reg cleaner and 2000 install over XP

[jammy]

Hi all, daughter had xp on this lap top before running a duplicate file cleaner(oh nooo!!) needless to say, dll,s went AWOL and system wouldn't work properly. she thought it could be fixed by uploading a friends windows 2000 cd (copy) and now I'M here with the result.... No security on pc... crashes.. and can't get XP back?? on boot up I get missing /corrupt:<windows 2000 root>\system 32\ntoskrnl.exe.re instal a copy of the file.Question is, do I pay 40gbp to start again or can I clear 2000 & recover XP ? thanks in anticipation...

[KenB]

Hi jammy and welcome.

 

You should have started a new thread ( no doubt the mods will move these posts :) )

 

Basically what you have is an illegal copy of Windows on your system. Nobody here will assist you with that I am afraid.

Unless you arranged a dual-boot ( 2 Operating Systems ) then your only option is to format and re-install a legal copy of Windows. If you have an XP disk you can use this - if not you may wish to upgrade to Vista or Win 7.

[KenB]

Just a further note: ( stable door syndrome I am afraid :) )

 

Registry Cleaners / File Cleaners should be selected with care.

I don't recommend using Registry Cleaners at all. The registry is far too sensitive.

 

Duplicate files should never be removed.

 

TFC is the file cleaner of choice at the moment with many mods / security experts.

TFC - Temp File Cleaner by OldTimer -> Anti-malware Tools -> Downloads

Edited June 7, 2010 by KenB

[RandyL]

I totally agree with Ken.

 

Even if you did dual boot install removing the 2000 install still leaves you with the original problem.

 

Registry cleaners often times do more harm than good. Registry or any other type of cleaner programs can remove all sorts of files including DLL files that Windows needs. So many of those programs are bogus or at the very least dangerous unless you know exactly what you are doing.

 

Considering the cleaner program combined with the attempted fix of installing 2000 over the top of XP you likely have a real mess. I too suggest a complete and clean reinstallation of XP.

 

Backup your data if you still can first.

 

Did you get any recovery disks?

What is the make, model and number of your PC?

 

Depending on what you have someone may or may not be able to assist you with a less expensive option. Obtaining the recovery disks perhaps. Sometimes you can reinstall from a partition but I'm really afraid you might have wiped that partition when doing the 2000 install.

[jammy]

one fine mess ...

 

I've got to thank you all for the response ( and placing the problem in the right field ha ha),the XP installation was legit., but the 2000 wasn't, I guess. I must admit that I made the same mistake as my daughter last year, messing with the reg. !!! but I can't tell her that now, can I lol. Anyway folks, it's off to the shop today to wipe it clean and start afresh..give you an update upon its return... thanks again..stay safe.