Have I Killed my PC?

Help please, I think I may have killed my PC:

I am running Windows 2000 on my home PC, yesterday I ran the Registry Cleaning program “Easy Cleaner” by toniarts. One of the options is to delete duplicate files, which I duly did – big mistake!

When re-starting Windows I now get the following:

“Windows 2000 could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: <windows 2000 root>\system32\ntoskrnl.exe. Please re-install a copy of the above file.”

I did a bit of googling on this and it seems a common problem, much mention is made of recovery disks but unfortunately Windows 2000 was installed by a friend and I don’t have any of the disks.

Can anyone give me any advice on where I should go from here. I’m desperate not to lose all the data that’s on my pc.

 

If you had the option to make a backup of the registry entries removed by the cleaner, all you need to do is click on the backup file and it will restore the registry.

 

I think one of the choices on EasyCleaner is undo. Try that.

 

Thanks for the replies.

Because I can't boot to windows I can't either undo or get into Easy Cleaner to look for back-ups

Is there anything else I can do?

 

First, what kind of system were you running this on? I ask because, personally, I'd upgrade if you have the money or time, at least to XP, as long as your comp can handle it. As well as hearing about it from many other users, and from my own personal experience, 2000 is basically nothing but a programmed bug and problem magnet, and I personally wouldn't waste any more time with it. If you haven't had any serious problems out of it, you are my hero.
However, if this is the best you can put onto your system, problems and all, then first thing is, when you start your system, you need to get into the boot menu, and see what your options are. That would be a good place to start. I don't remember what the options are on that menu, since I haven't used 2000 in quite some time.

 

Generally not had problems with W2K, but may upgrade to XP once I have this issue sorted.

How do I get into the boot menu?

 

Disregard going into the boot menu for now. More than likely you're gonna need a w2k disk. See if you can borrow one from your friend or someone. You need to do a repair install. Let us know if you find one.

 

To: TheSaintOfPain

It's really the funniest comment I have ever heard, I can't stop myself from laughing. Thanks! (But you're pushing too hard on Microsoft, they don't deserve all this)


To: The_Bear

Well, as TheSaintOfPain said, it's not really worth it! Just get a copy of Windows XP and upgrade your system. I think you have a lot of important files on C:\, on your desktop, and in your "My Documents" folder, and you don't want to lose them. I think the upgrade option will leave them (but I've never tried it, I always install a fresh copy).

If you can't manage to get Windows XP, then at least get the Windows 2000 cd and do a repair. This is the best you can do. In all cases, I can't see a way to repair such a problem without using the (XP or 2000) CDs.