Multi layered problem

[Michael B]

There are innumerable amount of errors on my desktop, so it's hard to begin. In july i got a virus, which caused all file extensions to disappear, some drivers to not work, installshield errors, system restore failure (cannot be fixed), file identification problems (all icons are blank). My PC is very fast, even though it's old, but my computer takes like 45 seconds to load. But all other folders are quick.

 

There's probably a lot more wrong too, and i've fixed some of the problems, though it still never works. For example i have file extensions now, drivers say they work (but they're not), and file identification i did something a friend said.

 

I've run multiple programs for errors, registry cleaner, but they seem to make no difference.

 

Installshield doesn't work at all, and i've tried deleting/renaming the engine folder and reinstalling ikernalupdate. However ikernalupdate got an error on installation to do with installshield i think >.>.

 

I have a new windows xp cd for reinstallation which i can't do because i need a floppy and boot disks.

 

Yeah so there's a range of problems and a lot more i can't see going on. Is there a way i can copy off a system check for you guys to see, and give a detail analysis?

[RandyL]

Hi Michael.

What a mess indeed. To be honest if it were me I would format and reinstall Windows in a case such as this.

 

The combination of an infection, errors and the use of a registry cleaner probably trashed your system. Also take into account you don't really know or understand everything that's been done to solve these issues.

 

The XP installation disks don't need boot flopppies. As long as the CD drive is set to first boot in the BIOS all you need to do is put it in and restart the computer. From there you can choose what type of installation you want to do.

 

Is this XP installation disk a full retail disk or a recovery disk that came with your computer?

 

Also it is usually helpful to know the make, model and model number of the PC.