Some devices suddenly don't work!

Question

Woke up, Win 7 would let printer work (Canon MP730) but not its SCAN function. DVD R/W player/burner spins up but does not read. So I can't re-install from my discs! One repair program says Registry entries for the DVD unit are either missing or corrupt, but how do I find out how to fix them and with what values?

Downloading new drivers? Win 7 issues error message: intall FAILED. But it doesn't say HOW to install them.

DVD reader WILL read Win 7 install disc, but...it only tries a restore point (no help) and 1 or 2 other things but no help.

I have bought and tried half a dozen malware, virus, and spyware removal programs: nohelp. I am about to try a etotal clean reinstall of Win 7 but fear it will wipe out ALL my existing programs and data. Have hired a PC pro, paid $100 for 3 hours of useless labor.

There are either missing files, corrupt files, or files that override the "real" files. Can you recommend anything? Short of buying a new Hard Drive, and just reinstalling every program....and moving needed data over. but if moved data contains hidden problems.....what then?

Answer 1

I would say do what Randolph Potter Suggested - including not to panic!

Go to an elevated command prompt and use the following two commands:

 chkdsk

To scan for problems on your hard drive.

 sfc /scannow

To see if there is any corruption in your Windows installation.

If both of these pass, I would say that you have two very common scenarios.

When was the last time you read a disk and when was the last time you scanned?

I wouldn't bother using scanner/multi fix type programs, they scare you more than problems they fix! I doubt this is a registry problem.

I am not sure why the scanner would stop working but I have seen it before with service packs or third party programs interfering.

If you scan by pressing a button on the scanner, try to instead start the scan from the computer. (or vica-versa)

If you can't scan at all then, go to the website and download updated drivers. If after everything, it still does not work, you can always scan to a memory card and read that from your computer.

Next, as for the writer, if you do a lot of burning (or even if you don't), they can die all the time. Typically I would say the life of a well used drive (1 burn a week) is about 2-3 years. When they start to fail, you have all sorts of weird errors - some disks read, some don't, random burn jobs fail etc.

I hope this helps - and if you need any further guidance, please leave more feedback and I am sure you will get this resolved.