PC Down

[Adrian Bamforth]

Hi all, can anyone help? My PC has gone tits up, a virus I think. Windows (XP) won't start up because of a corrupt file in the Systems 32 folder.

The manuafacturer Tiny has closed down.

I have disks for Windows 95.98 but I'm told it will wipe the hard drive if I install them.

Since XP was pre-installed I don't have an XP CD though I have the Tiny systems driver/software library and factory reset CD (is that the same thing?) but it doesn't finish the instalation.

Had a PX fixer-upper tell me I need an operating system disk (though he can't supply one), and otherwise was a bit vague. Noone seems to have a copy of XP, not sure how the key/code system works, whwther I can use someone elses or whether it would wipe the hard drive. Have work to do, what's my best bet?

Debate over whether PCs or Macs are best not really very helpful at this juncture.

Cheers,

ADEhttp://www.monkey-plus-robot-reviews.blogspot.com/roboticlinks/broken-pc.jpg">

[Funt Solo]

It may be the case (wishful thinking, here) that you just need to replace that corrupt file.

Can you start the computer in safe mode?  (Even if you can't do much in safe mode, you should have file access - although you won't have internet, CD-burn capabilities et al.  If it was a case of rescuing files, I think you'd be stuck with floppy access, but I'm no expert on PC rescue.)

Perhaps contacting Microsoft (if you're running a bought XP) for assistance would be beneficial.

[Adrian Bamforth]

A long shot I think but if you remind me how to start it in safe mode I can give it a try, good thinking.

XP came on the computer so not really a bought XP.

ADE

[Steve Green]

F8 When booting lets you access safe mode, is there anything like a key code on the Tiny documentation for the XP install (it'll probably say OEM on it somewhere)

- Steve

[Banners]

A lot of the manufacturers don't send CDs now due to piracy, which is crazy in these situations. But don't worry, an OEM licence is all nice and legal - it just means you don't have the disc.

If you can get one from somewhere - and you have your CD-key (as Steve suggests it's usually a shiny green thing attached to the manual they send) - you should be fine to reinstall.

A reinstall only affects the Windows files - so all your "My Documents" folders and apps should be fine.

As has been suggested, try to get in via Safe Mode first though and have a poke around, including at the Event Viewer. But after that, it's unlikely to be as simple as replacing a simple file, however. -sigh-

M@

[Adrian Bamforth]

What's an OEM licence? I think the PC call-out guy wasn't allowed to reinstall XP with a disk of his.

How many people will actually have an XP disk? Most people it seems like me come with it already installed I think, I guess it would have to be someone who had an old Windows and decided to pay for the new version?

ADE

[skull.ring]

Hi ADE,

XP comes with a Restore Point tool that should enable you to get your PC working again without having to worry about a full reinstall /entering the license key etc. by going back to a point in time before the problem occurred.

This feature can also be accessed whilst in safe mode, but you'll have to search the microsoft knowledge base for the relevant "How to" article.

Cheers

Mark

[Banners]

In my experience, XP's restore points are pretty unreliable. You shouldn't count on them instead of a proper backup routine.

M@

[Steve Green]

OEM is the version of the software that gets bundled with the hardware, i.e. a new PC.

- Steve

[Adrian Bamforth]

If it comes to it should I take it I can buy XP new for ?80, reinstall it and my work would be safe?

[Funt Solo]

Of course, if you had a Mac...*KER-BLAM!*

Seriously, though - if you are part of an academic institution (well, I don't know, do I?) then it may be that you're a member of the MSDNAA (Academic Alliance) and can get such software for free.

Or maybe you know someone who is a student of an academic institution that can ... (and so on).

[Banners]

If possible, take out your hard drive and hook it up to a second PC as a 'slave', thus bypassing Windows. Then copy your data over that way.

It's hard to give authoritative advice over the messageboard!

M@

[WoD]

Adrian, try the safe-mode option first and if it works then system restore (then go and back up your data).  If not, m@'s idea is great, and the slave thing is not too hard to do.

[Noisybast]

What's the name of the file you're missing, Ade?

[Adrian Bamforth]

Thanks for the advice all, I found the problem was just a worn-out hard drive and have replaced it without too much trauma (so my work probably couldn't have been saved anyway).

I'm now starting from scratch, which is good in terms of the computer now being far faster, though the next problem is the newly-installed Windows XP now fails to detect the (internal) modem and the (USB) scanner, though it does detect the (USB) digital camera and printer.

I have tried starting the computer with the scanner plugged in and visa-versa, and getting the computer to search for both using Add New Hardware in the control panel. Also have a CD with the scanner (Visioneer) though it seems to be just free programs.

Should I look in the BIOS, if so how do I do that?

Learning curve...

ADE