their latest updated download. I still get the same results. Installing and re-installing has been attempted many times. Their support section offers me nothing in the way of a solution. I've emailed the Tech. Dept. (with case number) and am told a solution will follow. This was since 26 Dec. 06. Browsed the Internet constantly for assistance, but to no avail. If anyone could help me, with this problem, it would be very much appreciated.

[TurcoLoco]

Hello Blaster and welcome to IANAG,

Before throsing ideas out like a roommate who has not paid his rent for months, let me ask you a few Qs to get to know your system more:

~ What Operating System are you using?
~ What programs do you have running in the background at all times (programs that run in the background naturally start along with Windows such as a Virus Scanner, Printer/Scanner related diagnostic utilities if you have one installed, Firewall type utilities and possibly some not-so-needed 3rd party apps like QuickTime-qtask, Real Player-tkbell)?
~ Was your system ever infected with any kind of malicious software previously? If not, could it be at the moment?
~ During the installation of System Mechanic, what programs did you have running in the background?
~ Is it possible that the version of operating system/service pack you are running or any other software installed on it was not compatible with System Mechanic 7?

Note: Despite their useful purpose, you should never have a spyware/virus scanner type program running (scanning each file being read/written) because it could easily interfer with a programs installation and bork that app or even the system. Shutting down all background processes when installing a purchased/reputable software would be the proper thing to do.

[Blaster]

Thank you for your reply TurcoLoco. Much appreciated. Of course you would like to know some facts about my OS etc.! Goes to show how one can get caught up in one's "woes" when scrambling for answers! 1) My OS is Windows XP Home Edition with SP2. 2) Background programs at startup and running are: Logitech Hardware Abstraction Layer, Kaspersky Antivirus, Kaspersky Firewall (Windows version is turned off), System Mechanic 6 System Analyzer. 3) I completed an antispyware and antivirus on my machine yesterday. All was clear. 4) During the installation of System Mechanic, I do not have any pgms running in the background. (Antvirus and Firewall Pgms are turned off). 5) According to the System Mechanic Compatibility Requirements, I'm O.K. Here's something else for you. I currently am running System Mechanic 6 Professional. It works fine. It was installed with the CD Retail Version. (legitimate) two years ago. No problem. This time around, I upgraded via the internet. To install the 7 Pro edition, I'm to completely remove the previous editon, which I do. All instructions are followed. Originally, I thought maybe the download was corrupted. I've tried various downloads as requested but still "no go." Surely they all wouldn't be corrupted? Hope this info gives you something to work with. Looking forward to hearing from you. Once again, Thank you.

[TurcoLoco]

Thank you for the info Blaster. There are several possibilities that came to my mind but hard to say which one to try and most of them are vague ideas or possibilities that would require even more troubleshooting and answers but here is something to try (if you already have not):

1. Remove the current version, then reboot.

2. Backup your Registry using ERUNT or another reliable program.

3. Remove the entire program folder and the main registry keys under HK_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE and if one exists under HK)CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE as well. Program folder name and the registry key you will search for is generally either the same name as the program (System Mechanic) or it is the name of the vendor (iolo).

4. Run a System cleanup utility such as CCleaner or ATF-Cleaner as mentioned previously.

5. Then run a decent registry cleaner such as RegScrubXP or RegSeeker

6. Create another registry backup but do not overwrite the previous backup!

7. Then download and run Autoruns, when the program window opens, click Options and check the 'Hide Microsoft Entries' option, then click on the Refresh button to update the list. Examine the entries related to SystemMechanic or iolo and one of its services/processes (generally file not found where the path of the file is listed will be your biggest clue). Pay extra attention to entries listed under HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Services! If you run into any invalid entries as specified, then just uncheck the box next to that entry first which would be safer then deleting the entry.

8. Reboot your system again and Install the new version again to see what happens.

Note: During the above steps, make sure no scanners are running in the background. Closing/shutting down the program or disabling it from system tray is often a joke so open TaskManager and kill the related processes. If not sure, START > RUN > msconfig > OK > Startup (tab) and look up the names of the executables/programs under the Command section but do not modify anything in MSCONFIG, ok?

~TL

[Blaster]

O.K. TurcoLoco. I'm going to try your suggestions. Will be in touch.

[Blaster]

Hey there TurcoLoco! How ya doin'? Was out of province a few days. Once back, I tried your suggestions for the most infuriating computer problem I'd had to date. And I've had my share too! Fired up the program and "Voila!". System Mechanic 7 Pro is running like a dream! You know it's people like you who make these forums work. Your time,effort, and caring are the ingredients necessary, in helping so many of us, in these forums. Thanks again TurcoLoco. Take care of yourself.............Genius!