MS System Info no longer functions!

[mpr67]

I am running XP sp2 and when I try to run system information (msinfo32.exe) it does not execute - no error messages, no lock ups, just does not run. Coincidentally my ATI file player no longer works. It's hard to believe they are related, but who knows. By the way, when I run the ATI multimedia configuration PC Check, it tells me that directx is not properly installed. When I run dxdiag, it indicates that directx 9.0c IS installed with no problems indicated. Again, I am more concerned about msinfo32 because it is a "system" file and should always work. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[rangeral]

Check your services and see if "windows management instrumentation" is disabled or set it on auto and start it in its properties.

[fancyf]

Try that reg fix, scroll down to:

121. Restore System Information (Msinfo32) (http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm)

[mpr67]

Thanks folks. I tried both ideas mentioned above, but neither seemed to do the trick. I guess I'll have to keep searching for ideas.

[fancyf]

Do you run a system cleanup tool?

Look under : C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\OfflineCache\
is there a file called index.dat ?

If the file is missing, find a copy [asking someone with the same OS would do] and put it back there.


Let me know if that was the case / if it worked.

[BipolarBill]

I've had this problem for some time. I forgot about it and just used Aida32 and Everest Home.

[fancyf]

Originally posted by BipolarBill
I've had this problem for some time. I forgot about it and just used Aida32 and Everest Home. You weren't too concerned about it :p
So is the index.dat file missing then? you could try it and report back :)

I can attach the file here for XP pro if needed.

[mpr67]

I run Easy Cleaner quite often, but primarily to delete unnecessary files. I only delete files that are labeled as .tmp or temp files. I also run Norton Utilities 2002 WinDoctor and allow it to automatically fix errors. I checked on the index.dat file and it does exist.

[fancyf]

It could be corrupted tho, you could try replacing it.

Have you run full system scans to check for spywares-viruses? (safe mode/online)

Antivirus, AntiSpyware, and Firewall Programs (http://www.sysopt.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=161595)

Other than that I have no clue! :confused:

[fancyf]

Another thing:

If it is a corrupted file then it could also be msinfo32.exe.
Here's a related page, bit different but worth a try: http://forum.aumha.org/viewtopic.php?t=10474&view=next

[mpr67]

I deleted msinfo32.exe and it was immediately replaced, but still does not work. I wish I would at least get an error message! I also did a search for msinfo32.exe and came up with this also - MSINFO32.EXE-29BA7538.pf. It is located in C:\Windows|prefetch. What is its purpose?

[BipolarBill]

That's Prefetch and it simply speeds up the program when it starts.

That fix didn't work for me either.

DXXDIAG does still work. I don't need MSINFO32 anyway.

[mpr67]

If I run my Windows XP sp2 disk from windows does it work the same way as Windows 98 and just repair or replace system files or will it try to reformat and do a fresh install? I hate to do a system restore because I don't know how far back to go and I might end up in a worse situation than I am right now.

[BipolarBill]

I've tried everything. Nothing worked. If you really need it that bad, you will have to reinstall Windows.

[fancyf]

Originally posted by BipolarBill
That fix didn't work for me either.
ah well... :S


mpr67, yes you can do a Repair Install. Check HERE (http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm) or HERE (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/learnmore/tips/doug92.mspx)for details.

[fancyf]

Other - last! - things to try?

1- under HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT > Applications > msinfo32.exe --- is there any entry in "NoOpenWith" ?

2- if you create a shortcut and paste the following path... ?

"C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\MSInfo\msinfo32.exe" /categories +all -loadedmodules

or

"C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\MSINFO\msinfo32.exe" "%1"


Salut! :cool:

[BipolarBill]

You go girl! The last one did it! :D

[fancyf]

:D Cool

This is just a workaround though... still doesn't say WHY!


But hey :t

[mpr67]

I have a NoOpenWith entry, but there is no data value associated with it. I created two shortcuts on my desktop pasting each of the paths that Fancf described but still no luck!

I have an external usb drive and Acronis Trueimage so I can create an image of my drive. I also have a couple of good backup programs so I can try to backup important settings etc. I guess I will try the restore XP method to see if I can get things back on track! Thanks for all your suggestions. I really appreciate it.

[BipolarBill]

What I did was to go to the MSINFO32.EXE file and "Send to" > Desktop (create shortcut). I then opened the properties to the new shortcut and added a space and "%1" to the Target line.

[mpr67]

Mission Accomplished!! After backing up my drive I did a repair (upgrade) from windows using the XP disk. It went almost without a hitch. It kept asking for a "VIA" file that I could not locate as I did a browse of the drive. Fortunately I had another xp machine in the house and copied it to a floppy and the rest is history. Puzzled, but pleased that it did not ask me to reactivate (after saving the wpa files). I would like to thank everyone for their help.