trojan removal

After d/l and execution of a small program(s) [c below 4 further details], I heard a small click on the HDD, and the pc crashed/stalled. When I restarted it, it fails to load win XP, i got the following message on DOS screen:
"Reboot and select proper boot device or insert boot media in selected boot device and press a key."

I believe I have d/l a suspect program, but how do I now get out of it and get into windows to restore to a previous point...any ideas?
Can I do a windows repair install from CD without data loss? I have not made a bootable CD, can I on another PC?

Ulimately, can I repair without windows reinstallation?

WINZIX a new archiving program with adware, and
VCDGEAR to convert a BIN/CUE file into mpeg.

 

Hi Smurph!

See if something in the following article helps you get your system going again:

http://www.informationweek.com/windows/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=189400897

abri

 

That guide looked good, but PC stalled (no sound or LED for HDD) after it had started, withgout getting to the repair stage.
Before original crash, PC was trying access "ayb.netbios-wait.com".
Can anyone help before I reformat me HDD, and lose important info.

 

Hi smurph!
Sorry for your troubles! Winzix is not a great program, however, it's not made to break your harddrive but rather to get your money by selling you something which converts your data into a form that only their software can convert back. The other program VCDGEAR is okay.

I am a little worried that what's actually happened is that your harddrive broke. Before you get very worried, please try doing some of the easy things first. Unplug it, blow the dust out, check the pins, plug it back in and try to start it several times. It can be something as simple as dust or a faulty connection. Please post in the Hardware Forum for further advice.
abri

 

Thanks abri....I took my HDD to IT techies at work and they connected it remotely to a pc, and noted that it wasn't spinning correctly, and that this was the reason why my pc would not boot using it....and is likely unrepairable.
Luckily though I was able to access the few bits of data req'd from it.
I now have my XP OS on older 20GB HDD, and will see if I can fix this 80GB HDD, any ideas....

 

Hi smurph!
Sorry about the harddrive. I'm glad they could figure something out. You will get the best advice about it here in the hardware forum.
Good luck!
abri