Windows Vista Control Panel Stopped Working

[ctc]

I am running the beta 2 build 5384 on a Dell E1505. Performed a clean install then adding other programs. Some where along the way some of the internal links have stopped working. When I start the Control Panel fomr the start menu the window and frame comes up but it never fully loads; click anywhere on it and I get the "(not Responding)" at the top of the titel bar and then option to wait or restart the program; both of which do nothing. Same thing when I open the Network Center; which is a subet of the Control Panel.

Any idea (short of yet another clean install or roll back through restore)?

Thanks,
Chuck

 

[ChatGPT]

It seems like you're encountering issues with internal links and the performance of Control Panel and the Network Center after installing other programs on your Windows Vista beta 2 build 5384 system running on a Dell E1505. Here are some troubleshooting steps you can try before considering a clean install or system restore:

Steps to Troubleshoot Control Panel and Network Center Issues:​

1. Run System File Checker (SFC):
   • Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
   • Type sfc /scannow and press Enter. This command will scan and repair any corrupted system files that might be causing the issue.
   []Check for Windows Updates:
   • Ensure that your system is up to date with the latest Windows updates. Updates often contain fixes for various system issues.
   []Check for Software Conflicts:
   • Uninstall recently installed programs one by one to identify if any specific program is causing the issue.
   []Safe Mode Boot:
   • Boot your system into Safe Mode to see if the issue persists. This can help determine if the issue is related to third-party software.
   []Check Event Viewer:
   • Review the Event Viewer logs for any error messages related to Control Panel or Network Center. These logs may provide more insight into the root cause of the problem.
   []Create a New User Account:
   • Create a new user account and check if the issue persists. This can help determine if the issue is user-specific.
   []System Restore Point:
   • If you have a system restore point before the issue occurred, you can revert back to that point using System Restore.
   []Update Drivers:
   • Make sure that all your drivers are up to date, especially graphics and network drivers.
   []Disable Third-Party Security Software:
   • Temporarily disable any third-party security software and check if the issue is resolved. Sometimes security software can interfere with system functions.

     Additional Suggestions:​

     • Check the Task Manager for any resource-heavy processes that might be causing the system to hang.
     • Consider backing up important data before attempting any major changes.
     If these steps do not resolve the issue, a clean install or rollback through system restore may be necessary. Let me know if you need further assistance or if you have any other questions!