xp: Some commands not working

Today, my computer started doing some strange things. I went to Windows update. It downloaded the updates, but couldn't install any of them (total of 9).

I tried to run sfc /scannow. It appears and disapears within two seconds. Also, cannot run chkdsk.

I have a Compaq Presario notebook with XP Pro SP2. I have run a virus scan, spybot s&d, and Adaware SE.

Any suggestions will be appreciated as always.

 

Try the following:

Download Dial-A-Fix:

http://majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=4899

Excute, run, double click the "dial-a-fix.exe"

Now, check the box "fix windows update". Click GO.

If it asks for you to reboot, say yes, rerun Dial-a-fix, recheck the above box and click go.

If it asks for a reboot again, click no, and let it procede.


Also, are you getting any error codes with the windows update?

Is your date and time setup properly, correct time zone?

 

Thank you for the advice. I'm downloading Dial-A-Fix now. Yes, mt date and time are good, and I'm not getting any error codes.

Strange thing though... how my sfc /scannow is not working either. It is as is the programs can't see the protected or system files. I made sure that nothing is hidden.

 

The chkdsk issue is a concern.

Did you do the following:

Click START, then RUN, then type in: CMD (press enter)

chkdsk c: /r (press enter)
Yes
yes
reboot?

When one, sets the chkdsk a registry entry appears within:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager

within the key: BootExecute
an entry appears: autocheck autochk /r \??\C:

ignore the default: autocheck autochk *

This should be there, when you initiate the chkdsk.

If this doesn't happen, one can manually add this entry in. Just making sure one does not wipe out the default value.

 

I just ran Dial A Fix. It fixed the download problem. But now downloaded the updates won't install.

As I said, it is as if something is blocking these progams from the windows files. As for chkdsk, I will try your suggestion... Pray for me.

 

What virus scanner did you use? Of the scanners, did anything (besides cookies) appear?

The OP did do a scan, but perhaps an online scanner could help.

My major question, does the OP, have automatic updates enabled. Does auto updates work?

 

I used Norton. I will try Panda. So you guys think that it is a virus?

 

I just got finished using Panda. The only thing it found was Tribal Fusion. I really don't know where to go from here. I think that I have to repair some windows files, but without SFC, my only thought is to do a repair installation. I get nearvous about that... This is my work machine and I don't want to lose any work. Besides, if I do the repair installation, who is to say if Windows Update is going to work. If not, I would not be able to have security updates beyind the disks.

By the way, here is something new. Last night I went to microsoft.com and downloaded the updates by hand. When I tried to install them I got the message "installation failed. Cannot find file specified."

Thanks again!

 

Can you use System Restore or do you get an error there also? If so, what does the error say.

Steve

 

I successfully used system restore a couple of days ago. It didn't change the situation. Of course, I don't know how long this has been going on over the past couple of weeks, because there have been no windows updates and I haven't tried to run SFC.

The earliest restore date that I had available was only one week old.

 

OK. The reason I asked is the steps in the link below might work for you but it does wipe out any restore points you have. It's up to you if you want to try it (C:\windows\inf) at some point, but it sometimes works for people having trouble installing updates.

http://www.updatexp.com/rstrui-exe-entry-point-not-found.html

Steve

 

Thank you. I tried your latest suggestion... No change. I need a beer.

 

I assume you are running the updates from the admin account ?

Can you check your Event Logs for any messages.

 

Yes, definately

 

Oh, I forgot to say that after Panda found Tribal Fusion, I then removed it using Spybot S&D.