JavaScript does not work on Windows 7 Machines

[oterrya]

I have two machines on which JavaScript does not work.  Both are running Widows 7 Pro, with IE 9.  Both machines started failing when trying to update virus protection.  In both cases, my first evidence was when the desktop applets quit working (e.g. the analog clock suddenly turned into a black square).  Since then, any JavaScript on a web page no longer functions.

!. Laptop:  Intel i5 x64 2.7MHz 2 Head w/8G of RAM.
Problem started when I removed the free trial of Norton Antivirus -- the purpose to install my McAfee Antivirus package Suite which was paid for.

2. Desktop:  Intel i7 x64 2.7MHz 4 Head w/8G of RAM.
Problem started when I uninstalled my McaFee antivirus suite -- the purpose being to reinstall it to fix a small arpp problem in Outlook.

In both cases the problem occurred at the end of the uninstallation.  Both were still disconnected from the internet at the moment of failure.

McAfee reports JavaScript is not working when I try to reload it.  I cannot not get anything from Microsoft's site because everything seems to require JavaScript.  As soon as I hit a link that needs JavaScript, it does not run and the page will not load.

I have looked at several things so far without seeing any specific problems but the registry is so complex now that I suspect I could easily miss things that should be there.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to hwere to start?

 . . . . Terry.

[jason2074]

Completely remove first your McAfee protection software. Then check if all Java are properly installed. If not, install tem and then followed by your antivirus. You could do this offline.

[BC_Programmer]

Then check if all Java are properly installed.

How is Java related to the problem?

[Geek-9pm]

This is SunSpider, a JavaScript benchmark. This benchmark tests the core JavaScript language only, not the DOM or other browser APIs. It is designed to compare different versions of the same browser, and different browsers to each other. Unlike many widely available JavaScript benchmarks, this test is:
http://www.webkit.org/perf/sunspider/sunspider.html
SunSpider JavaScript Benchmark

[oterrya]

Status:

On both machines, McAfee is not installed -- when I tried to reinstall it, my desktop came up with a blank window when it encountered some JavaScript; My laptop reported JavaScript was missing at the same point.

Java works fine -- it tests OK.

On the otherhand, JavaScript does not.  Whenever I encounter JavaScript on a Web page, it fails.

The default pointers are .js ==> jsfile;  jsfile ==> wscript.exe engine (which from what I have read, is normal for a Windows 7 system).  I scanned the regisry and do not see that this is overridden there.  I may be missing something.  If I route a simple script to the wscript engine, it appears to go there and execute.

I tried to scan the MS tech website for JavaScript problems -- unfortunately for  me, the site seems to use a lot of (you guessed it) JavaScript and I was frustrated trying to learn anything there.

A thought just occurred to me.  Do not McAfee (desktop) and Norton (Laptop) route JavaScript web calls through their own module to check things out and could the uninstallations have not properly removed this routing?  If this could be the case, where would I check it out?

[oterrya]

Further status:

I ran the Sunspider test before and gave up after 10 minutes.

I have been runningit during the previous posts (something over 20 minutes now) and it does the same thing it did last time -- it immediately displays:

☀SunSpider JavaScript Benchmark (In Progress...)
 Content Version: sunspider-0.9.1

and then nothing more. 

I am concluding (as I did before) that JavaScripot is broken.

Please see question at end of previous post.

[oterrya]

More status:

Sunspider has been "running"? well over 60 minutes now with no addidional display.  I assumed that when it was said that the benchmark took several minutes, that this might mean 5-7 minutes on a slow machine.

If the problem is in the registry as I am beginning to suspect, is there a good registry cleaner that could find the broken links and fix things?

Does anyone have any other hints?

[BC_Programmer]

Does javascript work in other browsers? (Firefox, Chrome)


you could try unregistering and then re-registering the applicable libraries:
(Batch file)

Code: [Select]

@echo off
REM for 64-bit machines, to register/unregister 32-bit components...
for %%P in (sbdrip.dll wlsrvc.dll atl.dll scrrun.dll jscript.dll msxml3.dll) do (
%systemroot%\SysWOW64\regsvr32 /u /s %%P
%systemroot%\SysWOW64\regsvr32 /s %%P
regsvr32 /u /s %%P
regsvr32 /s %%P
)
run the batch file (you might need to run as admin) and reboot and see if that makes any difference.

[oterrya]

to BC_Programmerr

I ran the process as you suggested (as a .cmd file in Admin mode) and it appeared to perform the tasks with no errors.

