Please Help ASAP ....

Question

Yesterday, I ran a virus scan w/ McAfee and deleted all of the objects it found. About 20 minutes later the computer froze. I restarted it and logged on, but when I did all i got and now still have is my background image. NO ICONS - NO START MENU - NO TASKBAR. The only thing I can do is Alt + Ctrl + Del and bring up the Windows Task Manager. I can run a few files(Verizon/MSN) from there but almost all of my other files do not work. I tried to even do a system restore from command propt and it said that the 'rstui.exe' file was invalid. I know that the McAfee software deleted some major files. Now how do i get them back ? I d/l  'PC Inspector File Recovery' and that didn't work. Please Help I need my computer back to normal ASAP.

dunedin · Answer

Hi,
Run system file checker

Start/RUN
type in the box
sfc /scannow
NOTE there is a space before /

This command will immediately initiate the Windows File Protection service to scan all protected files and verify their integrity, replacing any files with which it finds a problem.

You will need to have your XP installation CD handy

SkyAbsolule · Answer

OK, I did that. The Windows File Protection comes up and is done scanning ,but nothing happens after that. I restarted my computer about 10 minutes later ,thinking that might do it and it didn't I still have the same problem. Is there any other solution ?

dunedin · Answer

I just noticed that you got the command prompt for system restore wrong.
It is rstrui.exe. What you typed is missing an "r"
Was this just a typo here or did you actually do it wrong?

Try system restore this way
Start/Programs/Accessories/System Tools/System Restore. Click the Restore My Computer to an earlier time, next
Then click a bold date

OR
Boot into safe mode. Click the System Restore link. Click the Restore My Computer to an earlier time, next.

OR
1. Restart your system
2. When the system first boots, type F8 to bring up the boot menu
3. Select the Safe Mode with Command Prompt option
4. Log-on as administrator if needed
5. At your command prompt type
C:\WINDOWS\system32\restore\rstrui.exe
6. Hit Enter
6. This will open the system restore wizard

msil217 · Answer

I assume you have the XP cd??? If so, you can do a windows repair.

SkyAbsolule · Answer

NO, can't even do that.   It gives me an error like - press F1 to try again or press F2 to go into setup mode. I don't know what else to do.

dunedin · Answer

Try this Open Task Manager go to the 'Applications tab' >New Task>type in explorer.exe and this may reload explorer and give you back your Start Menu.

msil217 · Answer

Are you booting from the CD when attemptin the repair? Did you set the CD ROM as first boot device in the bios? You may be able to get choices by tapping F12 when turning on the computer.

SkyAbsolule · Answer

No it was just a typo. I can't get into the start menu or anything else. How am I supposed to fix this ?

SkyAbsolule · Answer

I CANNOT BOOT FROM THE CD for some reason. Its weird this has never happened before. Any other suggestion ? I need this computer up and running by tomorrow morning at the latest.

msil217 · Answer

Try C:\WINDOWS\explorer.exe

If that doesn't work, a repair or reinstall of Windows may be your only options..

I'd also suggest getting Norton GoBack, it can undo what you do.(in the future) It boots before Windows. Just a suggestion.

Message Edited by msil217 on 05-09-2005 05:07 PM

SkyAbsolule · Answer

I don't know what do now. I did that and now I get this error message.  'Windows cannot find 'explorer.exe'. Make sure you typed the name correctly, and then try again. To search for a file, click the Start button, and then click search.' Please Help.

SkyAbsolule · Answer

Is there any way to just clean out Windows XP and re-install it when you are already logged on?Thats the only way that I think I can do it.

rickmktg · Answer

@SkyAbsolule wrote: Is there any way to just clean out Windows XP and re-install it when you are already logged on?Thats the only way that I think I can do it.  No.  You have to boot to the CD.

osprey4 · Answer

Sky: If you have more than one optical drive (CD, DVD), try booting from the other one. Make sure ATAPI or CD Device is selected as the first boot device in system setup.

dunedin · Answer

Try cleaning the CD

Windows General

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