Reinstalling Windows components

Question

I am running XP Media Center Edition 2005 on a Dimension 9100. Somehow, the files for Sonic DVD and CD Burning, Outlook Express and Windows Media Player all became corrupted, so I tried to remove the programs and reinstall them from the Reinstallation DVD. None of the three will reinstall. The Windows Components Wizard indicates the files will use 0.0 Mb of drive space and that’s as far as I can get. I searched the DVD for likely sounding setup files, and can only find the one for XP but I’m reluctant to reinstall XP. What now?

Denny Denham · Answer

hertrains,

If you have SP2 to Windows XP you will have to reinstall Windows to repair Outlook Express or Windows Media Player. Windows Media Player cannot be uninstalled, the Windows components screen indicates 0MB required because all that screen does it remove links to WMP in the Windows interface. The same is true of Outlook Express. The Sonic Program is a third-party application. You should be able to obtain the CD to reinstall it from Dell as specified here.

Writer · Answer

Hi, Denny: I've been away from the forum for a couple of years - moving around the country. But this week I got a new Dell Inspiron 6000 - and had immediate "corrupt file" problems. finally took the system back to factory levels - and started over. Things have never been the same. Software installed by Dell doesn't show up, or doesn't work well - sigh.

I have spend the past two days trying desperately to get installation discs - and findally, after reading your comments, Dell comments, and postings by others - I found a lady on Dell chat who said she would send them - apparently against the new Dell "reduction" rules. Sigh.

I'm not a computer whiz - just an aging writer who tries his best, and often fails. I have referred to your tweaks and comments for a long time - and find them valuable.

Now - if I could only get this danged Sonic CD/DVD software to work! the liddle icon in add/remove programs is gray - so I assume that part of the program didn't get loaded. I'm HOPING that the Dell corporation will send me all the discs I need.

this is my third Dell computer, and although I've had some problems in the past, this new one seems destined to help me lose even more of my hair!

hertrains · Answer

Would you believe that because we paid for the Premium Warranty, we're not allowed to use the chat support? This is our 4th Dell and the first time we've had trouble. I've tried to contact someone at Dell that will listen to the various problems we have had, but to no avail. I've already talked one friend out of buying a Dell, and I guess that's my only recourse.

Windows General

Reinstalling Windows components

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