Restore Question....

Cheryl

Well you're not going to any joy complaining about the lack of a CD. I
thought you had bought an unused computer. Obviously not.

--
Regards.

Gerry
~~~~
FCA
Stourport, England
Enquire, plan and execute
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


CrankyCheryl wrote:
Here is a link for the store's website (I purchased directly from the
store) the mini tower I bought is listed under their "offlease
computers" http://www.cllondon.ca/index.php?cPath=43
OptiPlex SX260 mini tower

This is what I found when I checked Dell with my service tag:

Service Contracts and Warranties:
System Summary:
System Type: OptiPlex SX260
Ship Date: 6/6/2003
Dell IBU: Americas

Description Provider Start Date End Date Days Left

4 Hour On-Site Service DELL 6/5/2004 6/5/2006 0
4 Hour On-Site Service DELL 6/6/2003 6/5/2004 0

Original System Configuration:
System Type: OptiPlex SX260
Ship Date: 6/6/2003
Dell IBU: Americas

Quantity Parts # Part Description

1 4U107 PROCESSOR, 80532, 2.66G, 512K, 533FSBSKN
1 9T908 ASSEMBLY, PRINTED WIRING ASSY, W/RJ-MECH, OPPLX
1 5120P CORD, POWER, 125V, 6FT, SPT2, UNSHIELDED
1 8W159 ASSEMBLY, POWER SUPPLY, 150W, W/STND, RAMJET
1 4P608 MOUSE, UNIVERSAL SERIAL BUS, 2BTN, WHEEL, OPTICAL, LOGITECH
1 4N454 KEYBOARD, 104, UNITED STATES, NMB, LOW COST, MIDNIGHT GRAY
1 1K696 DUAL IN-LINE MEMORY MODULE, 512, 266M, 64X64, 8K, 184
1 W0064 ASSEMBLY, COMPACT DISK READ WRITE/DIGITAL VIDEO DISK DRIVE
COMBO, 24X, HITACHI LG DATA STORAGE, OMAHA, V2
1 D0828 KIT, DOCUMENTATON ON FLOPPY DISK, SOFTWARE, DIGITAL VIDEO DISK
DRIVE, CYBERLINK, 4.13
1 4G167 HARD DRIVE, 40GB, I, 9.5MM, 5.4K, HIT-EUCL
1 6W678 KIT, SOFTWARE, OVERPACK, WXPHSP1, COMPACT DISKETTE
W/DOCUMENTATION, ENGLAND/ENGLISH


Current Configuration:

Service Tag: xxxxxxx
Express Service Code: xxxxxxxxxxx
Computer Model: OptiPlex SX260
BIOS Vendor: Dell Computer Corporation
BIOS Version: A02
BIOS Date: 02-26-03

Windows Version: Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition





I think that if I do ever HAVE to reinstall my WinXP I will have to
pay. $65 (with valid product key, they do it- I don't get copy) $85
(with out product key, they do it- I don't get copy), or $129 for
WinXP Home Ed. CD
I regularly back up my pictures, documents, etc. so I'm ahead of the
game there. I'm pretty sure ALL of the programs I have added I have
the disks for (mostly just software for my digital camera, HP
all-in-one printer, MP3 Players, etc. I also have any programs I got
from the internet saved on flash drives (USB).
The Norton Anti-Virus comes on the set-up CD for my Rogers Internet,
I'm sure they give you the option not to use it, but I can't
remember. I used to use Grisoft AVG Free, but I thought Norton would
be better. I have also been using the Windows Live One Care Safety
Scanner.
A friend that I keep in touch with through email jumped all over me
when he found out I had been using Regcure, he told me to NEVER,
NEVER mess with my registry unless I have a very clear understanding
of it's meaning and operation, does that mean I should not let the
Windows Live One Care fix any registry items it finds? or is this one
safe? Is it still safe to use the other features on my
RegCure...fixing file/path problems....shortcuts.....shared .dll
files.....help files...etc? (I've already disabled the feature for
COM\Active X Entries because it was causing me to have to repeatedly
reinstall Adobe Flash Player)
Just thought I'd mention...you guys Rock! Thanks for the continued
help and support!

CrankyCheryl wrote:
I bought the computer from a local large Computer Liquidation
store, not online.
If I click on Microsoft .NET framework 2.0 there is a change/Remove
button. When I click on this it brings up a box to select repair or
uninstall. It doesn't matter which option I choose, I get an error
message that says: Patch package cannot be opened, verify that it
exists, verify that you can access it, verify that it is a valid
Windows Installer Patch Package.
I also just noticed that if I try to open the settings for my
Norton Fire Wall to configure it, I keep getting Script Errors, so
I've switched to using my Windows Fire Wall.
If I have enough information saying that they are required to
provide a means of reinstalling WinXP, then I'm going there
tomorrow to see what I can do.

The problem is that you purchased a used computer. The fact that it
is a Dell is now irrelevant except for the fact that you can still
get limited support (drivers, etc) from the Dell website. You are
bound by the terms of the agreement you entered with the store you
bought it from used - and that agreement may be *very* loose - even
"as is". Review your receipt.

There is no reason to uninstall .NET Framework 2.0. It was not
likely slowing your computer down and your husband was - as you say
- pretending to know what he was doing without researching it very
well. Although you *may not* need it - you might as well. Even
your video card (the thing your monitor hooks up to allow you to see
what the computer is doing) might have drivers/software written
using .NET Framework 2.0 code that needs it installed to function
properly.

In order to straighten this up - you are likely going to either have
to dive deep into learning how your computer works and/or trust what
you are told here *OR* take it to someone who can repair it for you.
Given that you claim to have been given no way to restore this
system to its as-sold
state - you will likely be charged not only for the work - but any
programs you have to purchase because they will need to be installed
anew
afterwards - as many large shops will wipe the data and return it to
you cleanly installed.

First thing you should do at this point - take inventory of what you
have installed and organize any/all installation media for said
installed software. Even if it means buying a few blank CD/DVDs and
writing the installable executables to CD or buying a 1-4GB thumb
drive (USB key, etc) or larger external drive and copying off said
items. Then you should backup your email, your contacts(email
addresses), your personal made files (documents, spreadsheets, tax
forms, text, pictures, etc.) CD/DVD/External USB device - all
perfect for this. Once you have backup up your stuff and organized
what you have - take stock of what is actually installed:

http://www.belarc.com/

-- download/install/run Belarc Advisor. Print the results.

Once you have done all the above - you are ready for whatever comes
next - as you have done just about as much as you can to prepare for
disaster recovery (for now.)

Let's ensure your update/automatic updates features are clean and
working...

Get Dial-a-Fix:
http://wiki.djlizard.net/Dial-a-fix

Use its options to fix:
- Windows Installer
- Windows Update
- All the Registration Center options.

Turn off the "Empty System32\Catroot 2"
Do NOT do "Flush SoftwareDistribution".

Then click "GO" and wait until it is done... Reboot will be needed.

