Lanmanserver service stuck on 'starting'

Hi all,

Having a big problem with the LanmanServer service being stuck on 'starting' which affects other components and is basically making my PC un-usable.

LanmanServer is also stuck in Safemode.

The error Event is 7022

This may be related to a dodgy install/uninstall as I can't seem to install or uninstall any program.

Tried /sfc scannow -- that came back 100% OK

Tried to install Windows Performance Tools -- that failed.

Tried booting from my Windows disk, choosing the repair option -- that just hangs.

Anyone know how to move forward on this, please? how can I find out what program is causing the problem?

Regards
Melt