Question

msinfo32.exe (system information) will not open--just get a brief hourglass

Asked by: dkern18195

Running xp professional service pack 2 with all the recent updates.   I cannot get the system information to display either by using the icon or by using the run command with msinfo32.exe.  

I've run spybot search and destroy in the past and currently use microsoft anti spyware.   I've checked all the services that are required for msinfo32.exe and they are all running.  I am using norton antivirus 2005.  I'm pretty sure it isn't a virus or worm shutting it down but perhaps someone knows of something out there that could be hiding.  I know some of the worms will disable msinfo32.exe.

I have searched for solutions and can't seem to find anything that works.  Based on what I've tried, I'm thinking it may be a registry issue.  

My system appears to be running fine but I really would like to get at the system information.  I was able to get at it before last December and one day it disappeared.

I'm new to posting so I will assign 250 points.  Let me know if it should be worth more.  (or less)

I've come across great information here.  Thanks in advance

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Asked On
2005-06-25 at 23:41:59ID21470962
Topic

Windows XP Operating System

Participating Experts
2
Points
250
Comments
8

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Answers

 

by: andymsmith18Posted on 2005-06-26 at 00:02:53ID: 14302874

hi mate do you get any error massages when you try start run msinfo32.exe ?

 

by: dkern18195Posted on 2005-06-26 at 00:05:16ID: 14302877

Hello,

No error message.  Just an hourglass for about 1/2 second.

 

by: sramesh2kPosted on 2005-06-26 at 00:09:23ID: 14302880

dkern18195,

This might happen if the index.dat (maintained by the msinfo32 / Helpctr) is deleted accidentally. Index.dat is supposed to be present in the following folder:

C:\WINDOWS\PCHEALTH\HELPCTR\OFFLINECACHE

If it's missing, you may try copying the file from another XP system. Alternately, a complete rebuild of Help Center might fix the problem (ref: http://windowsxp.mvps.org/rebuildhelp.htm )

Note: Rebuilding the help using the above link will :

1. Remove the OEM customizations from Help Center
2. Few have reported that the "Did you know" stopped working in Help Center

 

by: dkern18195Posted on 2005-06-26 at 00:12:24ID: 14302888

THanks.  I tried replacing the index.dat, but still have the same problem.  Nothing changed.

I will check the link you sent.

 

by: andymsmith18Posted on 2005-06-26 at 00:12:38ID: 14302890

ok try  this
Start > Run cmd
then type inside the command window
sfc /scannow
have your xp cd ready

 

by: dkern18195Posted on 2005-06-26 at 00:16:37ID: 14302906

Thanks.

I've done this also.  No luck.

 

by: dkern18195Posted on 2005-06-26 at 00:25:38ID: 14302936

sramesh2k

Rebuild Solved the problem.  Thank you -- saved me hours of more searching.

I thank you Andy, also.

 

by: sramesh2kPosted on 2005-06-26 at 00:34:49ID: 14302948

Thanks for posting back, Andy.

20120131-EE-VQP-002

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