- Download/Install Windows Update v3.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...DisplayLang=en
(You *will* need to install it using the command line switch
"/wuforce" right after the reboot - immediately after logging in.)
- Download/Install the 927891 patch.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...9-404327772E5A
- Reboot.
- Visit http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/ and scan for/install
updates. DO NOT GET ANY HARDWARE UPDATES FROM HERE!

If your .NET updates did not get fixed after doing the above... Fix
your ..NET Framework issues and install all three versions for now...

(1) You need to repair .NET Framework 1.1 - obliterating all
remnants of it and installing it/patching it fully.

How to troubleshoot Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1 installation issues
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/824643
- Unregister and then reregister Windows Installer (See article)
- Download/install/use:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en
- Manually remove and then reinstall the .NET Framework 1.1 (See
the 824643 Article)
For the articles below, follow the "IT professionals" link and
find the download for your OS.
- Download/Install http://support.microsoft.com/kb/867460/
- Download/Install http://support.microsoft.com/kb/886903/
- Download/Install http://support.microsoft.com/kb/928366/

Reboot as needed and at the end.

(2) You need to repair .NET Framework 2.0 - obliterating all
remnants of it and installing it/patching it fully.
How to troubleshoot Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 installation issues
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/908077/
- Unregister and then reregister Windows Installer (See article)
- Manually remove and then reinstall the .NET Framework 2.0 (See
Article) For the articles below, follow the "IT professionals"
link and find the download for your OS.
- Download/Install http://support.microsoft.com/kb/917283/
- Download/Install http://support.microsoft.com/kb/922770/
- Download/Install http://support.microsoft.com/kb/928365/

Reboot as needed and at the end.

(3) You need to repair .NET Framework 3.0 - obliterating all
remnants of it and installing it/patching it fully.

Download/install using this distributable package:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en

Reboot as needed and at the end.

Now that you should have the system updated (hopefully) - we can
discuss the particulars of whatever problem you may have. Let us
know what you are seeing and someone her will likely be able to walk
you through further fixes to get that machine running as it should
be.

By the way - when you take inventory of the system using Belarc
Advisor - come back here and let us know a few things...
- Processor speed (CPU) - x.xGHz? xxxxMHz?
- Amount of memory (RAM) - x.xGB? xxxMB?
- Hard disk drive space (used and free)?

That information - along with any EXACT error messages you see and
when you see them will go a LONG way in getting your machine running
up to its optimal.

You also may want to consider getting rid of all Norton products on
the machine - if anything is using up all your resources - more than
is likely necessary to do the job it does - it is probably Norton.
There are many freeware alternatives (not to mention Windows XP has
a built in firewall anyway) to whatever functions it is supposedly
doing for you. AntiVirus, AntiSpyware, etc. I have an EXTENSIVE
list of such items and what things you can do to improve performance
and security on your computer if you desire to have it. It has been
posted and followed MANY times over.

--
Shenan Stanley
MS-MVP
--
How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

I have downloaded, installed and run Belarc and printed the results. I
downloaded Dial-a-Fix....when I read and printed the instructions/product
descriptions I decided to follow their advice and I installed HD Tune and
scanned my hard disk several times for errors (might have been over kill, but
thought I'd play it safe), it was in the green every time (did find out my
hard disk temp. gets too high, may have to rearrange my desk to allow my
tower to stand alone), I created a restore point before using Dial-a-Fix. I
still get the error messages when I try to repair or uninstall .NET Framework
2.0 & 3.0....1.0 only has Remove...not Change/Remove....haven't tried it yet
though. I am about to move on with the rest of your instructions, You asked
me to Download/Install Windows Update v.3 and mentioned I will need to
install it using the command line switch "/wuforce" right after the reboot,
immediately after logging in.... I'm not clear on this...do you mean click on
the start menu, click on run and type that into the location box?
Oh yeah, here is what I found out after using Belarc:
Processor Speed: 2.65 GHz
Amount of Memory: 512 MB
Hard Disk space: Capacity: 40 Gigabytes, Free Space: 22.46 Gigabytes
You mentioned to get rid of my Norton Anti-Virus...should I go back to using
my Grisoft AVG Free, or is there a better/more reliable one availible? (I
will have to uninstall all my rogers services for my internet and then
reinstall with out selecting the Norton Products, it was part of the set-up
disk I received and so far I haven't been able to find any uninstall for just
the Norton and it is not listed in add/remove programs (my Rogers services is
in there, so I'm assuming that it is all tied in together) I was planning to
figure out a way to get rid of Norton anyway, I keep getting script errors
when I try to open the Firewall, I have switched to using the Windows
Firewall.
--
Please help...technologically impaired! LOL


"Shenan Stanley" wrote:

CrankyCheryl wrote:
I bought the computer from a local large Computer Liquidation
store, not online.
If I click on Microsoft .NET framework 2.0 there is a change/Remove
button. When I click on this it brings up a box to select repair or
uninstall. It doesn't matter which option I choose, I get an error
message that says: Patch package cannot be opened, verify that it
exists, verify that you can access it, verify that it is a valid
Windows Installer Patch Package.
I also just noticed that if I try to open the settings for my
Norton Fire Wall to configure it, I keep getting Script Errors, so
I've switched to using my Windows Fire Wall.
If I have enough information saying that they are required to
provide a means of reinstalling WinXP, then I'm going there
tomorrow to see what I can do.

The problem is that you purchased a used computer. The fact that it is a
Dell is now irrelevant except for the fact that you can still get limited
support (drivers, etc) from the Dell website. You are bound by the terms of
the agreement you entered with the store you bought it from used - and that
agreement may be *very* loose - even "as is". Review your receipt.

There is no reason to uninstall .NET Framework 2.0. It was not likely
slowing your computer down and your husband was - as you say - pretending to
know what he was doing without researching it very well. Although you *may
