WINME problems

It begins with a weird screen with a supposed
start-up menu. It gives me choices: 1. Normal, 2. Logged
(\Bootlog.TXT), 3. Safe Mode, and 4. Step by Step
Confirmation. I don't know what these things are for. I'm
suppose to enter a choice and I don't know which one to
choose. I've chosen all each time I try to get into my
computer, but it doesn't work. It says, "Warning: Windows
has detected a registry/configuration error. Use SCANREG
to correct this error." I'm not sure what SCANREG is and I
don't know where to get it. Then it says, Create a startup
log file (Bootlog.Txt) [Enter = Y, Esc = N]? Don't know if
to answer Y or N. Then, "Enable SMARTDRV disk cache [Enter
= Y, Esc = N]?" Suppose to provide Y or N again. Then, it
says, "loading and initializing IFSHLP.SYS
drivfer...Complete." "load all "Windows drivers [Enter =
Y, Esc = N]?" Again, don't know what to say. I keep
trying any letter each it asks. "Registry file was not
found. Registry Services may be inoperative for this
session." I didn't register anything, at least I didn't to
my knowledge and certainly not lately that I can remember.
"XMS cache problem. Registery Services may be inoperative
this session." "Override standard IFSMGR [Enter = Y, Esc =
N]?" Then, "msmouse.vxd [Enter = Y, Esc = N]?" Then,
"VECP.386 [Enter = Y, Esc = N]?" Then it goes to new
window where the screen is completely gray of all colors.
Then it says, in a window, "Windows has found the following
new hardwarde:" The supposed hardware is not listed and
that part is blank! Then it says that "Windows can
automatically search for and istall software that supports
your hardware. If your hardware came with installation
media, insert it now and click Next. What would you like
to do? Automatic search for a better driver (Recommended)
or Specify the location of the driver (Advanced)." When
clicking NEXT..."Windows was unable to locate the software
for this device. If you do not want to install the
software now, click FINISH. To search again, click BACK."
However, in the middle of the screen, when one presses any
of the choices just said, a little window pops up and says,
"Enum\HTREE\ROOT\0" and under it says "SURegCreateKey
failed!"
My CD drives aren't listed for browsing option and it looks for a driver for A:
BTW I recently restored with CDs even tho the cd drives weren't listed; puter worked fine after restore.
On the desktop tower it mentions WIN98, only came with WINME restore CDs.
I have a laptop so I can d/l files if I need to. Please be patient and simple as I'm definetly a repair newbie!
I'll donate to site if anybody can help me fix this, as it's driving hubby & I crazy!

 

Your post is pretty hard to read, but from what I understand your windows-registry is broken.

When did these errors start ? (Did you make any changes before they started)

Guess you have two options (Maybe 3):
1. Try to launch System Restore and load a restore point.
2. Use Scanreg.exe from the command-line and restore a previous registry-backup
(3. Re-install)

It seems your knowledge in computers is limited, so I will recommend you option no. 1. If that fails then get hold of a good friend and let the friend decide what to do.

Option no. 1
- Start Windows Me in Safe-mode (Hold down the CTRL-key while starting the computer)
- Start System Restore by clicking Start-button, point to Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click System Restore.
- Select to Restore my computer to an earlier time and click Next
- A calendar appears, and in the calendar chose a Restore Point that is before the problems started.
- It will start the restore process and then restart the computer.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/267951/ (About System Restore)
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/183887/ (About Scanreg)
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/273738/ (About troubleshooting startup problems)

 

If you go to option #2, here's a good description of what scanreg is, and how to use it to fix your problem (maybe).

http://www.perfectdrivers.com/howto/scanreg.html

 

I could only follow Wavetar's advice and that got me back to the desktop. Ran AVG antivirus and it reads:
C:_Restore\Temp\A0003438.CPY
AVG found A0003348.CPY "Trojan Horse Back Door Agent.4. AV"
Virus Vault C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\WER1316.DLL
BACKUP COPY INFECTED.
(BTW, this same trojan was found on 1/13, 1/15, 2004 and "healed")

Can I delete this file?? If not, please advice me on what to do! I've left AGV up on the screen and will wait for your answer.

Should I install Norton or similiar AV?

Thanks so much for your help --- bless you all

 

As the file is put in the "vault" then you don't have to delete right away, but you can decide yourself when you want to delete it. Don't know the file myself but several sources on google says it is pure malware and not needed by Windows:

http://computercops.biz/clsid-1661.html

 

I wondered about that when it ended in .cpy
I'll mail out a donation payday; this has been well worth it!
Thanks again!