I downloaded the latest version of Ccleaner, installed it, and ran it. Everything went smoothly, and I was satisfied. Now I'm finding serious problems.
When I tried to open Microsoft Works Database, I got this error: "Works cannot find the files needed to complete the task. The files may be missing or corrupted."
When I tried to install a new program, I got this error: "Error 1719 Windows Installer service could not be accessed. Contact your support personnel to verify that it is properly registered and enabled." I tried to install a different program and got the same error.
I'm very worried that there will be more problems like this as well. It seems like some important and needed files were removed by Ccleaner. What should I do?
Yes, I cleaned the registry. And yes, I saved a backup. I've just found that file on my Desktop. Do you recommend that I restore the registry? I also set a restore point just before using Ccleaner. (I've not had any luck with restoring in the past!!!)
After restoring the registry and restarting my computer, the Windows Installer worked fine. However, Works still gives me the same error. I'm on the road right now, but when I return home I guess I'll have to reinstall the program. (If I can find the Works installation disk!) What I'd like to know is why did CCleaner delete these essential files? If I did a Windows Restore, would that put them back? What about the program that I installed AFTER I set the restore point?
This seems to be more of a Works issue than a CCleaner one, although to be honest it's difficult to say, and that isn't a Piriform cop out. Works does appear to have had it's issues over a long period of time, in particular the one you have.
The problem is that none of the examples popped up by Google give any indication as to which files are corrupt, so where do you start?
The only solution at all appears to be reinstalling Works, which you've already realized yourself.
My Works Suite was working fine until I used CCleaner on my computer. It is obvious to me that CCleaner deleted an essential file that Works needs in order to run.
I appreciate your suggestion that I try Recovery for Works. However, from the description it appears to be a program to recover the data from corrupted data files. I'm sure there is nothing wrong with my data files. It's the program itself that will no longer open thanks to CCleaner's deleting (or corrupting) a needed file(s).
Do you think it would do any good to go back with Windows System Restore to a point just before I used CCleaner?
A System Restore would probably be a good idea, and you shouldn't lose any data files doing it.
And if you decide to run CCleaner again, you could maybe just carry out a scan, and check through the items listed for anything related to Works. If so, the relevant items can be added to CCleaners "Exclude".
It would be useful to find out for definite whether or not it was CCleaner, and what it may have removed to cause the problem.
Probably nothing at all. System Restore regularly failed for me when I needed it, which is why I don't use it anymore.
I rely now on a daily backup of the registry made with ERUNT.
I've found that restoring a complete registry backup usually fixes most problems, and if it doesn't I restore a recently made Disk Image backup. System Restore was too unreliable for me.
That doesn't help you with your problem of course, but maybe something to think about in the event of System Restore failing for you again at some future time.
Are you in a position to reinstall Works? I don't know if it requires Windows Disks or a Recovery Partition to do this as I got rid of Works a long time ago.
Windows Add/Remove may give you a "Repair" option for Works, but again it may require Windows Disks etc..
I'm back from my trip now and have actually found the installation disks for my MS Works Suite. I don't think Microsoft makes the suite anymore, but it includes MS Word, Money, Picture It, and several other well-known MS titles. At the moment my Picture It won't open either, saying that such and such file is missing. Why did CCleaner delete all these essential files? It expressly claims that it won't do this!
Anyway, I'm about to reinstall Works and Picture It. (I'm amazed that Word is OK.) I'll let you know how this goes.