not* need it - you might as well. Even your video card (the thing your
monitor hooks up to allow you to see what the computer is doing) might have
drivers/software written using .NET Framework 2.0 code that needs it
installed to function properly.

In order to straighten this up - you are likely going to either have to dive
deep into learning how your computer works and/or trust what you are told
here *OR* take it to someone who can repair it for you. Given that you
claim to have been given no way to restore this system to its as-sold
state - you will likely be charged not only for the work - but any programs
you have to purchase because they will need to be installed anew
afterwards - as many large shops will wipe the data and return it to you
cleanly installed.

First thing you should do at this point - take inventory of what you have
installed and organize any/all installation media for said installed
software. Even if it means buying a few blank CD/DVDs and writing the
installable executables to CD or buying a 1-4GB thumb drive (USB key, etc)
or larger external drive and copying off said items. Then you should backup
your email, your contacts(email addresses), your personal made files
(documents, spreadsheets, tax forms, text, pictures, etc.) CD/DVD/External
USB device - all perfect for this. Once you have backup up your stuff and
organized what you have - take stock of what is actually installed:

http://www.belarc.com/

-- download/install/run Belarc Advisor. Print the results.

Once you have done all the above - you are ready for whatever comes next -
as you have done just about as much as you can to prepare for disaster
recovery (for now.)

Let's ensure your update/automatic updates features are clean and working...

Get Dial-a-Fix:
http://wiki.djlizard.net/Dial-a-fix

Use its options to fix:
- Windows Installer
- Windows Update
- All the Registration Center options.

Turn off the "Empty System32\Catroot 2"
Do NOT do "Flush SoftwareDistribution".

Then click "GO" and wait until it is done... Reboot will be needed.

- Download/Install Windows Update v3.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...DisplayLang=en
(You *will* need to install it using the command line switch "/wuforce"
right after the reboot - immediately after logging in.)
- Download/Install the 927891 patch.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...9-404327772E5A
- Reboot.
- Visit http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/ and scan for/install updates.
DO NOT GET ANY HARDWARE UPDATES FROM HERE!

If your .NET updates did not get fixed after doing the above... Fix your
..NET Framework issues and install all three versions for now...

(1) You need to repair .NET Framework 1.1 - obliterating all remnants of it
and installing it/patching it fully.

How to troubleshoot Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1 installation issues
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/824643
- Unregister and then reregister Windows Installer (See article)
- Download/install/use:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en
- Manually remove and then reinstall the .NET Framework 1.1 (See the 824643
Article)
For the articles below, follow the "IT professionals" link and find the
download for your OS.
- Download/Install http://support.microsoft.com/kb/867460/
- Download/Install http://support.microsoft.com/kb/886903/
- Download/Install http://support.microsoft.com/kb/928366/

Reboot as needed and at the end.

(2) You need to repair .NET Framework 2.0 - obliterating all remnants of it
and installing it/patching it fully.
How to troubleshoot Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 installation issues
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/908077/
- Unregister and then reregister Windows Installer (See article)
- Manually remove and then reinstall the .NET Framework 2.0 (See Article)
For the articles below, follow the "IT professionals" link and find the
download for your OS.
- Download/Install http://support.microsoft.com/kb/917283/
- Download/Install http://support.microsoft.com/kb/922770/
- Download/Install http://support.microsoft.com/kb/928365/

Reboot as needed and at the end.

(3) You need to repair .NET Framework 3.0 - obliterating all remnants of it
and installing it/patching it fully.

Download/install using this distributable package:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en

Reboot as needed and at the end.

Now that you should have the system updated (hopefully) - we can discuss the
particulars of whatever problem you may have. Let us know what you are
seeing and someone her will likely be able to walk you through further fixes
to get that machine running as it should be.

By the way - when you take inventory of the system using Belarc Advisor -
come back here and let us know a few things...
- Processor speed (CPU) - x.xGHz? xxxxMHz?
- Amount of memory (RAM) - x.xGB? xxxMB?
- Hard disk drive space (used and free)?

That information - along with any EXACT error messages you see and when you
see them will go a LONG way in getting your machine running up to its
optimal.

You also may want to consider getting rid of all Norton products on the
machine - if anything is using up all your resources - more than is likely
necessary to do the job it does - it is probably Norton. There are many
freeware alternatives (not to mention Windows XP has a built in firewall
anyway) to whatever functions it is supposedly doing for you. AntiVirus,
AntiSpyware, etc. I have an EXTENSIVE list of such items and what things
you can do to improve performance and security on your computer if you
desire to have it. It has been posted and followed MANY times over.

--
Shenan Stanley
MS-MVP
--
How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

I sincerely apologize, the store usually states clearly in their advertising
if a product is used or refurbished and my Dell was not listed this way. I
figured it was just old stock that had never sold. I didn't mean to waste
anyone's time. It was also advertised as coming with Window XP Home Ed., I
didn't think they could advertise and sell it with the XP without providing
some means of reinstalling. This is the first time in 8 years I've purchased
a computer, I've used the same old, slow Compaq Presario since 1999, but it
came with a full restore disk (and it was a discounted display model). I
appreciate the effort on your part and everyone else's part to assist me,
thank you very much. I hope Shenan is not too upset to continue to help me to
resolve the problems I am having, as I am making my through the instructions
she gave me.
My sincere apologies.
--
Please help...technologically impaired! LOL


"Gerry" wrote:

Cheryl

Well you're not going to any joy complaining about the lack of a CD. I
thought you had bought an unused computer. Obviously not.

--
Regards.

Gerry
~~~~
FCA
Stourport, England
Enquire, plan and execute
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


