Can't save files!! Windows 7 Home Premium

Ok, here is the problem - Many programs, such as word, excel, notepad, and misc programs that save files to open later DO NOT SAVE. I hit save, nothing happens. No matter what I do, administrator privileges, etc.
I finally did manage to get word to save by running it in windows xp sp2 compatibility mode, but I shouldnt have to do this everytime!
I have virus-scanned to no avail, repaired windows 7 with the disc, and reinstalled microsoft office (though in hindsight this is not the probelm, as it affects other non-office programs).
I have NO IDEA what's wrong and cannot find anywhere online with people having similar problems, can anyone help? I'm desperate.
P.S. I'm also noticing problems with taskbar on occasion where icons are incorrect/from other programs or are missing completely.

 

I would try setting up a new user account & login with it & test. If that does not help, try running your virus program in safe mode.
Also if you are using system restore try going back to a time when there were no issues.

 

could well be a number of things.
as Josea said run virus scan in safe mode F8 on start up.
what antivirus are you using and is it the free version or paid.
how have you got your computer set up. is everything on the C drive or do you have operating system on C and everything else on D/E/F
what computer is it and is it a normal spindle drive or a ssd or msata.

the more info you can give the better.

 

Ok, I did a clean boot and by process of elimination I finally figured out what was messing with my computer. Stardock colors program (alienguise version for alienware) and the theme it had active was bugging out and preventing any save windows from opening. I visited the official site to explore this problem only to find out support for this feature was removed and it's no longer on the site... I can guess why..

I'm still having trouble with taskbar icons behaving erratically (missing or wrong icon) though after fixing the save problem. I've tried deleting the icon cache, to no avail.

I'm using a 7200rpm 500gb seagate HDD, and Microsoft Security Eseentials (considering buying AVAST Pro).
My entire computer runs off of the C drive.

 

strange one. the icon problem could still be a virus but this is just a guess as not heard of it before.
other thought i had was could be a bad sector on the drive so if you have time download HD tune from my sig below and run a full sector scan.

ive used avast internet security for 2 years now and its update time again in 20 days so thinking of buying again.

security essentials got the lowest detection in a independent survey last year so it could well be a nasty thats got through.

 

I performed a check as instructed, it seems to have come out clean. I also did a dell checkup scan and that also said I was in the clear for components. I installed AVAST Pro and malwarebytes (which promptly removed 15 potentional malware/spyware) and have them up to date and running.
The task bar icon problem still persists, but to be quiet honest it isn't worrying me too much considering my computer is 1000x better off since I have started taking proactive measures.

 

im sorry to say im stumped then and have no idea what could be causing the problem

hopefully someone else can jump in and offer some advise.

also forgot to ask. can you post your full system spec and make and model of laptop.

 

Hehe, np! Like I said all my hardware comes out clean on tests, and I see no other signs that indicate any failure is emminent, so I guess I can deal with bugged out taskbar icons. I appreciate the help so far though, thanks a lot!

My laptop is an:

Dell Alienware M14xR1
Windows 7 Home premium 64x
Intel i5 2410m 2.3GHz
NVIDIA Gefore GT555m discrete graphics
Seagate momentus 7200rpm 500gb HDD
6gb RAM

 

From what your describing so far it sounds more like a Registry problem and that is harder to fix and the only way fix that would be to either of two choices.
1. Uninstall those programs associate with taskbar icons and use CCleaner and reboot and reinstall the program again and hopefully that should restore the icons.
2. Total wipe and restore dvd to factory conditions that will insure nothing that was there shouldn't be there.
But if the Registry was damaged by that program you only real fix is to Restore to factory settings on with the Restore dvd or F10 with the hidden partitions to fix the problem. And if you don't have the disc that would be a good thing to buy or get from Dell for future fixes should you need them again.

 

Sounds like a PITA just to fix some taskbar icons. If it's not necessary and there is no imminent threat from this problem, I'd rather deal with missing icons than have to reinstall all programs and backup my files.