Computer Hope
Microsoft => Microsoft Windows => Windows XP => Topic started by: bullwinkle on May 01, 2008, 02:43:54 PM
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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!
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Just a shot. Did you try system restore?
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What technique did you use to repair XP ? ?
Here's the one i use (http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm)
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.
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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.
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Do you have a Windows XP CD with shiny holograms all over it that says Microsoft ? ?
It sounds like you will need one...
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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.
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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.
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Are you suggesting that Win 2000 is cheaper or better than XP?
Does that mean a complete reformat is in order?
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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?
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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.