[MidnightCowboy]

I actually reformat something on average twice a day which is why I suggested it in the first place. Admittedly my in depth knowledge does not match some of the other guys here but I have never seen an OS in this state before that was recoverable enough to make it user efficient. Of course if you have the time to spend researching you might find a solution but I doubt it. I would still salvage what was possible, do a clean install and only load back the programs that you really need initially. Regarding Advanced System Care I've seen posts in several other places pointing a finger in this direction especially since the "upgrade" from Advanced Windows Care. I'm not suggesting that it's caused your problems in any way, but it probably hasn't helped. If you really feel the need for this type of application I believe there are others with potentially less harmful side effects available such as Easy Cleaner and others.