Windows XP files corrupted (ie. Search & defrag)

I'm having a problem with my computer. I have been here before in your spyware specific category and it was very helpful. After I fixed my initial virus problem, my computer has been running great, with two exceptions (that I've noticed, however there may be more). These problems did not start until I fixed the virus/spyware problem. I have posted a link to the thread in case it would help. http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=56429

During this process, I disabled system restore (per the ReadThis post), and I don't believe I ever re-enabled it. However I am not sure.

If I choose Start > Search, I receive this error "A file that is required to run Search Companion cannot be found. You may need to run setup."
If I choose Start > Run > defrag, nothing happens, I have tried to load it from the c:\windows\system32\dfrg.msc and I receive this error "MMC cannot open the file....This may be because the file does not exist, is not an MMC console, or was created by a later version of MMC. This may also be because you do not have sufficient access rights to the file"

I have gone to the Microsoft website where they have 3 methods to solve the problem in particular with Search, each one has a different reason it doesn't work. Here is the link to the Microsoft info so you can see what steps I am talking about.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q319949
Method 1 doesn't work because I don't use Internet Explorer (however I already have Service Pack 2 installed so that probably wouldn't fix the problem anyway)
Method 2 doesn't work because of having a newer Service Pack installed than the one it is requiring me to download
Method 3 doesn't work because during install there's an error saying I need to insert the Windows Service Pack 2 disk, well, I download the service packs and don't have a disk for them, as well, I don't have an XP disk because when I purchased my computer it was preloaded, and is partitioned so I don't think I can access it without doing either System Recovery or System Restore.

I read the Read This before posting, and as well as searching to see if I could solve the problem without asking for help, which I don't think I am capable of, I also downloaded AIDA32 and I can attach the Report with the specs of my computer in detail if necessary. However I am running Windows XP, but don't know what else you will need to know, so just ask and I will let you know.

All of this Information boils down to this....
1) I can't run system restore because I don't know when my last savepoint was and I don't want to loose all of the stuff I've done since.
2) I don't want to run system recovery because I don't want to go through the process up backing up all of my files (as it will be a superlong process)
3) I don't want to do the "safe" version of the System Recovery because I wouldn't feel comfortable doing that without backing up all my files because I feel about the HP/Microsoft that no matter what they say YOU SHOULD ALWAYS BE PREPARED FOR THE WORST POSSIBLE SITUATION
4) So, if I'm going to spend all the time backing up the computer to start with, I might as well do the "destructive" version of the recovery and start completely fresh

So, if anyone has any suggestions that don't involve System Restore or System Recovery (ie. determining the exact files that are missing and just getting those files...I don't know if that is possible????) I would really appreciate any advice or suggestions! Thanks ahead of time for any help!
Bekka

 

Insert your XP CD (It is XP right?). Go to the run prompt. Type cmd. Type sfc/scannow.

 

Actually, I don't have an XP cd, because XP came preloaded on my computer when I purchased it. All of the XP information that the cd has is on the computer I own, but it is seperated by some sort of partition that doesn't allow me to run it like I would a cd. (at least I don't think I can)???

 

Well that would be tricky to say the least. You would need some sort of emulating thingy.

Try this. Go to My Computer. Right click your Windows partition. Go to properties, tools, click Check Now... tick both boxes.
That will run a full error check on your HDD and fix any errors.

I suggest you somehow get an XP CD. I don't know what that extra partition is for....it's not the same as having a CD and seems quite pointless to me.

 

If you got your PC with a preloaded XP then it should have been accompanied by either the Xp Cd or an oem version provided by the retailer.
Suggest you go back to the retailer and get advice on what to do next. Running sfc absolutely requires the xpcd.
Cheers
Robert

 

Actually, you can run System File Checker without a CD, provided you can get the files it needs (if any), and change the source-path in the Registry to point to where the files are.

That's very messy and a long shot, and as you seem keen to do a "destructive install", then just format and use your recovery CD to start again.

Just make sure you have either the SP2 firewall (at the very least), all critical patches, and an AntiVirus program ready to install before you connect to the Internet, or you may risk infection and be no better off.

 

For the search problem:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/319949/en-us

Note: You will probably only be able to do method 3 if you have SP2.

When you get the message asking it for the CD, point it to the i386 directory on your hard drive. Usually for OEMs, its C:\i386, of C:\windows\i386.

If it still asks for the CD, try pointing it to C:\windows\servicepackfiles\i386, in the event you installed SP2 on this machine yourself.

As for method 2, there is no reason that same advice wouldn't apply to you, expect you reinstall SP2. The point is that the service pack replaces the missing or damaged file.

 

Did you try defrag in Safe Mode?

 

Okay, Well, thanks for all the advice!

1. The XP cd didn't come with the computer which is why I have to do that System Recovery thing, which installs the computer back the exact way I recieved it when purchased (NEVER BUY HP!...THEY SUCK AND SO DO THEIR TECH. SUPPORT!)

2. Tried fixiing errors as recommended, however it didn't fix the problem.

3. Tried pointing the install method in the right direction, however didn't fix the problem either...It seemed to go through with no problems, however there were no results.

4. I am now going to try defrag in safe mode and see how that works.

Thanks Again for all the help!
Bekka

 

Okay, Well, I did that whole "destructive" System Recovery, and I am very pleased with the results! However now I have all this extra crap that is on my computer (ie. stuff that came preloaded like free offers/trial offers etc) I was hoping someone could help me with the fastest/easiest way to remove all this stuff. I have taken some stuff off, however I am not sure if some stuff is necessary or not, has to be loaded at startup or not and I don't want to mess up the computer after just having done all the restoration.

I also wanted to thank everyone for their advice! It was very helpful! I figured if anyone would be able to help, it would be someone from here! Thanks Again!

Also, if I need to post my new question in a new forum or new thread please let me know, I will happily do so!

Thanks Again!
Bekka

 

Try Add/Remove for the OEM rubbish.

If you are stuck, post the names etc and someone will tell you how.