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Dimension 2400 Difficulties
My parents (more so my mom's computer) asked me to fix there computer for them a few weeks ago. I do have a descent understanding of computers, but I fall more under Java Programming :smileyindifferent:
Anyway, all I see for Technical Support for D-2400's is for 2400's shipped after July 2004. I ran a Service Tag search and found out that my parents had purchased it in November 2003. So that System Restore back to the initial purchase doesn't exsist on this computer. I also tried to reinstall windows a few different ways:
- The first way was obviously just booting the computer, changing the boot sequence, and then putting in the Windows Installation disc. This process encountered an error that said "STOP: c0000221 Unknown Hard Error
\SystemRoot\System32\ntdll.dll" right after the Windows Setup blue screen would finish pre-loading. The screen would change colours and give me the error I just mentioned.
\SystemRoot\System32\ntdll.dll" right after the Windows Setup blue screen would finish pre-loading. The screen would change colours and give me the error I just mentioned.
- The other thing I tried doing was going to run and typing sfc /scannow. It would start doing it's business just fine until I clicked Reinstall Windows. Then it would tell me that the reinstallation won't work because my mom must have updated Windows.
Okay, anyway, the reason I need to reinstall Windows in the first place is because my mom downloaded a program that (I assume) was filled with malicious files. Everytime I go to open a folder/directory, the boarder of the folder is drawn but where the physical storage of the files itself are is just a big empty box with the desktop "bleeding" through. I let it sit for hours, it is clearly freezing. I tried running various things, such as:
- McAffee Virus Scan
- Spyware Doctor
- Defragment of the C: Drive
- System Restore (The one that comes with all computers but doesn't do a good job restoring)
I can't access any files/directories so it is very hard for me to fix the Windows Installation error. I have talked to a Dell Technical Support Agent (via email) and I was directed to various links. The links work, but they are all ment for Dimensions shipped after July 2004.
*I would like to save all my pictures, is there anyway I can save them without having to open folders? I have them zipped on my Desktop but I can't use the CD Burner because it brings up a folder. I can't set up a LAN to my computer because that also will bring up a folder. My parent's told me if I can't save the pictures, not to worry, but I have many fond pictures on the computer.*
Is there anyway to fix this problem without reinstalling Windows?
If not, how can I fix the Reinstallation Problems I am encountering.
Thanks in advance,
Josh
If you care to leep your data, do not delete any partition. Boot into safe mode (F11 at startup) and fnd some way to get that data off the machine, either by CD buring or poratble hard drives. Once you have gotten your data off the machine, then you can follow that link.
Delete all the partitions and recreate them. Create a 20 gig partition for the OS and program and another (D) for the data. Once Windows is reinstalled, point the My Documents folder (right click go to properties) to the newly created D Drive. If the OS ever gets get corrupted again, the data will be safe.
- Temporarily install your hard drive as a slave into another working computer and copy your important data. Read http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=308421 for a fix if you are denied access to files and folders.
Create a CD of Windows XP slipstreamed with SP2. Use that CD for repair or reinstallation. One good reference for slipstreaming is http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sp2_slipstream.asp.
You can also post your problem to Hijack This forum to get help in cleaning your system of any malicious software.
DoCJace
54 Posts
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Posted March 28th, 2006 01:00