Resetting critical files

XP Pro, SP3, current updates, Comodo, A^2, Lenovo T60p Dual CPU - 2.1 ghz, 15.6" screen, 3 Gb computer memory, 3 cent operator memory

The windows WFP feature replaces critical files if they are deleted or damaged. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/222193)

I tried deleting one of the critical files on the list and guess what. It wasn't replaced. Nor was there any popup about the failure. That means to me that the WFP itself must not be working.

Secondarily, I am assuming that is probably the reason my 32 bit autochk.exe is failing at boot.

Thirdarily, [tic] a lot of computers (like mine) come with an OS loaded but no CD. So I'd have no source for a replacement file if the backup is bad. How can you get media?

Any help or suggestions on fixing this mess appreciated.

 

Do you know the name of the file you deleted?

 

:confused

 

Glad you got it sorted out.
If you have an external hard drive, I would recommend that you create a full disk image on a regular schedule with a program like Macrium or Todo Backup. Then, if you run into a malware problem or issue like this one, it would be a simple matter of restoring your disk image. You must make sure that the recovery CD you make will see all of your drives though.

Todo also lets you create a file backup along with a system image backup.

Edit: The description at MajorGeeks regarding Macrium Free and the ability to do file and folder backups along with differential and incremental backups is wrong. See here for version comparisons.

http://www.macrium.com/reflectfree.aspx

 

Thanks, but please note that the OS media question is still there.

I'll check your suggested utilities out. There is a backup app out there that creates an instantly bootable drive - swappable or bootable from an extension drive. The only thing wrong with it is that the developers insist on forcing a backup at closely timed intervals which would probably copy any problem you have right onto your backup drive. That seems to me like totally negating the entire purpose of a backup.

 

The only media that Lenovo would give are Recovery CD's or DVD's. I do not believe there are many OEM's anymore that include a full OS install CD or DVD. You can make Recovery CD's according to Lenovo or purchase them but they will not be an OS install cd. You would have to purchase one on Ebay and it would have to be a XP SP3 CD or if something older like SP2 you would have to slipstream Service Pack 3 into the existing CD and then burn it.

If you ever needed to replace a file after you created an image, Macrium and Todo allows you to mount the image and then copy the file you need. In fact, Todo lets you explore the Image with Windows Explorer as long as Todo is installed on the computer. Double click the image and go to the file you need.

http://www.todo-backup.com/products/features/explore-backup-image.htm

 

Thanks. I really don't know WHAT CD's they are talking about as sources for essential files.

I've been around computers for decades - too many decades. I had a PC before IBM invented the term "PC." I'm to where I just can't do the bits-and-pieces thing any more. So I definitely won't be building any boot CD's and I hope these utilities aren't written for techies only - assuming you know all kinds of basic details and diving straight into tech talk. Some still do that.

Thanks again.