going into safe mode or last known

[Holly Sakota]

I tried to delete a file that is giving us viruses and popups.  Ever since I did now I can't get back into windows.  It just keeps restarting.  I have tried going into safe mode and last known, but it still will not work.  What else can I do?

[pcdoc4christ]

Holly:

More information, please.

What file did you delete?  What OS does your computer have installed?

Doc

[Holly Sakota]

I have an XP Laptop.  The file I was trying to delete was some program my roommate was downloading offline.  It seemed like it was some XP word/excel thing.  There were like 10 different programs in the add/remove section.

[pcdoc4christ]

Holly:

Do you have an anti-virus program installed on the laptop?

Doc

[Holly Sakota]

yes, and it would not recognize any problems with the program I tried to delete.  I have the new norton antivirus.  Is there a better one?

[pcdoc4christ]

Norton is one of the best, but anti-virus program catches them all.  

How did you know you had a virus?  Did Norton AV detect it?

Doc

[ojas25]

Hi Look up Stinger on google and down load it to a floppy and then reboot with the floppy in it usually works it is a virus checker and cleaner, sorry forgot where to go to get but google will find it. By the way  I suggest you change your antivirus checker to AVG free or Professional.

[holly sakota]

Norton did not detect it but some programs were not working and my roommate was on a spam website trying to get cheat codes for the program above (xp things).  How do I get into my windows screen?  Is safe mode and last known the only ways to get in?  I am sorry but this has never happened to me.

[pcdoc4christ]

Holly:

It looks like files that Windows needs to boot are missing or corrupted.  My suggested treatment is to reinstall the operating system, as this Microsoft article explains:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315341

The steps to follow are also here:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/learnmore/tips/doug92.mspx

The steps are:

1. Configure your computer to start from the CD-ROM drive.

2. Insert your Windows XP Setup CD, and restart your computer.

3. When the Press any key to boot from CD message is displayed on your screen, press a key to start your computer from the Windows XP CD.

4. Press ENTER when you see the message To setup Windows XP now, and then press ENTER displayed on the Welcome to Setup screen.

5. Do not choose the option to press R to use the Recovery Console.

6. In the Windows XP Licensing Agreement, press F8 to agree to the license agreement.

7. Make sure that your current installation of Windows XP is selected in the box, and then press R to repair Windows XP.

8. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete Setup.

For step #1 you might have to change the BIOS settings.  But first, start with step #2.  If you see the words "Press any key to boot to the CD..." then you don't have to do step #1.

Let us know if you need help.

Good luck!
Doc

[pcdoc4christ]

<----- Praying Holly is doing OK with her computer repair installation.