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Thread ID: 45290 2004-05-17 08:34:00 Re-installing XP baycam (3377) Press F1
Post ID Timestamp Content User
237137 2004-05-17 08:34:00 Hi there!

After my son removed a program from our computer we have been unable to delete any files - my desktop is now becomming very crowded with icons!!!

It seems that he clicked 'yes' when asked if he wanted to remove - as he puts it - 'some programs that may effect others'.

I think this may be the source of my problems.

I was thinking - should I re-install windows XP to 'get back to normal' and if I do so - how exactly do I do that.

I have placed the XP disc in the CD drive and it asks if I want to 'Upgrade' or 'New Install'.

Will I ruin my system if I upgrade etc or should I just go ahead and do it?

Any help would be appreciated.

Tks 		baycam (3377)
237138 2004-05-17 08:51:00 Have you given your system a good cleanout: Temporary files, up to date anti-virus scan, Sybot and Adaware scan. Any strange programmes in the Add/Remove Programs list or start up?

How up to date with MS patches are you?

Have you tried to restore XP to a point before the problems started (is it too far back)?

There is a repair option from the XP CD but it would be best to try the other options before doing that because unless you do a file by file repair and know which ones to keep and which ones to replace off the CD, you'll end up with XP before a lot the critical security updates.

Cheers Murray P 		Murray P (44)
237139 2004-05-17 11:17:00 You can also select "Upgrade". This doesnt delete any files and reinstalls everything.

Hope you havent been mean to your son :p 		Growly (6)
237140 2004-05-17 11:37:00 Start --> Run --> sfc /scannow

That will go through and check all windows system files are present and correct, might be a start. 		whiskeytangofoxtrot (438)
237141 2004-05-17 23:00:00 gidday,

wondering if the file is sitting in your recycle bin? If so, you can restore
it from there and hopefully solve all problems.

using the restore system to restore the system back to an earlier date,
may solve it also, this is far easier, than looking a a full cd restore.

backup any new files before using.

click start all programs, accessories, system tools, and system restore.
follow the wizard.

good luck,

Robby 		Robby (3123)
237142 2004-05-18 07:37:00 No I haven't been mean to him! Could have easily been me instead!

If I 'Upgrade' can I be sure it won't wipe my photo's - music etc? 		baycam (3377)
237143 2004-05-18 07:41:00 To be make sure, take them out of the documents and settings folder. However, in my experience, it doesnt touch anything other than the windows files. Growly (6)
237144 2004-05-18 07:43:00 OK, if you know when this happened, and havent installed any new software, you can restore from a system restore point.

I cant remember exactly how to do this but i think that some1 else will. 		ilikelinux (1418)
237145 2004-05-18 07:50:00 > OK, if you know when this happened, and havent
> installed any new software, you can restore from a
> system restore point.
>
> I cant remember exactly how to do this but i think
> that some1 else will.

Here's how:

Start / Programs / Accessories / System Tools / System Restore

Click Restore my computer to an earlier time

Select a date in bold on the calendar

There ya go

I have done this after messing about with screen resolutions, and found, to my relief that all my documents and emails etc I had produced/received since the last restore date, were still there. You can always undo the restoration if required.

Cheers

J
:D 		Jester (13)
237146 2004-05-18 07:58:00 > To be make sure, take them out of the documents and settings folder. However, in my experience, it doesnt touch anything other than the windows files.

I would second that, just in case. Create another "Documents" folder elsewhere on your hard drive and move your files there. Don't forget to go into your email client (eg Outlook Express) and export your emails to your new folder also. 		Susan B (19)
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