One of two things:
1) That file is corrupt (and most likely the rest of the i386 directory you found).
or
2) You're running that winnt32 from an environment that doesn't support it (DOS, 64-bit WinPE).
I'm thinking #1 myself, since you're not "double-clicking" anything in DOS, and it's unlikely that you're using 64-bit PE. If you're running it from inside Windows XP, it should work for an in-place upgrade, but since it's not...definitely #1.
In that case, we could rewind back to Patio's suggestion and borrow Windows XP OEM disc from someone to do your repair-install...
However, after re-reading the thread (which I should have done earlier...DOH!), given the following:
1) The machine has a virus
2) You do not have an XP disc.
3) The i386 folder is accessible, but it may be corrupt.
4) We don't know if your machine has IE7 or WMP11 on it.
Repair install = BAAAAAAD idea. Repair-installing a system that's infected with a virus is just asking for trouble (as someone said earlier). Same goes for repair-installing a system with IE7 or WMP11 on it without uninstalling the two first.
So, keeping that in mind (and knowing that you already backed up your data), you will need to do one of these three options:
1) Borrow a Windows XP OEM disc from someone. See attachments for what the Home Edition and the Professional Edition OEM discs look like. Follow these instructions to install XP:
http://tweakhound.com/xp/installxp/installXP1.htmUse the product key affixed to the side of your computer when asked for one. Again, check attachments to see what it looks like (the attachment itself DOES NOT have a product key on it!)
2) Purchase an XP OEM disc. Places like Newegg and Tigerdirect sell them, as well as local computer stores. Use instructions in Step #1 for installing XP. It will come with its own product key, so use that instead of the sticker on the PC.
3) Purchase a Vista OEM disc if your computer can handle it. I would only advise this suggestion if your computer has the following:
- AT LEAST 2 GB of RAM.
- AT LEAST an 80 GB hard drive. Yes, I know it'll work with a smaller one, but Vista alone takes up 15-20 GB on install...you want room for other stuff, don't you?
- AT LEAST a late Pentium 4, Pentium D, AMD Athlon 64 X2, or similar dual-core processor.
If in doubt, stick with XP on this machine...
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