webdoc50,

If you are able to use System Restore to return your system to its state before you installed Defender Beta you should be able to get rid of it and return the computer to normal operation.

Thank you Denny for the quick reply. Unfortunatly System Restore won't work. I failed to list that problem as well. All other programs work ok.

I have checked the history of MS Defender. It shows and "Unknown" was allowed on 3/6/06, the day I installed Defender, yet this doesn't show in the "Allowed" list which gives the option to remove anything that was allowed.

I'm posting on the MS Forum at http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/newsgroups/default.mspx.

Cheers,
John

Try running a system file check.
click start>run
type in: sfc /scannow
(space between sfc and /)
click ok

sfc will replace any missing/damaged XP system files. Insert your XP CD if sfc requests it. Reboot when it's done.

If that doesn't work, you may have to run a repair/reinstall of XP.

Ron

Thank you RoHe,

Your guidance worked perfectly solving all problems.

I use to have a list or RUN commands for Win98 SE of which most do not work for XP Pro. I need to find a list of RUN commands for XP Pro to resolve future problems. Until then, this comp is working very well.

Cheers,
John

You're welcome. Have you tried to set a manual restore point and use that restore point to reset the system? If the System Restore database got corrupted, it still may not work, even if all the other problems have been resolved.

If you can't set a restore point, or can't use it to restore the system, you have to disable System Restore and then reboot. That'll delete the corrupted database. Then turn System Restore back on, set a restore point and test it so you know it's working correctly again.

Ron

Thanks for the info. I haven't tried the system restore yet but I'll give your directions a go. Defrag works but is much slower than before. It does the analysis quickly but the actual defrag hangs at 6%. The Add/Remove programs window brings up the list quickly.

I want to avoid reinstalling XP if possible. We all know what a headache it brings to reinstall and configure all the programs. When I followed your previous instructions and inserted the XP CD a window constantly popped up to Retry, More Information or Cancel. Clicking on more information gave me another window stating that either my CD ROM wasn't working or I had the wrong disk other than the one installed on my system. Alas Dell didn't include the original XP CD with the pack of CD's. After calling them they did send an XP CD without a CD code which they provided after 5 phone calls to tech support. Fortunately this is my first problem with the comp during the 1 year of ownership.

Again, thanks for your assistance and quick replies.

Cheers,
John

Uh-oh! Browse that XP CD and make sure it's the version of XP actually installed on your system. Dell sent out some XP disks that were mislabeled (eg, XP home on CD labeled XP pro, etc).

You shouldn't need a product key. Dell XP is an OEM version and if it's a Dell system, it should install without a key. Besides, there should be small sticker somwhere on your tower with XP key specific for your personal license to use XP.

If defrag is hanging, it's possible your screen saver or some other app is kicking in. Anything that writes to the disk during defrag will cause it to hang and/or restart. Also possible you have HD errors. Before you go any further,

click start>run
type in: chkdsk c:/f
click OK

You'll get message about not locking the HD and asking to queue chkdsk for next reboot. Accept that option and reboot. chkdsk will fix errors on the HD. PC will boot normally when it's done. Try defrag again.

If you're really having problems and PC was shipped after July-14-2004, you have PC Restore partition on the HD. Press ctrl-F11 before XP starts to load. It will reset the system to exactly the way Dell shipped it. Back up your personal files to CD first! All files and software you installed, including all XP updates, will be lost and have to be reinstalled. But that's better than wiping the HD, formatting, and reinstalling EVERYTHING.

Ron

Thanks Ron!

The PC is working perfect. The XP CD installed the necessary dll files. I did a ck dsk right after that.

I've been in a bit ill & in bed so I haven't been the sharpest tack in the box but I did finally clear the cob webs and did all you suggested before I read your reply.

BTW I was able to reset a new restore point easily.

Again thanks for the quick feedback and assistance.

Happy St. Paddy's Day! C(_) "Cheers"
John