Unfortunately it did not fix the problem.  Web sites still do not work and McAfee installer reports "JavaScript is not installed".

I have not yet tried other browsers.  I need IE because of work related issues.  I have tried some others (did not like firefox -- I forget why) but have not yet tried Chrome.  I wonder if I can get it without JavaScript?

What next?

[BC_Programmer]

I wonder if I can get it without JavaScript?

javascript is part of the browser. Chrome and Firefox use separate implementations of javascript from IE.

1.  Click Start and select Run.

 

    In the Run box, type CMD and click OK.

    In the command prompt, type REGSVR32 JSCRIPT.DLL and         press ENTER.

    After the confirmation message is displayed, type REGSVR32 VBSCRIPT.DLL and press ENTER.

    Close the command prompt

    Restart.

 

2. Run the McAfee removal tool MCPR.exe & restart the computer.

http://service.mcafee.com/FAQDocument.aspx?id=TS100507

[oterrya]

The Chrome installer seems to need JavaScript to install.

Firefox will not install either.  I think it may be a JavaScript issue in this case also, but I am not certain. 

[oterrya]

I meant, "I wonder if I can get it with out JavaScript being operative.  I found I cannot.

I will try your last suggestion (I have done the first part only previously -- a week or so ago -- I will try all now.)

Thanks.

[BC_Programmer]

The Chrome installer seems to need JavaScript to install.

What is the EXACT error message.

Javascript is ONLY used by the Windows Scripting Host and sidebar gadgets on a standard installation. Internet Explorer 8 has it's own separate engine, but it also uses the Scripting Host version (jscript.dll) when in quirks mode. No software installers that I'm aware of require javascript. Google Chrome's installer doesn't even contain the string "javascript", so it's not an error from the installer.

It's probably some crap Mcaffee left behind. (Thus the removal tool)

[oterrya]

No message -- it does nothing.  When I look at the code on the web page, the button to initiate the install makes a JavaScript call.

Firefox also does nothing -- the scripting is beyond my ken but it seems to make an oblique reference to a JavaScript call.

The installers per-se do not but the web pages to get there do.

I am up to the point of running the McAfee removal tool (MCPR.exe) and see what happens.

[BC_Programmer]

I uploaded the installers directly to my web host:

http://www.bc-programming.com/downloads/ChromeSetup.exe

http://www.bc-programming.com/downloads/Firefox%20Setup%208.0.exe

If  those don't work, the problem is entirely unrelated to javascript.

I'm beginning to suspect (assuming it's not some remnant of Mcaffee) it might be an infection.

[oterrya]

Status:

I have reregistered jscript and vbscript (successfully).

I ran MCPR.exe McAfee removel tool again.  I scanned its log.  It removed some McAfee modules and some registry links this time too.  I find that puzzling.  If fixed some registry links also.  (Why are they still there?)

Net result -- JavaScript is still failing.

I thought about an infection.  Because of the timing, I wonder if it wasnot somehing that was controlled by McAfee / Norton (on the laptop) until that brief moment when they were uninstalled. 

If I can find a root kit checker, I will try that also.  I hope I do not need JavaScript to navigate the Web Pages.

I will try your Chrome and Firefox links in the morning -- no, later this morning -- when I am fresher.

I think I am going to sleep on this.  If you come up with any more ideas, I will try them tomorrow also.

Thanks for your continuing help.

[Geek-9pm]

Apparently others have had this issue.

How to Enable JavaScript in Windows 7
By Craig Witt, eHow Contributor
updated March 31, 2011
JavaScript is a browser-based scripting language used by millions of websites. It allows programmers to create Web pages capable of delivering dynamic functionality and in-page refreshing that can be interpreted by any modern browser. Because JavaScript has often been used to deploy pop-ups and other distracting page elements, some users opt to disable the technology. Fortunately, whether you use Internet Explorer, Firefox, Opera or Safari on your Windows 7 computer, you can re-enable JavaScript with only a few clicks. ...
http://www.ehow.com/how_8132036_enable-javascript-windows-7.html

[patio]

I rarely suggest this but at this point you should consider a wipe and a clean install...

[oterrya]

to Geek:
That is the first thng I checked -- on both machines.  Even though, if that had been true, I would have expected different behaviour on both machines.

to patio:
It may come to that.  I would like to identify the problem first to ensure it does not happen again.  Also I need to inventory and make sure I have all of my software keys saved so I can avoid a massive expense. 

