control panel add/remove not working, cannot download java error 1603,

[emma22]

my windows 7 64 bit Pavilion Elite 150f is not working correctly, in control panel the add/remove program has stopped working, microsoft updates fail to install, cannot install Java error code 1603, Adobe Reader DC is not working correctly. Before the remove programs stopped working i uninstalled Adobe Reader and reinstalled it but it still does not work properly. Java said there was an update so tried to download it but it failed and I ran the removal tool, now cannot install Java. Tried to do a restore from my restore points but that did not work. Trying to avoid doing a full recovery from my discs. Using Internet explorer but also have google chrome on this desktop.  Any ideas would be appreciated.

[Grzwacz · Accepted solution]

Hi

Possible causes:

1. Corrupt system files/drivers.

2. Malware.

3. Hardware problems (memory or HDD).

1. Run a checkdisk.

2. Google offline malware scanners. Check this site for bootable offline malware scanners.

3. Run HP Diagnostics.

You need to run standard HP diagnostics (not the UEFI version) or use the 3-in-1 USB Key.

You may not be able to avoid an HP system restore if none of the above suggestions fix your problems.

You could also reset Microsoft update components. But given all of the other issues you are having this endeavor would probably be pointless.

Do you have HP recovery media? You can purchase HP recovery media at this site.

Tom

[emma22]

thanks for answering my question, all test passed and I ran Malwarebytes Anti Malware but nothing showed up, I did have a virus and Norton support ran there tool and the tech found the virus and supposed to have got rid of it but it seems like it is still there. Anyhow I guess I will have to do a full recovery, yes I have the factory discs which i purchased from HP just after I bought the computer, i did the same thing for my newer computers too. It takes so long to do it i was just hoping to avoid it but out of luck. Thanks again.

[Grzwacz]

Hi emma22

You're welcome.

It is a real pain to have to use the recovery software.

Make sure you back up data.

I just had a similar problem with a Laptop. All troubleshooting tests showed nothing was wrong. 

Windows update did not work. The integrated WIFI was DOA. Other strange things were happening.

The only fix was to use the HP Recovery media to restore the PC back to the factory image.

Disconnect from the network before doing the HP Recovery and installing the following Windows 7 SP1 Convenience rollup update . 

Download the following Windows 7 update (KB3125574) and store this update on external media. Install this update after the HP recovery is complete. 

This will save a lot of time when installing all of the Microsoft updates needed to get your system secured.

Tom