Duplicate/Triplicate files in System32 folder

Hi,

I have Windows XP 2000 Pro. I had a few problems with my pc last week, especially with files in my system32 folder. I got it all straightened out with the help of some good people here, and I also had to download and install SP2 again.

When I was running an AVG scan a little while ago, it reported that I had 2 shell32 files and it put the word "ok" in the status box for both of them. When I took a look inside system32 folder, I saw that I have 3 of them listed as shell32, shell32(2)(2), and shell32(4). I also have several copies of browseui, mshtmled, shlwapi, urlmon, and wininet. These are files that aren't inside folders. I didn't look inside the folders to see if there were multiple copies. I removed the copies from the Ssstem32 folder and I put them inside a folder on my desktop. I rebooted and everything seems fine . . . no problems booting up, no problems on the net, no problems with my ex hd's, etc. I haven't tried to run every program that I have, but would it be safe to say that these duplicate and triplicate copies aren't needed and I can delete them?

My pc has been booting strangely lately also. I'd get the Windows start-up screen (black background, large letters for Windows with bar underneath it with lines moving inside it) for about 15 seconds, then I have a blank screen for about 10 seconds, then the Windows start-up screen appears again for about 20 seconds. After that, I get the message that "Windows is loading your personal settings" for about 30 seconds. My desktop then appears and I get two set-up icons on my taskbar for about 2 seconds (I have no idea what they're for). It then takes about a minute after that before I can do anything, such as open a folder on my desktop. I have no programs in my start-up folder and the only items that are in my system tray are AVG, Sygate Firewall and my internet connection.

Another problem . . . I have Windows Defender but, starting a few days ago, my pc will no longer allow it to download updates and I don't know the reason for that either. I haven't changed any settings. In order to allow Windows Defender to download the updates, I shut off Sygate firewall and AVG but Windows Defender still couldn't download the updates. I get a bubble popping sound. I have Windows firewall disabled.

Anybody have any ideas about these 3 items?

Denise

 

Hullo all,
I also have many duplicate files ... 1.7Gbytes on a harddrive with onlt 17Gb used.
I have thught for a long time about what could safely be deleted and what not but still unsure.
If a company that were to have a true and safe methof for scanning puters I think they'd be very successful.
My machine has slowed down in the last two weeks and I've scanned and found all the attached files.
Does anybody know a safe way to clear up my system?
I've just put all the SP2 upgrades onto my 3 year old XP.
I run Norton Corporate, Spybot, AdAware Pro, Ewido Premium and defrag regularly as well as CrapCleaner.
Hope someone can help both myself and Denise M.
Cheers.
Please Click ....

 

Jim, welcome to MG.

Another Aussie, but you would be better posting a new thread to keep both threads separate.

Solutions to either person's problem can get confusing when they form one thread only.
I suggest that you start a new thread. Bazza

 

Thanks Bazza. Surviving Winter in Cairns alright?
Yes I've started a new thread to achieve an answer for this vexing problem I'm sure for a lot of 'amateurs'.
It's under the heading "Duplicate and Triplicate a la Carte Too Much".
I sure know it's a virtual taboo to delete any '.dll' files but when I have six or more of the same file... it gets frustrating/tempting.
Cheers,
JS.

 

Yep, gets down to 16º overnight Although we had a <11º in the last few days.
but around 26º during the day.
Bazza

PS: Whereabouts in the East Coast are you? Baz
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