CrankyCheryl wrote:
Here is a link for the store's website (I purchased directly from the
store) the mini tower I bought is listed under their "offlease
computers" http://www.cllondon.ca/index.php?cPath=43
OptiPlex SX260 mini tower

This is what I found when I checked Dell with my service tag:

Service Contracts and Warranties:
System Summary:
System Type: OptiPlex SX260
Ship Date: 6/6/2003
Dell IBU: Americas

Description Provider Start Date End Date Days Left

4 Hour On-Site Service DELL 6/5/2004 6/5/2006 0
4 Hour On-Site Service DELL 6/6/2003 6/5/2004 0

Original System Configuration:
System Type: OptiPlex SX260
Ship Date: 6/6/2003
Dell IBU: Americas

Quantity Parts # Part Description

1 4U107 PROCESSOR, 80532, 2.66G, 512K, 533FSBSKN
1 9T908 ASSEMBLY, PRINTED WIRING ASSY, W/RJ-MECH, OPPLX
1 5120P CORD, POWER, 125V, 6FT, SPT2, UNSHIELDED
1 8W159 ASSEMBLY, POWER SUPPLY, 150W, W/STND, RAMJET
1 4P608 MOUSE, UNIVERSAL SERIAL BUS, 2BTN, WHEEL, OPTICAL, LOGITECH
1 4N454 KEYBOARD, 104, UNITED STATES, NMB, LOW COST, MIDNIGHT GRAY
1 1K696 DUAL IN-LINE MEMORY MODULE, 512, 266M, 64X64, 8K, 184
1 W0064 ASSEMBLY, COMPACT DISK READ WRITE/DIGITAL VIDEO DISK DRIVE
COMBO, 24X, HITACHI LG DATA STORAGE, OMAHA, V2
1 D0828 KIT, DOCUMENTATON ON FLOPPY DISK, SOFTWARE, DIGITAL VIDEO DISK
DRIVE, CYBERLINK, 4.13
1 4G167 HARD DRIVE, 40GB, I, 9.5MM, 5.4K, HIT-EUCL
1 6W678 KIT, SOFTWARE, OVERPACK, WXPHSP1, COMPACT DISKETTE
W/DOCUMENTATION, ENGLAND/ENGLISH


Current Configuration:

Service Tag: xxxxxxx
Express Service Code: xxxxxxxxxxx
Computer Model: OptiPlex SX260
BIOS Vendor: Dell Computer Corporation
BIOS Version: A02
BIOS Date: 02-26-03

Windows Version: Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition





I think that if I do ever HAVE to reinstall my WinXP I will have to
pay. $65 (with valid product key, they do it- I don't get copy) $85
(with out product key, they do it- I don't get copy), or $129 for
WinXP Home Ed. CD
I regularly back up my pictures, documents, etc. so I'm ahead of the
game there. I'm pretty sure ALL of the programs I have added I have
the disks for (mostly just software for my digital camera, HP
all-in-one printer, MP3 Players, etc. I also have any programs I got
from the internet saved on flash drives (USB).
The Norton Anti-Virus comes on the set-up CD for my Rogers Internet,
I'm sure they give you the option not to use it, but I can't
remember. I used to use Grisoft AVG Free, but I thought Norton would
be better. I have also been using the Windows Live One Care Safety
Scanner.
A friend that I keep in touch with through email jumped all over me
when he found out I had been using Regcure, he told me to NEVER,
NEVER mess with my registry unless I have a very clear understanding
of it's meaning and operation, does that mean I should not let the
Windows Live One Care fix any registry items it finds? or is this one
safe? Is it still safe to use the other features on my
RegCure...fixing file/path problems....shortcuts.....shared .dll
files.....help files...etc? (I've already disabled the feature for
COM\Active X Entries because it was causing me to have to repeatedly
reinstall Adobe Flash Player)
Just thought I'd mention...you guys Rock! Thanks for the continued
help and support!

