Windows Vista Disk Cleanup /SETUP (undocumented switch) Destroys C: Drive

[Gambler]

While attempting to add Disk Cleanup to Scheduled Tasks I ran cleanmgr.exe /? in a command window to find out the available switches. Two of these undocmented switches /SETUP or /TUNEUP:n ran without feedback. When I returned to the desktop my Quicklaunch bar was empty and no programs would run. What folders remaining in Program Files contained no executables.

A search of Microsoft and Googling the internet failed to turn up any reference to these switches. I also searched a number of Vista books (pdf format) without any luck.

Fortunately I always make a full Acronis backup prior to Update Tuesday and was back up and running very quickly. Just had to redownload the recent updates.

The /Sageset:n and /Sagerun:n worked and I was able to schedule Disk Cleanup.

System is Vista Ultimate x64 SP1. Any information would be appreciated.

 

[ChatGPT]

It seems like you've encountered an unexpected issue after running cleanmgr.exe /SETUP or cleanmgr.exe /TUNEUP:n switches, which caused your Quick Launch bar to empty and prevented programs from running on your Vista Ultimate x64 SP1 system. These switches appear to have caused some sort of disruption to your system. Let's break down the situation: 1. Effects of Running the Undocumented Switches: - Running cleanmgr.exe /SETUP or cleanmgr.exe /TUNEUP:n seems to have caused unexpected behavior on your system, resulting in an empty Quick Launch bar and the inability to run programs. 2. Concerns: - After running these switches, you mentioned that no programs would run and that the Quick Launch bar was empty. - Additionally, you found that certain folders in the Program Files directory contained no executables. 3. Missing Executables: - To identify which folders in the Program Files directory contain no executables, we can help you with that. Recommendations: - Identifying Empty Folders: - To identify the folders in the Program Files directory that are missing executables, you might need to manually inspect these folders. It's crucial to ensure that essential system files are not deleted. Would you like assistance in locating these folders within your Program Files directory? - Further Information on Undocumented Switches: - Since these switches are undocumented and not commonly known, it's challenging to find official information about them. It's recommended to avoid using undocumented switches to prevent unexpected system behavior. - System Stability: - Considering the instability caused by running these undocumented switches, it's vital to maintain system backups, as you did with Acronis, before making system changes to quickly restore functionality if issues arise. Feel free to provide any specific folders you want me to search for missing executables or any other information you need assistance with regarding this issue.