Big problem!

I just started my Aspire 5520 laptop, and when I get to the desktop an error pops up saying that I can't access the location of my desktop (C:\Windows\system32\config\systemprofile\Desktop)

Only thing which shows up on the desktop is the recycle bin.
The Vista theme is changed to classic and I can't get it back.
Internet doesn't work
Sound doesn't work
I can't open the control panel (in safe mode I can, but not all of the icons are there that should be there)
In the task manager there's only 4 processes running:
eplorer.exe csrss.exe taskmgr.exe (of course) and winlogo.exe

I think I can open all of my programs that I got installed, but basically I almost can't do anything else.

I've been trying to use system restore, but even in safe mode it won't open.

WTH is going on?

 

Corrupted user account(profile) maybe..? Does the 'unaccessible' location actually exist?

 

I got to as far as system32, then it says I don't have the rights to open config.

 

Which may mean that you're running temporary profile(which happens when Vista try to load a corrupted one and fail). Try to run chkdsk /f maybe it's hdd problem, sometimes files and folders could be 'lost'. You still have ACER's recovery partition or at least recovery CDs?

 

Is it possible you accessed a different user account when starting Windows and not as Administrator?

If not ... it's possible your user account got corrupted.

 

No I don't.

 

This is bad....In my opinion, IF it's a corrupted user profile it cannot be recovered.

 

Then I would suggest you re-install the OS if you have explored other courses of action

 

Thanks, I will try that out.

 

Keep in mind I never used this CD before so I cannot guide you through the recovery process..

 

Didn't work. This is what it says when I try to boot with it:

Windows has encountered a problem communicating with a device connected to your computer.

This error can be caused by unplugging a removable storage device such as an external USB drive while the device is in use, or by faulty hardware such as a hard drive or CD-ROM drive that is failing. Make sure any removable storage is properly connected and then restart your computer.

If you continue to recieve this error message, contact the hardware manufacturer.

Status: 0x00000e9
Info: An unexpected I/O error had occured.

 

According to this error msg your cd-rom is failing...

OK give me...20 min to test this recovery CD myself.

Update: Done. The CD works perfectly here I guess your cd-rom is failing. I cannot think of anything else to suggest apart from reinstall, but I guess you don't have Vista CD.

 

If there's something wrong with it, how could I reinstall my OS then?

 

With external cd-rom for example.

 

Or a USB drive (I think it's more than possible).


Just don't panick.
Solutions do exist..

 

I can install from a USB drive?

EDIT: And oh.. how can a failing DVD drive bring all those problems? Doesn't make any sense.

 

I think I know why it's not working properly, because it mght have gotten a little bit bumped when it was in my backpack a couple days ago.

How fragile are laptops anyways? I haven't dropped it or anything, I've been pretty nice to it. Got it a month ago, and I'm really pissesd now when it's not working.
I need it for my school stuff!

 

I don't think there's a high possibility that a failing DVD drive could be the root cause of the problem ... but it's possible.

In any case ... what you could also try is download Ubuntu and burn it to a CD.
Then try booting it from the CD itself (without installing it) ... for this you may have to set the boot order for the dvd drive to be first.
If everything goes ok and you go into Linux, then you know that the dvd drive is ok and that basic components for the most part are working.

Meaning ... you will most likely have to reinstall Vista.
In that case I'd download the Vista recovery disc and take it from there.
Google up potential helpers that may guide you through the process.

EDIT: I just reread the upper posts properly and figured you tried the recovery disc method and it failed.
I still find it odd that a faulty DVD drive would cause these problems.

 

Your dvd drive is failing in attempt to read the recovery cd...which has nothing to do with your vista problems..I think.