CrankyCheryl wrote:
I bought the computer from a local large Computer Liquidation
store, not online.
If I click on Microsoft .NET framework 2.0 there is a change/Remove
button. When I click on this it brings up a box to select repair or
uninstall. It doesn't matter which option I choose, I get an error
message that says: Patch package cannot be opened, verify that it
exists, verify that you can access it, verify that it is a valid
Windows Installer Patch Package.
I also just noticed that if I try to open the settings for my
Norton Fire Wall to configure it, I keep getting Script Errors, so
I've switched to using my Windows Fire Wall.
If I have enough information saying that they are required to
provide a means of reinstalling WinXP, then I'm going there
tomorrow to see what I can do.

The problem is that you purchased a used computer. The fact that it
is a Dell is now irrelevant except for the fact that you can still
get limited support (drivers, etc) from the Dell website. You are
bound by the terms of the agreement you entered with the store you
bought it from used - and that agreement may be *very* loose - even
"as is". Review your receipt.

There is no reason to uninstall .NET Framework 2.0. It was not
likely slowing your computer down and your husband was - as you say
- pretending to know what he was doing without researching it very
well. Although you *may not* need it - you might as well. Even
your video card (the thing your monitor hooks up to allow you to see
what the computer is doing) might have drivers/software written
using .NET Framework 2.0 code that needs it installed to function
properly.

In order to straighten this up - you are likely going to either have
to dive deep into learning how your computer works and/or trust what
you are told here *OR* take it to someone who can repair it for you.
Given that you claim to have been given no way to restore this
system to its as-sold
state - you will likely be charged not only for the work - but any
programs you have to purchase because they will need to be installed
anew
afterwards - as many large shops will wipe the data and return it to
you cleanly installed.

First thing you should do at this point - take inventory of what you
have installed and organize any/all installation media for said
installed software. Even if it means buying a few blank CD/DVDs and
writing the installable executables to CD or buying a 1-4GB thumb
drive (USB key, etc) or larger external drive and copying off said
items. Then you should backup your email, your contacts(email
addresses), your personal made files (documents, spreadsheets, tax
forms, text, pictures, etc.) CD/DVD/External USB device - all
perfect for this. Once you have backup up your stuff and organized
what you have - take stock of what is actually installed:

http://www.belarc.com/

-- download/install/run Belarc Advisor. Print the results.

Once you have done all the above - you are ready for whatever comes
next - as you have done just about as much as you can to prepare for
disaster recovery (for now.)

Let's ensure your update/automatic updates features are clean and
working...

Get Dial-a-Fix:
http://wiki.djlizard.net/Dial-a-fix

Use its options to fix:
- Windows Installer
- Windows Update
- All the Registration Center options.

Turn off the "Empty System32\Catroot 2"
Do NOT do "Flush SoftwareDistribution".

Then click "GO" and wait until it is done... Reboot will be needed.

- Download/Install Windows Update v3.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...DisplayLang=en
(You *will* need to install it using the command line switch
"/wuforce" right after the reboot - immediately after logging in.)
- Download/Install the 927891 patch.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...9-404327772E5A
- Reboot.
- Visit http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/ and scan for/install
updates. DO NOT GET ANY HARDWARE UPDATES FROM HERE!

If your .NET updates did not get fixed after doing the above... Fix
your ..NET Framework issues and install all three versions for now...

(1) You need to repair .NET Framework 1.1 - obliterating all
remnants of it and installing it/patching it fully.

How to troubleshoot Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1 installation issues
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/824643
- Unregister and then reregister Windows Installer (See article)
- Download/install/use:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en
- Manually remove and then reinstall the .NET Framework 1.1 (See
the 824643 Article)
For the articles below, follow the "IT professionals" link and
find the download for your OS.
- Download/Install http://support.microsoft.com/kb/867460/
- Download/Install http://support.microsoft.com/kb/886903/
- Download/Install http://support.microsoft.com/kb/928366/

Reboot as needed and at the end.

(2) You need to repair .NET Framework 2.0 - obliterating all
remnants of it and installing it/patching it fully.
How to troubleshoot Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 installation issues
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/908077/
- Unregister and then reregister Windows Installer (See article)
- Manually remove and then reinstall the .NET Framework 2.0 (See
Article) For the articles below, follow the "IT professionals"
link and find the download for your OS.
- Download/Install http://support.microsoft.com/kb/917283/
- Download/Install http://support.microsoft.com/kb/922770/
- Download/Install http://support.microsoft.com/kb/928365/

Reboot as needed and at the end.

(3) You need to repair .NET Framework 3.0 - obliterating all
remnants of it and installing it/patching it fully.

Download/install using this distributable package:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en

Reboot as needed and at the end.

Now that you should have the system updated (hopefully) - we can
discuss the particulars of whatever problem you may have. Let us
know what you are seeing and someone her will likely be able to walk
you through further fixes to get that machine running as it should
be.

By the way - when you take inventory of the system using Belarc
Advisor - come back here and let us know a few things...
- Processor speed (CPU) - x.xGHz? xxxxMHz?
- Amount of memory (RAM) - x.xGB? xxxMB?
- Hard disk drive space (used and free)?

