Add Windows Components

[shaner66]

When I go into Add/Remove programs and then go to "Add/Remove Windows Components" it immediately starts building a file list and says it's "configuring components." After about 10-20 seconds that goes away and I'm right back to the main Add/Remove programs window.

I cannot get into the window that allows me to change windows components.

 

[linney]

You must be logged on to the computer as either an administrator or a member of the Administrators group to complete this procedure.



305548 - HOW TO: Add Components and Programs to a Computer in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;305548&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

 

[shaner66]

Yes I know, and I am.

I've never had a problem before, but now it seems like it's trying to install something every time I try to access the window.

 

[linney]

Has anything like TweakUI been used on this machine?

Check Group Policy (GpEdit.msc in Run Box).

Local Computer Policy/ User Configuration/ Administrative Templates/ Control Panel/ Add Remove Programs.

See if anything is disabled.

There is also a Registry Settings you can check.
Check for the Key, Control Panel and pay attention to any sub key called "don't load".

Other things to consider.

Run the System File Checker program from the Run Box by typing.....Sfc /Scannow in it and have your XP CD handy.

If they don't work you could try repairing windows itself by running it over itself. You will lose all your windows updates but your files will be untouched.

How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade (Reinstallation) of Windows XP (Q315341)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q315/3/41.asp

 

[bcastner]

I suspect an issue with your MDAC.

Go here:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/downloads/list/dataaccess.asp

Get the MDAC component checker and run it for dll issues.
Get the MDAC 2.8 release and run that to update all.

(Re-registration of your components can take five minutes and even lock the machine. Watch your disk light. If it stops flickering and is still for several minutes but your machine appears locked, turn the power off and reset the machine.)

And then download the kb 823718 patch from Windows Catalogue and re-apply it.