Had to repair XP - new problems

[bullwinkle]

Hello Everyone,

Below I have been posting my problems in installing nVidia drivers for the 8800GT card.

Yesterday I finally broke through with success after a week of working on it.

So...last night I decided to use Paragon Backup software to copy my C: drive to my D: drive in case I had future problems.

This morning I couldn't boot up.

After attempting several fixes, I finally decided that I had to do an XP repair.

Now everything is semi-operational EXCEPT

1. I do not have the permission to access Add/Delete Programs, or the Device Manager

2. Installation of sp2 failed.  Don't know why.

3. Some applications work, others are corrupted or missing a file.

To make matters worse, my 2nd computer also failed this morning - an error in the explorer.exe file so I'm doing an XP repair of that one too.

What a nightmare!

[SuperDave]

Just a shot. Did you try system restore?

[patio]

What technique did you use to repair XP ? ?
Here's the one i use

The failed installation of SP2 can be dealt with as well.... Did you have your protection apps already installed when doing the SP2 install ? ?
If so try turning them all off after disconnecting from the web and see if that helps.

[bullwinkle]

I couldn't restore because I didn't have a Windows screen.

I don't know what protection apps are.

After repairing my wife's PC (the second one I mentioned), everything now is fine.  Her video card drivers were loaded, email came up OK, etc.

My system on the other hand is a mess.  Blue screen, msn email that won't recognize my password, apps that fail because of some internal problem, and I can't load the drivers for my video card because it won't let me remove the current ones. 

No "New Hardware Found" window either.

[patio]

Do you have a Windows XP CD with shiny holograms all over it that says Microsoft ? ?
It sounds like you will need one...

[bullwinkle]

No, I have the $5 special CD.

At least it worked in fixing my wife's PC.

I could call a computer repair place, but the thought of paying $100+ only to have them tell me that I need to reformat and start over is depressing.

Meanwhile this PC supports my business, so I need a solution soon.

I did try to go into DOS and attempt a restore but it only took me back to after the disaster happened, not before.

[patio]

You may be able to find a good deal on Win2K....basically XP without the eye-candy....
Most stable version of Windows ever released and i still run it on 2 machines.
If anyone in the family is a student buy it thru the Campus Bookstore...you qualify for a substantial savings.
They will probably have to order it.

Good Luck.

[bullwinkle]

Are you suggesting that Win 2000 is cheaper or better than XP?

Does that mean a complete reformat is in order?

[bullwinkle]

Update -

I was able to restore to May 1st - still in deep trouble, but now at least I get an immediate response from mouse clicks.

Still apps are missing files, etc.  I've ordered a new HD to do a new install next week.

But what bothers me is why can't I access Device Manager, Add/Remove Programs, or even the Search function?

Does anyone know?

Can I do a repair on my repair?

[patio]

Are you suggesting that Win 2000 is cheaper or better than XP?

Does that mean a complete reformat is in order?

It's both.
Yes you would be doing a format and a clean install...

Without knowing what's on that XP CD it's difficult to advise any further so i'm out of ideas.
You could try the link i provided above for a repair install.
Sorry.