That information - along with any EXACT error messages you see and
when you see them will go a LONG way in getting your machine running
up to its optimal.

You also may want to consider getting rid of all Norton products on
the machine - if anything is using up all your resources - more than
is likely necessary to do the job it does - it is probably Norton.
There are many freeware alternatives (not to mention Windows XP has
a built in firewall anyway) to whatever functions it is supposedly
doing for you. AntiVirus, AntiSpyware, etc. I have an EXTENSIVE
list of such items and what things you can do to improve performance
and security on your computer if you desire to have it. It has been
posted and followed MANY times over.

--
Shenan Stanley
MS-MVP
--
How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

CrankyCheryl wrote:
I have downloaded, installed and run Belarc and printed the
results. I downloaded Dial-a-Fix....when I read and printed the
instructions/product descriptions I decided to follow their advice
and I installed HD Tune and scanned my hard disk several times for
errors (might have been over kill, but thought I'd play it safe),
it was in the green every time (did find out my hard disk temp.
gets too high, may have to rearrange my desk to allow my tower to
stand alone), I created a restore point before using Dial-a-Fix. I
still get the error messages when I try to repair or uninstall .NET
Framework
2.0 & 3.0....1.0 only has Remove...not Change/Remove....haven't
tried it yet though.

Remove is fine - but the .NET instructions (web sites I posted) have a
manual method you may have to follow.

I am about to move on with the rest of your
instructions, You asked me to Download/Install Windows Update v.3
and mentioned I will need to install it using the command line
switch "/wuforce" right after the reboot, immediately after logging
in.... I'm not clear on this...do you mean click on the start menu,
click on run and type that into the location box?

You should save the Windows Update executable in the root of C:. Then you
should open a command prompt window (start button -- run -- cmd -- OK)
and in that window, change to the root of c... (type in "CD\" (sans the
quotes) and press enter) and type in the name of the windows update
executable file followed by a space and the /wuforce and then press enter.

Oh yeah, here is what I found out after using Belarc:
Processor Speed: 2.65 GHz
Amount of Memory: 512 MB
Hard Disk space: Capacity: 40 Gigabytes, Free Space: 22.46
Gigabytes

Cool. Not a horrible machine.

You mentioned to get rid of my Norton Anti-Virus...should I go back
to using my Grisoft AVG Free, or is there a better/more reliable
one availible? (I will have to uninstall all my rogers services for
my internet and then reinstall with out selecting the Norton
Products, it was part of the set-up disk I received and so far I
haven't been able to find any uninstall for just the Norton and it
is not listed in add/remove programs (my Rogers services is in
there, so I'm assuming that it is all tied in together) I was
planning to figure out a way to get rid of Norton anyway, I keep
getting script errors when I try to open the Firewall, I have
switched to using the Windows Firewall.

AVG is a good AV solution. Should work fine.
You mayh be able to get rid of the Norton products using this:
http://www.majorgeeks.com/Norton_Rem...NRT_d4749.html

--
Shenan Stanley
MS-MVP
--
How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

I apologize if this seems to be taking me a while, somehow over the years my
husband and children have come to expect me to feed and clean up after
them...the nerve! LOL *just a wee bit of sarcasim* I have been printing off
instructions and getting the files/programs I need to complete all the
repairs. In your first set of instructions you wrote:

- Manually remove and then reinstall the .NET Framework 1.1 (See the 824643
Article)
For the articles below, follow the "IT professionals" link and find the
download for your OS.
- Download/Install http://support.microsoft.com/kb/867460/
- Download/Install http://support.microsoft.com/kb/886903/
- Download/Install http://support.microsoft.com/kb/928366/

The first link does not lead to any downloadable files and does not have an
"IT Professionals" link. It lists all the bugs that the .NET Framework 1.1
service pack 1 fixes. Will I be missing something vital if I can't get
anywhere with this one?
--
Please help...technologically impaired! LOL


"Shenan Stanley" wrote:

CrankyCheryl wrote:
I have downloaded, installed and run Belarc and printed the
results. I downloaded Dial-a-Fix....when I read and printed the
instructions/product descriptions I decided to follow their advice
and I installed HD Tune and scanned my hard disk several times for
errors (might have been over kill, but thought I'd play it safe),
it was in the green every time (did find out my hard disk temp.
gets too high, may have to rearrange my desk to allow my tower to
stand alone), I created a restore point before using Dial-a-Fix. I
still get the error messages when I try to repair or uninstall .NET
Framework
2.0 & 3.0....1.0 only has Remove...not Change/Remove....haven't
tried it yet though.

Remove is fine - but the .NET instructions (web sites I posted) have a
manual method you may have to follow.

I am about to move on with the rest of your
instructions, You asked me to Download/Install Windows Update v.3
and mentioned I will need to install it using the command line
switch "/wuforce" right after the reboot, immediately after logging
in.... I'm not clear on this...do you mean click on the start menu,
click on run and type that into the location box?

You should save the Windows Update executable in the root of C:. Then you
should open a command prompt window (start button -- run -- cmd -- OK)
and in that window, change to the root of c... (type in "CD\" (sans the
quotes) and press enter) and type in the name of the windows update
executable file followed by a space and the /wuforce and then press enter.

Oh yeah, here is what I found out after using Belarc:
Processor Speed: 2.65 GHz
Amount of Memory: 512 MB
Hard Disk space: Capacity: 40 Gigabytes, Free Space: 22.46
Gigabytes

Cool. Not a horrible machine.

