disk cleanup utility major mistake (xp pro)

OS: XP pro sp2
I ran the disk cleanup utility then went onto more options, choosing windows components. Inside, I chose to do away with the MSN component, checkmarked it, then unchecked everything that was checked so they wouldn't be removed. Insanely enough, it turns out that this particular instance calls for you to check the things that you want to KEEP, and all unchecked items will be removed!!! Funny that I realize this just a little too late when the damage is being done, and now all windows preloaded games are gone, optional animated cursors and such- GONE, god knows what else, too... and I'm really having a hard time accepting the fact that I have to reinstall this stuff back from the windows disc and that it's not hanging around somewhere in the depths of my hard drive. I found some stuff (a few games, etc.)in a file called "last good 2" in my WINDOWS folder but I don't think it's everything (I tried to go back in time with system restore but it didn't help, just renamed "last good" to "last good 2" and put up file renaming protections for McAfee). I've been prompted by "add/remove windows components" to install "zClientm.exe" from disc or browse my computer when I tried to go back in and reverse the state of the items I unchecked, but a search turned up no such file. Am I really this unlucky to have literally put the screws to myself that quick? I'm really angry and frustrated over this, most especially because of the bass-ackwards way this stupid utility was set up. I'm so careful about the things that I do with my PC, and this is pretty much a big slap in the face by microsoft- the utility didn't specify that checked items would stay and unchecked would go. If anyone out there knows what I'm talking about and knows what I can do to reverse the damages I've done, please help me. At this point I'm afraid to shut off my computer for fear and paranoia of what all has been done (or should I say UNdone).
...all this aggravation in an attempt to free up some space on my puny little hard drive...

 

cutlassgirl been there done that, and yea "System Restore" always seems to let you down when you need it most. That is why every three months I back-up my entire systems main drive, but saying you should backup doesn't solve your problem. There are two things I can think of Reboot and go to last know good configuration, the other is to use a "Lost Data utility" that will search your drives for deleted data, but they take just about as long as reinstalling from my experience. Good Luck and I hope the last known good config works for you

 

I was thinking the same thing since the files I found are in a folder called "last good," so logic tells me that a reboot is in order. Of course, other than reinstalling files from disk...
Is there a utility in windows that can run a deep deleted file search, or is there a recommended program I should get to do this? Like I said before, I really can't believe this stuff isn't stored somewhere, and I'll do whatever I have to do to fish it out.
Thanks alot for the help, now I'm gonna go kick myself some more until I fix my PC...

 

As I have always used back-up I must say I have never been in your position, so am not the best one to give advice on the recovery issue, however I did search through the Data Recovery files here at Major Geeks and came up with these two, one is shareware, the other freeware. Hope that helps, and maybe someone else can offer some other Data Recovery tools

Active file recovery shareware at
http://www.majorgeeks.com/Active_File_Recovery_for_Windows_d2934.html


PC Inspector File recovery Freeware at
http://www.majorgeeks.com/PC_Inspector_File_Recovery_d2463.html

 

Thanks for the links and trying to help me out. I've been scanning the internet and, of course, majorgeeks site for data recovery software, too. I'm learning alot, which always seems to happen after mistakes are made...
However, I was snooping around in the backup utility and found a large list of things that are on the excluded list, including what I recognize to be the stuff I accidentally removed (eg:animated icons, IE, etc.). Since I've never used the backup utility before (I feel pretty stupid saying this), I did nothing for fear of messing up again and doing something wrong. So, I'm wondering how I go about taking these files off of the excluded list, and how, without making any more detrimental changes to my system. Or even "if" I should do anything with them at all in that particular setting. There's a small local PC repair shop in town I'm planning on stopping into today to see if they might be willing to help shed some light on the subject, because, let me tell you, I've gotten absolutely nowhere on microsoft's site. They're about as helpful as pocket knife in a sword fight.
In any case, as soon as I find a solution I will be sure to post it for anyone out there who may be interested, or who might have the same unfortunate situation I've found myself in. Considering you're the only person who replied to my post, this could be an opportunity for others to learn something new as well. At least maybe something good will come of it.
Thanks again for the advice!

 

Just a note about people posting to your thread, only about 1/10 of the people who visit Major Geeks are registered and can post, of that group registered again only about 1/10 actually actively post help to other threads. Also most that do will leave a thread alone if someone seems to be giving the same type of advice that they would, this prevents conflicting advice that might confuse the person asking the question.

As far as back-up programs are concerned most here use Acronis True Image which is available here at Major Geeks (I do not, mainly because I have an "Old" program that is know longer available that suits me) the link to Acronis http://majorgeeks.com/Acronis_True_Image_d2236.html it is not Free, but most here use it. I personally back-up my entire system every three months, and weekly copy "My Documents" to CD. Hope that helps answer some of your questions, and hey as long as you learn from your mistakes, your doing much better than most!!!!

 

I have to say, what you said makes perfect sense. There really is nothing else I can do besides what you suggested (unless I want the PC guy down the street to do it for $60/hr...), so I am going to go ahead with the "last good config" and cross my fingers. If that doesn't work then I'll take the next step and it will work out one way or another.
The Acronis program sounds like an excellent tool to have, also- thanks for pointing it out to me. It's about time I get on top of this business once and for all. I want to replace my hard drive ASAP, and I'd like to get windows back in shape before I do that. I'll be sure to post the solution when I find it, or, god forbid, if I should encounter any other problems until then...