IE7 major problems with script errors and blank pages

[Broni]

Well, it looks like you have some serious system files problem.

Go Start>Run ("Start Search" in Vista), type in:
sfc /scannow
Click OK (hold CTRL, and SHIFT, hit Enter in Vista).
Have Windows CD/DVD handy.
If System File Checker (sfc) will find any errors, it may ask you for the CD/DVD (rarely in Vista case).
If sfc won't find any errors in Windows XP, it'll simply quit, without any message.

[hoots463]

I've run the sfc / scannow command. took a long time to go through all the files, asking me several times to 'retry' the Windows CD, but always proceeding OK when I clicked 'retry'.
Finished eventually, and closed without any message as you said.

Unfortunately the problem is persisting - still many blank pages, no videos, blank 'system restore' window, 'script error' messages on 'User Accounts' page and whenever I try to print/search from a web page - everything as before.

Lots is still working, normal web-browsing, e-mail, other programmes etc.

Thanks for your continued interest, but where can I go from here?

[Broni]

Try Windows repair: http://www.geekstogo.com/forum/How-to-repair-Windows-XP-t138.html

[hoots463]

Just in case it's relevant, my Windows CD is Windows Professional with Service PAck 2 - version 2002. The system running on my PC is Service Pack 3, which I must have upgraded to on-line sometime since I originally installed the system. So the CD I have is not exactly the same system I'm running, although it all seemed to progress through the 'sfc / scannow' operation.

[Broni]

Try repair anyway.
If any problems, you may need to slipstream SP3 into the CD: http://www.theeldergeek.com/slipstreamed_xpsp3_cd.htm

[hoots463]

OK - making progress at last!
Did the repair - it's basically a reinstallation of XP from the original CD?
Some hiccups on the way - dialogue boxes coming up saying various files could not be found on the CD, even though I could see them there - had to cancel those files- 20 or so of them (I've got them recorded). Need to see over the next few days if that has any effect on the system. And initially Internet Explorer and Outlook Express weren't there.

But system now seems to be working OK. No script errors coming up, no blank pages yet, videos working. Can access System Restore tool.....

Presumably now just need to update Windows, including Service Pack 3 again (CD has installed original XP Pro with SP2). I'll let you know if there are any more problems.

But thanks very much for all your help, and sticking with it!

[Broni]

You're very welcome
Keep us updated.

[patio]

Good News indeed...
And if you plan on keeping XP for awhile i would take the time to follow Broni's link on slipstreaming SP3 into your XP CD.
It's a real time-saver once you've built it...