I checked to see if the two items were set to auto. Network Connections was not - it is now. WMI was set to auto. As an aside while I was in there I looked at the Windows Firewall/ICS "entry". It was not running. I right clicked Properties to see where it was set out of curiosity. It was set to auto. I clicked "start" to see what would happen. I received this message:
"The Windows Firewall/ICS Service on Local Computer started then stopped. Some services stop automatically if they have no work to do, for example, the Performances Logs and Alerts service."
Tried to start firewall using firewall.cpl at this point. No success.
Went to second suggestion. Results: After copying and pasting the string in I restarted. Input the rest according to directions. When trying to run firewall.cpl I received the same message I did before:
"Warning: Could not obtain host information from machine [RECEPT-WS]. Some commands may not be available. No such interface supported."
Here's some additional info: when I tried to connect to the net originally I got this message: "The procedure entry point GetProcessHandleCount could not be located in the dynamic link library KERNEL32.dll." I mentioned this originally but did not have the exact message in my memory. Figured I should be thorough so you would have accurate info.
I double checked on other firewalls and/or anti-virus. The only things I could see from the "programs" menu were Symatec Anti-Virus and Windows Defender. The two you mentioned were not evident.
This would suggest to me that some files did not get placed where they should be when I did the repair(just thinking out loud). How should I proceed? Again, thank you for your time and assistance. It is greatly appreciated.
Edited by THX1136, 12 January 2012 - 11:21 AM.