You mentioned to get rid of my Norton Anti-Virus...should I go back
to using my Grisoft AVG Free, or is there a better/more reliable
one availible? (I will have to uninstall all my rogers services for
my internet and then reinstall with out selecting the Norton
Products, it was part of the set-up disk I received and so far I
haven't been able to find any uninstall for just the Norton and it
is not listed in add/remove programs (my Rogers services is in
there, so I'm assuming that it is all tied in together) I was
planning to figure out a way to get rid of Norton anyway, I keep
getting script errors when I try to open the Firewall, I have
switched to using the Windows Firewall.

AVG is a good AV solution. Should work fine.
You mayh be able to get rid of the Norton products using this:
http://www.majorgeeks.com/Norton_Rem...NRT_d4749.html

--
Shenan Stanley
MS-MVP
--
How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

CrankyCheryl wrote:
I apologize if this seems to be taking me a while, somehow over the
years my husband and children have come to expect me to feed and
clean up after them...the nerve! LOL *just a wee bit of sarcasim* I
have been printing off instructions and getting the files/programs
I need to complete all the repairs. In your first set of
instructions you wrote:

- Manually remove and then reinstall the .NET Framework 1.1 (See
the 824643 Article)
For the articles below, follow the "IT professionals" link and find
the download for your OS.
- Download/Install http://support.microsoft.com/kb/867460/
- Download/Install http://support.microsoft.com/kb/886903/
- Download/Install http://support.microsoft.com/kb/928366/

The first link does not lead to any downloadable files and does not
have an "IT Professionals" link. It lists all the bugs that the
.NET Framework 1.1 service pack 1 fixes. Will I be missing
something vital if I can't get anywhere with this one?

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en

--
Shenan Stanley
MS-MVP
--
How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

iT WAS A NEW DELL PURCHASED FROM THEM IN IRLAND

"Shenan Stanley" wrote:

CrankyCheryl wrote:
I was just reading a thread in this newsgroup about doing a full
system restore and I was hoping to clarify a few things. Here is
what I read:

Hello, I was curious if its possible to completely restore your
computer or your hard drive to how it was when you first bought
your computer, or so there is no unessential files on your hard
drive.
I have all these random files all over the place on my computer
and I would like to just wipe it clean.


Yes. Is yours an OEM computer--one made by one of the major
manufacturers like Dell, Gateway, HP, etc?

If so, OEM vendors are required by their agreement with Microsoft to
give you a means of reinstalling, should it be necessary. They can
do
this in one of three ways:

1. An OEM copy of Windows
2. A restore CD
3. A hidden partition on your drive, with restore information.

If you don't have 1 or 2, you should have 3, but you should contact
your vendor to find out.

Personally, I find both 2 and 3 unacceptable (especially 3; a hard
drive crash can leave you with nothing), and would never choose to
buy
a computer that came with an operating system unless I got a
complete generic installation CD for that operating system.

--
Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP Windows - Shell/User

Does that mean that the store that sells the computer is
responsible for supplying a way to do a complete restore? My pc is
a Dell, but I didn't buy it from Dell. I need to do a full system
restore, but they didn't supply me with an OEM disk, or a restore
disk, and they deleted the hidden partition when they pre-installed
WinXP, now they are saying it will cost me $125 to buy the OEM
disk. Can I call them on this? I realize it is better to buy from
"Dell" a receive a full factory restore disk, but that wasn't in my
price range. If their agreement with Microsoft requires them to
provide me with some way reinstall WinXP then I will definately
have something to work with when I call them again.

Dell is the OEM - not the store you purchased it from. However - you should
try at the local store first. Was it a NEW Dell or used?

The thing is - if you lose the install method to restore the system to the
'as shipped' state - that is not Dell's fault nor those who sold the system
to you and they will charge you for it. That is if you bought the system
new. If the store in question removed your method of restoration before
selling you the computer (and again - this is a NEW purchase) you *should*
call them on it. They erased your means of restoration and want you to pay
to replace it? That's double-dipping.

--
Shenan Stanley
MS-MVP
--
How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

iI BOUGHT IT LAST YEAR AND IT BEEN BOTHERING THE COMPUTER SINCE THEN. dELL
SAYS THEY MISSED A PART OF THERE DISK BUT NOT ON PURPOSE. iI'm a pensioner of
83 and cannot afford to get some one out to it.

"Gerry" wrote:

Cheryl

How long ago did you buy the computer?

Why has the lack of a CD become an issue?

http://support.dell.com/support/edoc...n/ug/index.htm


--



Hope this helps.

