Turn Windows features on or off - blank / empty list

Have a Vista Business machine with SP1.  I had an old version of the Admin Tools installed and wanted to use GP tool.  Since SP1 removed GPMC from Vista, I had to install the new Remote Admin tools.  So I removed the old ones, rebooted, installed the new set (941314), rebooted.  According to MS, you then go to Control Panel, Programs and Features, Turn Windows features on or off.  I do that and I get a "Please Wait..." message for a few seconds, then it goes away and I have a blank list.  I vaguely remember this happening several months ago, but it wasn't important at the time so I didn't pursue it.

Anyhow, after 30 minutes, still no list.  I searched and found many suggestions (and many many problems reports).  I did them all (chkdsk, sfc /scannow, reboots, uniinstall/reinstall of the new pack...).  The only thing I haven't done is something I can't do, and that's an Upgrade Install of Vista.  I have SP1, the install CD I have is pre-SP1 and won't "Upgrade" to an older version.  So, that's out too.  Anyone have any ideas, either to fix the problem or to get an upgrade sucessfully completed.  I hate the stupid Upgrade path "fix" as it's a cop out for real troubleshooting and fixes from Microsoft, but at this point I'm beyond caring (too much).