I've got a 2 month old custom built desktop with an Intel i7 920 processor and Vista x64, an OEM version, installed by the person who did the BIOS set-up, back-up and file transfers for me.

It's in a RAID array with Vista on a 300 GB Western Digital Velociraptor, and XP Professional on my older 150 GB Western Digital 150 GB Raptor HD.

His Employer is a large GPS manufacturer located about 8 miles from my home.
I don't know his official job title, but I do know Microsoft sends them free software in the hundreds I guess hoping they integrate MS's Operating Systems into their software......such as "forcing" people to use Internet Explorer exclusively for GPS updates, etc.

My Vista problems that I can spot,the list grows daily:



-- I can't install SP-2.

Had a case going with Microsoft and even they gave up.

It was an endless loop of trying to download a large SP-2 file which took me to the Readiness download....then back to the SP-2 download. Over and over...... too many times to mention.

To make this "go away"....They did sent me 2) DVDs, Windows Vista Ultimate with SP-2 that say:
"Replacement Disc: Requires original purchase of licensed software."
I called them and they said I needed an original CD key, that I now have.

Other problems:

-- Windows Defender can't check for updates.

-- I keep getting non-responsive program shutdowns, that I don't think should be happening.
Mostly on Microsoft 2007 Office programs.....but not exclusively.
I was locked up today scanning with Malwarebytes.

-- Security problems.
I am unable to open my documents.

When I navigate to > Select Users or Groups.

I select me.....Steve_83 (and) I assumed I *was * the administrator, but that's in there too.

Where I get stuck is: Enter the object names to select.

The Meat of this post, please?

How do I repair this corrupted Operating System without going through a HD format, Please?

The last thing I want or need is to slap those discs in without knowing what I'm doing and fubar my several $0000 new Build to smithereens.
I went waaaaay out on a limb having this done financially.
Having so many problems is driving me batty.



So....I know there are plenty of resident experts here, and fortunately for me they lurk on vDR!

Any Help!! much appreciated, as always.

Steve_83

(I am really starting to not like Vista, and I tried my best to keep this as short as possible....sorry it is so large)