Link to home
Start Free TrialLog in
Avatar of philsimmons
philsimmonsFlag for United States of America

asked on

Windows and Adobe Problem

I recently set up my 3-year old Windows 7 Lenovo T420s laptop computer to use while my newer computer was being repaired.  After updating all the Windows, Malwarebytes, and Norton updates (I hadn't used the computer for almost a year) - and running all available scans, there are a number of problems that may or may not be related:

1.  No Adobe files can print.  I get the attached error message that a printer needs to be installed.  There are three printers attached to the computer, but the computer only fails to recognize them using Adobe (I have Adobe Acrobat Pro XI).  

2.  When I try to access "Devices and Printers", the program tries to load but always hangs up before displaying my devices.

3.  My Start Menu doesn't show any programs (though I can access them through "All Programs").  I can't "pin" any programs to the Start Menu.

4.  I cannot make any changes to my Task Bar settings, or add programs to the Task Bar.

I've been able to work around everything other than my inability to print Adobe files - though this is critical.

Please help!

Thanks,

Phil
Adobe-printing-error.PNG
Avatar of philsimmons
philsimmons
Flag of United States of America image

ASKER

Ooops.  I spoke too soon.  I had tested a Word document, which printed fine.  But now none of my programs can find a printer on my system.   Please help!!!
But now none of my programs can find a printer on my system.

Start with System File Checker. Open cmd.exe with Run as Administrator and run SFC /SCANNOW. Allow to complete, shut down, start up and test. Aside from printing, have the other issues been fixed?  Does any printer work now?

A computer does not go bad being turned off. What was the issue before turning it off a year ago.
Thanks, John.  I don't recall there being any problems with the computer the last time I used it.  I was also surprised with all the difficulties.  I tried running the SCANNOW (I'm the only user/administrator), and I got the attached message ... not sure if the program ran or not, and I don't understand what a "console session" is.

As for the printers, none of the printers are working, though they all show up when I go to "File, Print" from all of my programs.  I don't get any error messages anymore, but nothing prints.  I still can't "Devices & Printers" to open to see and access the available printers.  It seems to hang right before it finishes loading (see the second attachment).

Thanks,

Phil
Scan-Message.PNG
Devices-and-Printer-Hang.PNG
Something has gone wrong with Windows 7. Since SFC will not run, next to try is Windows Repair Install. For this, you need a working recovery partition or the Windows 7 DVD. Here is a Seven Forums Tutorial to assist.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/3413-repair-install.html
I tried using the sevenforums instructions.  It got me to a place where I needed a Windows product key.  This laptop came with Windows installed, and I don't have a product key.  It's a Lenovo product ... any idea how/where I can get the required information?
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
Avatar of John
John
Flag of Canada image

Link to home
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
Start Free Trial
Thank you!
@philsimmons  - You are very welcome and I was happy to help.
John,  One more thing please.  In going through what turned out to be an agonizing (though effective) clean-up with Microsoft support, they ran a program called "HitMan Pro", which evidently found stuff that both Norton and Malwarebytes missed.  Would you recommend that I get HitMan?

Thanks again,

Phil
Some people here use and recommend HitMan Pro and I think it works. I have not used it and cannot vouch for it. However, if it worked here, there is no harm in getting it.
Thanks again
No problem and good luck.