Gerry
~~~~
FCA
Stourport, England
Enquire, plan and execute
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

CrankyCheryl wrote:
I know this Dell wasn't "new", it is an OptiPlex SX260 and they've
been around for a while....it wasn't advertised as being refurbished,
so it may never have been used before, but it's been sitting around
for a few years waiting for someone to buy it. I bought it from a
large Computer Liquidator Store. I called the store about needing to
restore and he said they have an agreement with Microsoft for
pre-installing WinXP on their pc's and providing a valid, legal
product key, but they don't burn off copies. He even admitted that
they may have deleted the hidden partition when they pre-installed
WinXP.
Oh yeah, I forgot the last time to give you my pc info:
Dell OptiPlex SX260
Windows XP Home Ed. version 2002
Service Pack 2
512 MB of RAM
2.66 GHz

On Sun, 14 Oct 2007 08:48:00 -0700, CrankyCheryl
wrote:

I was just reading a thread in this newsgroup about doing a full
system restore and I was hoping to clarify a few things. Here is
what I read:

Hello, I was curious if its possible to completely restore your
computer or your hard drive to how it was when you first bought
your computer, or so there is no unessential files on your hard
drive.
I have all these random files all over the place on my computer
and I would like to just wipe it clean.


Yes. Is yours an OEM computer--one made by one of the major
manufacturers like Dell, Gateway, HP, etc?

If so, OEM vendors are required by their agreement with Microsoft to
give you a means of reinstalling, should it be necessary. They can
do
this in one of three ways:

1. An OEM copy of Windows
2. A restore CD
3. A hidden partition on your drive, with restore information.

If you don't have 1 or 2, you should have 3, but you should contact
your vendor to find out.

Personally, I find both 2 and 3 unacceptable (especially 3; a hard
drive crash can leave you with nothing), and would never choose to
buy
a computer that came with an operating system unless I got a
complete generic installation CD for that operating system.

--
Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP Windows - Shell/User

Does that mean that the store that sells the computer is
responsible for supplying a way to do a complete restore? My pc is
a Dell, but I didn't buy it from Dell. I need to do a full system
restore, but they didn't supply me with an OEM disk, or a restore
disk, and they deleted the hidden partition when they pre-installed
WinXP, now they are saying it will cost me $125 to buy the OEM
disk. Can I call them on this? I realize it is better to buy from
"Dell" a receive a full factory restore disk, but that wasn't in my
price range. If their agreement with Microsoft requires them to
provide me with some way reinstall WinXP then I will definately
have something to work with when I call them again.


Sorry, I don't know exactly what the situation is when there's a
third party involved like this. Unless someone else here knows for
sure, if I were in your shoes, I would begin by calling Dell and
asking them the question.

--
Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP Windows - Shell/User
Please Reply to the Newsgroup

Micro soft windows did not work for me either

"CrankyCheryl" wrote:

I bought the computer in July of this year. The lack of a CD has become an
issue because I have Windows updates that have become corrupt and I have no
way of removing them. Add/Remove Programs won't remove them, and I have
looked for and tried the "fixes" I found on the Microsoft/Windows web site
and they haven't worked. About three weeks ago I tried to use the System
Restore feature to restore to my "Brand New" restore point that I created
when I got the computer, but it kept failing. By the time I figured out why
it was failing (I needed to remove the protection on the Symantec Automatic
Update for my Norton Anti-Virus) two whole months of restore points had
disappeared, so I had lost "Brand New". All the restore points that are left
are from AFTER my computer had installed the updates and my problems can't be
fixed.
--
Please help...technologically impaired! LOL


"Gerry" wrote:

Cheryl

How long ago did you buy the computer?

Why has the lack of a CD become an issue?

http://support.dell.com/support/edoc...n/ug/index.htm


--



Hope this helps.

Gerry
~~~~
FCA
Stourport, England
Enquire, plan and execute
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

CrankyCheryl wrote:
I know this Dell wasn't "new", it is an OptiPlex SX260 and they've
been around for a while....it wasn't advertised as being refurbished,
so it may never have been used before, but it's been sitting around
for a few years waiting for someone to buy it. I bought it from a
large Computer Liquidator Store. I called the store about needing to
restore and he said they have an agreement with Microsoft for
pre-installing WinXP on their pc's and providing a valid, legal
product key, but they don't burn off copies. He even admitted that
they may have deleted the hidden partition when they pre-installed
WinXP.
Oh yeah, I forgot the last time to give you my pc info:
Dell OptiPlex SX260
Windows XP Home Ed. version 2002
Service Pack 2
512 MB of RAM
2.66 GHz

On Sun, 14 Oct 2007 08:48:00 -0700, CrankyCheryl
wrote:

I was just reading a thread in this newsgroup about doing a full
system restore and I was hoping to clarify a few things. Here is
what I read:

Hello, I was curious if its possible to completely restore your
computer or your hard drive to how it was when you first bought
your computer, or so there is no unessential files on your hard
drive.
I have all these random files all over the place on my computer
and I would like to just wipe it clean.


Yes. Is yours an OEM computer--one made by one of the major
manufacturers like Dell, Gateway, HP, etc?

If so, OEM vendors are required by their agreement with Microsoft to
give you a means of reinstalling, should it be necessary. They can
do
this in one of three ways:

1. An OEM copy of Windows
2. A restore CD
3. A hidden partition on your drive, with restore information.

If you don't have 1 or 2, you should have 3, but you should contact
your vendor to find out.

Personally, I find both 2 and 3 unacceptable (especially 3; a hard
drive crash can leave you with nothing), and would never choose to
buy
a computer that came with an operating system unless I got a
complete generic installation CD for that operating system.

--
Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP Windows - Shell/User

Does that mean that the store that sells the computer is
responsible for supplying a way to do a complete restore? My pc is
a Dell, but I didn't buy it from Dell. I need to do a full system
restore, but they didn't supply me with an OEM disk, or a restore
disk, and they deleted the hidden partition when they pre-installed
WinXP, now they are saying it will cost me $125 to buy the OEM
disk. Can I call them on this? I realize it is better to buy from
"Dell" a receive a full factory restore disk, but that wasn't in my
price range. If their agreement with Microsoft requires them to
provide me with some way reinstall WinXP then I will definately
have something to work with when I call them again.


Sorry, I don't know exactly what the situation is when there's a
third party involved like this. Unless someone else here knows for
sure, if I were in your shoes, I would begin by calling Dell and
asking them the question.

--
Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP Windows - Shell/User
Please Reply to the Newsgroup