Hi new member with an xp problem

[daktariSA]

I am back on the forum. To recap - When I rebooted in Safe mode - command prompt - I treid several dates (I cannot recall the exactdate when it was working, but chose one much earlier - I think the date was Feb 16, but that doesnt work anymore. I am busy opening this page on my other laptop

[BeeCeeBee]

Based on what you have told me in PMs (an exception in your case because of the nature of your issues and our regard for your project.) This is my understanding:

 

Everything that had worked for you in the past has now failed. You have followed the instructions in the microsoft link againd regarding command prompt and what to type and this time it didn't work. Is that Correct?

 

You have tried to follow the instructions given you by Randy and were unable to get the programs. Is that also correct?

 

I need to know if you can get access to the internet through another computer that may be available to you on a temporary basis.

 

EDIT:

I am busy opening this page on my other laptop

You posted while I was writing this. I take that you cannot find the point where you restored earlier Edited March 8, 2009 by BeeCeeBee

[BeeCeeBee]

Please just confirm what I said above and also let me know what form of media you may have to save programs. Do you have any usb flash drives (memory sticks), if not do you have a blank cd you can burn?

[daktariSA]

I have a flash drive. What you said is confirmed.

[daktariSA]

I dont really need to save anything on the other laptop. It is used by the volunteers to have internet access. All important data is saved on yert another laptop - the engine of Daktari. This one is also just used by the volunteers, but is also used as a back-up for the main one (in addition to an external hard drive). This laptop works fine, just the one I was discussing with you. Maybe it would be better to completely re-format the laptop?

[BeeCeeBee]

Ok, Ian, then what you need to do is follow the disinfection process given to you by Randy. BUT first read this: http://extremetechsupport.com/forum/malware-removal-av-firewalls-etc/5629-malware-disinfection-limited-no-internet-access.html

 

It will tell you how to get the programs you need using your laptop. There is no point fooling with safemode and networking if you already know that you can't get there.

 

There is also no point in looking for another work around if this is going to keep coming back.

[daktariSA]

I have access to the internet on the problem pc.

I am busy downloading SUPER AntiSpyware now

[daktariSA]

It downloaded but a window comes up saying windows cannot open this file etc.

[BeeCeeBee]

If you are still on your laptop you do not want to open the file you want to save it. Although that makes me worry about this machine as well.

[daktariSA]

No, I downloaded the program on the problem pc, not this one. It downlaod then gave the message above. I have also download superantispyware onto the memory stick.

[BeeCeeBee]

Ok then get them all onto the flash drive and do not bother with the problem PC except to disinfect it. If you have problems after that please post them HERE from the lap top.

[daktariSA]

I plugged in the stick on the problem laptop. I cannot open the file on the stick. It also has an icon with a picture of a windows window with very small thumbnail type dots on it, and all the programs with a similar icon cannot open. I get the same message: "windows cannot open this file. Top open windows needs to know what program created it" Edited March 8, 2009 by BeeCeeBee

[daktariSA]

Now when I check on "My computer" and on the drive "E", the programs are listed there but have the same little icon and connot open. When I plug the flash frive on this PC (the good one) the proper icons are shown. Completely different to the icons when it is plugged into the bad PC

[daktariSA]

Most, but not all, the icons on my desktop have the same strange icon. It is a white square with the top right corner folded down. In the square is a smaller icon like a windows icon, and inside that are three small dots that look like thumbnails or even smaller icons. Too small to see. None of these programs can open, even if I right click - there is no "open" option!

[BeeCeeBee]

Ok Ian this is what I think. You had a problem with the laptop and tried to fix it with a registry editor program that did more harm than good. It appears that it was a scam to get you to send money or your pc would never work again. 900 registry errors is just nonsense.

 

It is time to come to grips with the fact that between what was wrong in the beginning and what has been done to you, your operating system has been so corrupted that you need to re format the hard drive and reinstall windows. Do you have discs that came with the machine and if so what are they? What do they say on them?

 

Normally I would concern myself with saving data from that machine but apparently that is not an issue.

[daktariSA]

This laptop is about 2 years old. I do not know what discs came with them. I do, however have a disc that says "Operating system - recovery CD/DVD" Microsoft Windows XP Home edition SP2 . It also says "for distribution only with a new Fujitsu Siemens Computers PC". As this problem laptop is a Fujitsu Siemens, and the onl one, I presume this disc came with it.

[BeeCeeBee]

Assuming that the problem is with the Fujitsu Siemens that should be all you need. What it does is wipe your disc clean and restore your laptop back to its factory state. All of your data will be lost but XP should function normally again. I think this is what you need to do right now.

 

It does seem that it will be a difficult task getting data from that machine but that seems not to be your problem. Correct?

[daktariSA]

The problem is with the Fu Sie. I do not need to get any data from that machine. Do I insert the disc before starting up?

[BeeCeeBee]

Ok restart your PC with the disc in it and follow whatever instructions there are. Once completed you will need to re establish your internet connection in whatever manner your ISP has provided. We will then need to make sure that you have properly secured the PC with antivirus and antimalware programs. You will also need to download all microsoft critical updates that may apply.

[daktariSA]

starting up with the disc in it...waiting

[daktariSA]

Same problem - the "setup" option has the same icon

[daktariSA]

when I click on it, I get the same window" "windows cannot open this file etc.

[daktariSA]

I havesome petrol and matches. Is this what is left?

[BeeCeeBee]

When you restarted the laptop with the disk in, did windows begin to load as it has been or did you get a different screen altogether?

 

I believe the fault is with my Instructions. You will need to press a key when you are booting from the disk. With my Toshiba I would need to depress the C key when I power up with the recovery disc. It should tell you on the package or the face of the disk. If it does not, try C. If that does not work either then we will do some research.

 

Do keep in mind that you will be asked to select partiton 1 (NTFS) and you should select that as well as the option to format with NTFS file system

.

I am also concerned that you may need a drivers and utilities CD as well as the recovery disc. If that is needed it would have come with the laptop along with the disk you are using. If you can give us the model name and number we will be able to get all the information we will need.

 

You will also need the product key that should be found on a sticker on the bottom of the laptop. (Do not add that to your post, you will only need it when you use the disk.)

Edited March 8, 2009 by BeeCeeBee

[Tootech]

Just to add to BeeCee's advice......

 

When you start your laptop, almost immediately press F12 until you see the boot menu.

 

Then you can tell your computer to boot from the CD rather than your hard drive.

 

That should start the recovery process BeeCee described.

 

Hope that helps :)