Programs and files missing

I was asked to put my problem into this thread from malware removal which has been solved thanks to the folks other there. I have lost all of my office programs, TurboTax, my cd/dvd drive, system bar (bottom right of computer?), lots of files, etc. after what I beleive was a chckdsk run. I can see my restore points but lost the restore tab, with my cd/dvd not working I can't reload my office from a disk. Any help is much appreciated.

 

I have uninstalled and reinstalled several times. No question marks or exclamation points. Drive is seen and working. When I put a disk in the drive teh light goes on like it is going to read it. After a few minutes nothing. When I go to my computer and select the drive I get the "please insert disk in drive".

 

Hi,
Try downloading a thirdparty cd/dvd software like Nero or DVD Fab and see if they can recognise the drive and allow you to use it.

It could also do with the upper and lower filters of the cd/dvd drive....

http://support.microsoft.com/mats/cd_dvd_drive_problems/en-us

iain.t :major

 

I have checked for Upper and Lower Filters and did not see any. Will NERO or Dvd Fab work if my Cd/DVD is not working?

 

Greetings, rbasp.

Probably not.

Can you boot to the optical drive?

 

I assume you mean using a cd\dvd boot disk which I have created earlier for such an occasion which I have not. Or do you mean using my original system disk which I have. What is most troubing is the lose of functionality I currently have such as the file search function gives me an error, I lost the restore tab, can't see all my program files including XP games (hearts, solitaire, spider solitaire, etc). Not to mention my protection software.

 

Is this the same machine as in your other threads (primarily this one)? If so, then this is getting kind of confusing - I find myself posting redundant suggestions.

The fact that you're not able to boot to the optical points to a bad drive - did you reconsider purchasing a replacement or an external?

As far as the apparent program association issues - try Doug Knox's fix (scroll down on that page to the .EXE fix).

 

Yes...all of these problems are on the same computer. I started out on the malware thread and received assistance there which cleaned up my computer after which I discovered the additional problems and it was sugessted I post my hardware and software problems in the appropriate threads. Sorry for any confusion. I am going to buy an external cd\DVD drive today and then ask for assistance on restoring my programs, files, functionality, etc. Which forum should I use or should I continue here? Thanks...

 

No problem, rbasp. Just trying to keep you, me and others from running around in circles.

Get your new drive up, decide which remaining symptoms seem the most pressing, and then choose which forum is the most likely fit.

 

Ok..new external cd/DVD up and running. Most pressing issue is getting my programs back. You mentioned a repair install. Are you talking about a reinstall of Windows XP? Now that I have an external drive I believe the rest of my problems are software related so I will go back to the software thread. Thanks again.

 

Glad you got the new drive up - sure makes things a lot easier.

There's a good non-destructive repair reinstall procedure for XP located here - I suggest trying that first, see if it solves the bulk of your issues.

If not, then we can go with further steps.

 

Trying the install procedures. Asking for the disk upon reboot which I did then asks for the disk several more times when it was already in the drive. Once complete computer started to boot then right when the Windows screen was appearing rebooted. Trying it again.

 

At the 1st reboot and the program is asking for the disk again. The instructions don't mention putting the disk back in. The dialoge says the program needs files from Window XP Home Edition Service Pack 1 CD. Or to select ok to load from a floppy. What should I do now?

 

You should be leaving the disc in the tray the whole time.

When you first start you select Boot from CD by pressing any key. When it restarts you don't hit anything just let it go. It should eventually boot into Windows when the repair is complete. Then you can take out the disc.

 

The instruction I was following for a "good non-destructive repair reinstall procedure for XP by Fred Langa in Information Week." (see thread). The instructions call for me to take the disk out so the computer boots from the C: drive. "Screen Ten - With the system files freshley copied and the Registry ready for rebuilding, the system needs to reboot. Remove the CD from the drive so that the PC will boot to the hard drive instead of to the CD." What should I do?

 

Leave it in and see what happens. It should boot from the HD (don't hit any key). See if it works or if it goes back to the very beginning. From my experience you have to leave the disc in during an installation. I know this is a repair but it seems to me it should be the same.

 

Ok I will give it a shot.

 

runs for awhile then asks for the disk that is already in the drive??? Why isn't anythin easy and work the first time!!! Any suggestions?

 

I don't really have any other suggestions because I have never run a non-destructive repair. I haven't read through your other threads to get the history of your problem. Wait and see if someone else can answer.

One thought is that it is asking for XP SP1, was the computer running SP1 or a later service pack? That might be an issue. It is late for me tonight but it may be something for someone else to consider.

 

I was running service pack 3. I am at the point now where I have transferrd what I believe to be my most important files. I just want to get the thing running again....

 

Have tried several times to repair my Windows. Seems to work but upon final reboot stops just as the window logo flashes on the screen. Any ideas?

 

Since you've recovered your important data and since this is turning out to be a problem machine, have you considered biting the bullet and formatting/reinstalling Windows?

 

I have thought about it. I would just like to make sure that I have gotten my pst file or my wife will kill me. rolleyes

 

So I am almost ready to take the plunge and reinstall xp. I have a large file named Backup.RC (803 MB, 288 files, 19 folders) that I hope has all the data I did not copy individually to my external drive. How do I restore it? I have one computer that does not seem to have the program and another that has the program but I can't figure out how to get it to "find" this file. Secondly, would you point my to a good set of instructions for the reinstall of windows? And lastly, I would very much like to thank each of you that has had the patience and expertise to assist me with my ancient (2005) Gateway Computer.

 

Here is a good guide on how to re-install your OS...

http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=25831

iain.t :major

 

Hi.

There's also a good walkthrough at lifehacker - pay special attention to the deletion/recreation of the partition(s) and to the advice about using the full NTFS format option. Those steps will just about guarantee a clean install.