Win XP repair failed

I had the Bamital-X virus and I tried everything in the MalWare removal forum until finally on boot the message 'explorer needs to close' came up on every boot with all user accounts, even safe mode. Long story shorter, used Original disk to do repair of existing installation. When asked for 'key' I couldn't find correct one and Windows kept booting to the 'continue repair' screen. (I tried several 'keys', not knowing which one was which; old win98, old ME, Old 2k, Old 2k Pro) so I put the 2k Pro disk in order to do the repair. Nothing doing. Then I found the correct 'key' (but was never able to enter it) so now it boots through the splash screen until all goes blank and nothing. Even in safe mode. The directories are there as well as the recovery console. I have Linux 'live distro' to access files and Internet but would like to salvage Windows. I can't imagine why you 'guys' would do what you do here (you must have been dropped on your heads when you were children; lol) but all of us 'non-binary' folks sure do appreciate your help.

 

Have you tried repairing again and using the correct key?

 

I can never get back to the screen to enter the key. It boots to the XP CD, installs files to the windows folder, re-boots and then the screen goes blank. I've already tried umteen times with no succcess

 

Have you tried rebooting whilst hitting F8 then scroll down to " Last Known Good Configuration " then hit enter !

 

Yes. However, MalWare removal forum had me turn off 'System Restore', so there are no restore points to log onto. Yes, I did try it though.

 

Now that you have the correct key, reboot using F2 or F11 depending on what your PC is and change to boot from disc, then reboot with disc inserted !

 

Ok. But I've done that. Windows Setup; Repair Installation=yes; Setup has already attempted to upgrade the following Windows Installation; Setup will try to complete the upgrade again; (notice it is using the word 'upgrade', now); To retry press Enter; Setup exmines disk, 'deleting', 'createing'; Setup is copying files.....; Saving configuration; Restart computer; Now I'm getting GRUB Loading stage1.5----GRUB loading, please wait...---Error 21 That was the same message I got when I tried to install OpenSuse to a USB pendrive.

 

When you say " I tried everything in the MalWare removal forum " did you actually do a full READ ME AND RUN ME FIRST and post all the required logs to the malware removal team, to enable them to help you !

 

No, sir!! And Yes, sir. No--post. Yes, to the 'read me and run me' 1st. Explorer disappeared before I could do that and I was trying to follow instructions without bothering the volunteers. I think the last thing I did was Norman. I updated Java, ran anti-virus, ccleaner, restore point, msconfig & I think one other thing, maybe ComboFix & Norman. I also ran AVG Rescue from bootCD. In the end I noticed something called, Patched_32 (it wasn't called Bitmatal but something else. Explorer then disapeared. I have access to the drive via Ubunto installed on flash drive and CD on said computer. If that helps.

 

@ itsmeHooP ( Quote " I was trying to follow instructions without bothering the volunteers " ) Thats what they're there for, never be to afraid to ask, due to the simple fact of what has happened, i:e you have ran into further trouble !
If it is possible i would start a READ ME AND RUN ME FIRST again and this time follow the instructions to the max, then post your logs into the malware forum, unless your too far beyond that now !

 

System restore from Recovery Console.

Boot from the CD with the Recovery Console.

Even though they told you to turn off your system restores, there may still be some prior restore points on your computer from before you turned them off.

This trick is also great when you have a computer that will not boot into Windows at all or even the Safe mode.

When you get to the recovery console follow these instructions.
• Type cd c:\ then Enter
• This will bring you from C:\WINDOWS to C:\
• Then cd system~1\_resto~1 then Enter
• Type dir then Enter
When you hit enter it will list all the restore points’ folders like rp1, rp2 …….. If the restore points have more than one page then u have to keep on hitting the <Enter> key to view the last restore point folder. You will have to choose the second to last option folder
• Type cd rp {the second to the last restore point no.} (Note: Example: cd rp9, if rp9 is the second to the last restore point where the last restore point no. is 10
• Then type cd snapshot
Now the command prompt will look like this c:\system~1\_resto~1\rp9\snapshot
• Type: copy(space) _registry_machine_system(space) c:\windows\system32\config\system
• Press enter
• You may be prompted if you want to over write file. You will see the options (Y)es (N)o (A)ll type “A”
• Press enter
• Then type: copy(space) _registry_machine_software(space) c:\windows\system32\config\software
• You may be prompted if you want to over write file. You will see the options (Y)es (N)o (A)ll type “A”
• Press enter
• Type “exit”

If you get an access denied error when doing the above, then do the following at the recovery console:

Type CD\ then press Enter
Type cd windows\system32\config then press Enter
Type ren system system.bak then press Enter
Type exist press Enter

Your PC will reboot, go back into the Recovery Console and then you have access

Hopefully this can get you back up and running. Good Luck!!!

 

I'm working on your fix. Thank-you. I'll keep in touch and let you know the outcome.

 

itsmeHoop - Was afraid of that. Putting my thinking cap back on in hopes to offer better advice. 10 to 1, someone will come up with better advice before I do.