STOP error

[m216beachhouse]

I know nothing about computer operating systems other than that we have Windows 2000 Professional on our computer, but no install CD.  After downloading a virus patch from Microsoft two days ago, I cannot boot Windows.  It goes to a blue screen with a stop error that says something like check drive for virus by typing CHKDSK F/.  The only way I know to issue this command is to boot off of an old ME recovery disk, but it does not recognize this command when booted.  I suspect the patch downloaded was for the wrong operating system, or contained the virus itself.  All I really want is the data on my hard drive.  I'm willing to load a new operating system if that would help.  I'm sure this makes no sense, but can anyone help anyway?

[Raptor]

I suspect the patch downloaded was for the wrong operating system, or contained the virus itself.

Unless the patch was obtained not directly from Microsoft Windows Update than it may very well be a faulty or infected patch.

Where did you obtain it?

[m216beachhouse]

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=E39A3D96-1C37-47D2-82EF-0AC89905C88F&displaylang=en

This was obtained through a company link to Microsoft, so we were not worried about the authenticity.

[Raptor]

Then there is no reason to worry.

Did you perhaps not restart the computer when you were prompted to?

[m216beachhouse]

My husband did the download, but here is what I know.  He did restart and it worked fine for that session.  The next time the computer was started up, it failed to boot and gave us the STOP error message.  I suspect that someone who knew more about working with the operating system would not find this difficult, but since we can't get to the Windows mode, we're stuck.

[squirrel]

can you get to a command prompt?

[m216beachhouse]

Only can get command prompt by booting using and old ME CD.  Without CD, we can't get to a prompt after the error message.  If we do and F8 while booting we can get to the options menu, but not a prompt.

[Raptor]

What has changed in the session after the update?

[m216beachhouse]

Sorry, I don't understand your question.  I'm not sure what session you refer to.  I apologize for the level of ignorance.

[squirrel]

Can you tell us what the boot options are, please.

[m216beachhouse]

Safe Mode
Safe Mode with Networking
Safe Mode with Command Prompt

Enable Boot Logging
Enable VGA mode
Last Known Good Configuration (your most recent settings that worked)
Directory Services Restore Mode (Windows domain controllers only)
Debugging Mode

Start Windows Normally
Reboot
Return to OS Choices Menu

[m216beachhouse]

I have made a boot disk as suggested in the chat room.  Any further advice is welcome.  I will not be able to test any of the suggestions until this evening, but would like to be armed with some good prospects to tackle this problem.  Thanks.

[Raptor]

Sorry, I don't understand your question.  I'm not sure what session you refer to.  I apologize for the level of ignorance.

He did restart and it worked fine for that session.

It were your own words.

[m216beachhouse]

Gotcha - nothing appeared to change in the session, it just ran as normal.  The patch was described as a preventative measure against the Zotob.A or W32.IRCBot virus, so we didn't expect any change to the operating system.  At this point I wonder if it somehow altered the registry (possible that he downloaded a patch for the wrong operating system) or whether a virus has somehow gotten in anyway.

[Raptor]

You should not manually download patches. Let Windows update do it for you.

Has he installed programs or changed any settings during that time?

Can you give us the entire error message?