--------

I still have the test using Firefox and Chrome to try.   I have had an interesting two days -- totally unrelated to these computer issues.

[jason2074]

Then check if all Java are properly installed.

Please disregard my advice on this. 

[Geek-9pm]

OK. I don't know the answer. Let me share a trick I have learned. The divide and conqur method. I have more that one PC amd more that one or two spare jard drives. When I get a tough problem, I try a new install on a spare drive or a spare PC. I have two or three OS to pick from  This helps eliminate OS or hardware of freak install as the issue. This is really handy whne you suspect malware may be involved.
I have not seen that issue with javascript on Windows 7, but I don't spend a lot of my time on Windows 7.

[oterrya]

to Geek:
I have a third machine -- but it is unfortunately off limits.  It is running WinXP and is gong to stay that way for a while because of other requirements.  Unfortnately I have now run out.  I cannot conceive how malware could have gotten in to either machine unless it could hafve been there but dormant under both McAfee and Norton.  The laptop was a new machine with a free 90 subscription to Norton and the problem showed up when I uninstalled Norton (without a network connection).

------

As I said, I would like to identify the issue before blasting it with the equivalent of a 12 guage shotgun at 12 feet by nuking the two machines and reinstalling from scratch. I wish to make sure I never see the issue again.

------

I still have the test using Firefox and Chrome to try.   I have had an interesting two days (and am still having them) -- totally unrelated to these computer issues.  It may be a day or two before I can sit down and do these steps.  They shoud be harmless and may tell something.

[BC_Programmer]

under both McAfee and Norton.

Wait a second...
you had TWO AV programs installed? That's bound to cause problems like this....

Did you run the Norton Removal tool as well?

https://www-secure.symantec.com/norton-support/jsp/help-solutions.jsp?lg=english&ct=united+states&docid=20080710133834EN&product=home&version=1&pvid=f-home

[oterrya]

No, no, no.  Two machines.

Desktop had McAfee.  Ran uninstaller to update.  Problem occurred.  Could not reinstall McAfee because JavaScript seems to be used for the install pages.

Laptop had Norton.  Uninstalled Norton 90 day freebie to install previously paid McAfee suite.  Problem occurred.  Could not install McAfee because JavaScript seems to be used for the install pages.

This was in my first message.

[BC_Programmer]

It is probably an IE addon. Try starting IE without addons by right-clicking it's shortcut and choosing "Start without addons"; or you can find the shortcut to do this in All Programs->Accessories->Internet Explorer (no addons)

My suspicion is that js will suddenly work again, because whatever addon was installed is no longer hooking the JS engine. probably a remnant add-on from Norton and Mcaffee in each case. You can manage the addons in no-addons mode by going Tools->Internet Options, and on the Programs tab, you'll find the "manage Addons" button. Look for the related AV addons, and uninstall/disable them, and try starting the browser normally.

[oterrya]

to BC_Programmer
I thought I had looked at/done this.  I will again -- later today (I hope).   I have an extremely byusy schedule.  I do not thinkk I have very many at all.

[oterrya]

I installed Firefox from link given above.  I ran the Sunspider benchmark -- it was successful.  I did not time it but it took less than 30 seconds to complete  I loaded a web site that uses JavaScript for navigation -- it looked good.

I installed Chrome from link given above.  I ran the Sunspider benchmark -- it was successful.  I did not time it but it took less than 30 seconds to complete  I loaded a web site that uses JavaScript for navigation -- it looked good.

I started IE without add-ons.  I tried the Sunspider benchmark -- it still fails to run.  I tried the same web site as above -- it still does not work.

Hmmm.

Should I try to reinstall IE 9 -- is it possible that would help?

[patio]

Repair IE9...

[oterrya]

One down and one to go.

I used the Repair IE 9 link provided by patio, tried the fixes including reset IE 9 -- it still did not work.  I finally un-installed IE 9 (it revereted back to IE and then reinstalled IE 9.
My desktop machine now works.  The website looks good.  I ran the sunspider benchmark -- it ran successfully (again in something less than 30 seconds.  Something I thought was interesting -- I have heard over and over that IE is slow.  the results of the Sunspider benchmark were:

Firefox:    272 ms
Chrome:   277 ms
IE 9:        245 ms

At least in this case, that appears not to be so.

Tomorrow I will tackle my laptop -- I am going straight to the un-install/re-install approach