OS malfunction

The HP tech accessed my computer remotely. He performed multiple functions in
an effort to get the HP software for the all-in-one to work, including
opening the registry to delete any reference to HP before reinstalling. Tried
once from my HP disk and once from their web site. I was watching the entire
time and he didn't fool around with any OS files. It was then he ran the sfc
/scannow and got the message about files required for Windows to run
properly. His conclusion; The problem is in the OS, not the HP software. Is a
repair install the same as a regular reinstall? Would I have to reload all my
software programs? That would be a real pain in the patutie. Your
thoughts............
Thanks again,
Dave G.

"Daave" wrote:

Still doesn't add up!

Did this HP tech work in person? Or did he work remotely? I'm wondering
if he screwed something up!

A Repair Install might be indicated. Which version of IE are you
running?


dama1 wrote:
Daave:
I ran winver again. In the blue field at the top it say's Windows XP
Home Edition. The COA (Proof of License) is attached to the top of
the CPU and say's Windows XP Home Edition. No one has worked on or
serviced my computer. It's only two years old. Just FYI, when I ran
sfc /scannow with Service Pack 3 installed it said "Insert your
Windows XP Home Edition CD". After I uninstalled Service Pack 3, it
said "Insert your Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2 CD".
Go figure???
Dave G.

"Daave" wrote:

1. Do winver again. Does it say XP Home or XP Pro? (This will be in
the blue area up top.)

2. COA = Certificate of Authenticity. Does your Dell Vostro 200 have
a COA sticker on it? A COA sticker looks like this:

http://cdn2.ioffer.com/img/item/117/...uT79PdHLfY.jpg

If you have one, what OS is indicated on it? XP Home or XP Pro? (Or
it could be Vista, for all I know!)

3. Did anyone ever repair your PC? For instance, it's possible your
PC came with XP Home, but someone at some point upgraded you to XP
Pro.


dama1 wrote:
Leonard and Daave;
Refer to my question dated 11/6 titled "Missing DLL in Cache" for a
full explanation of how this occured. It was the HP tech trying to
get my all-in-one to function who ran the sfc /scannow and concluded
the problem was with the operating system, not the HP software
(after 3 hours of diagnostics and reinstalling software).
My OS disk has a Dell label on it indicating it is a reinstallation
CD for Windows XP Home Edition, Service Pack 2. Sorry, I don't know
what a COA sticker is.
"Winver" is Version 5.1 (Build 2600.xpsp_sp3_gdr.09084-1435: Service
Pack 3). I reinstalled service pack 3 after unsuccessfully running
sfc /scannow. Leonard, note you told me there was no problem as a
response to my prior question. Obviously something isn't right.
Dave G.


"Daave" wrote:

dama1 wrote:
I ran sfc /scannow because of a possible corrupt file. When
Windows File Protection started I got the message "Files that are
required for Windows to run properly must be copied to the DLL
cache." It then instructed, "Insert your Windows XP Professional
Service Pack 2 CD now." I don't get it, I have Windows XP Home
Edition and that's what the OS disk say's. Needless to say, the
process didn't work because when I ran sfc /scannow again I got
the same message. Can anybody shed any light on this anomoly. (I
had uninstalled Service Pack 3 so the OS disk would match what
was on the C: drive). I have a Vostro 200 desktop system. Thanks
for any assist. Dave G.

Something isn't adding up!

What OS is indicated on your COA sticker?

What OS is indicated when you do the following:

Start | Run | winver | OK

What exactly do you mean by "a possible corrupt file"? What is its
name, and why do you believe it may be corrupt?

What other problems have you been experiencing and for how long?
Can you recall anything you did (installing a program or update,
for instance) immediately before your proble(s)?


.


.


.

The HP tech accessed my computer remotely. He performed multiple functions in
an effort to get the HP software for the all-in-one to work, including
opening the registry to delete any reference to HP before reinstalling. Tried
once from my HP disk and once from their web site. I was watching the entire
time and he didn't fool around with any OS files. It was then he ran the sfc
/scannow and got the message about files required for Windows to run
properly. His conclusion; The problem is in the OS, not the HP software. Is a
repair install the same as a regular reinstall? Would I have to reload all my
software programs? That would be a real pain in the patutie. Your
thoughts............
Thanks again,
Dave G.

"Daave" wrote:

Still doesn't add up!

Did this HP tech work in person? Or did he work remotely? I'm wondering
if he screwed something up!

A Repair Install might be indicated. Which version of IE are you
running?


dama1 wrote:
Daave:
I ran winver again. In the blue field at the top it say's Windows XP
Home Edition. The COA (Proof of License) is attached to the top of
the CPU and say's Windows XP Home Edition. No one has worked on or
serviced my computer. It's only two years old. Just FYI, when I ran
sfc /scannow with Service Pack 3 installed it said "Insert your
Windows XP Home Edition CD". After I uninstalled Service Pack 3, it
said "Insert your Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2 CD".
Go figure???
Dave G.

"Daave" wrote:

1. Do winver again. Does it say XP Home or XP Pro? (This will be in
the blue area up top.)

2. COA = Certificate of Authenticity. Does your Dell Vostro 200 have
a COA sticker on it? A COA sticker looks like this:

http://cdn2.ioffer.com/img/item/117/...uT79PdHLfY.jpg

If you have one, what OS is indicated on it? XP Home or XP Pro? (Or
it could be Vista, for all I know!)

3. Did anyone ever repair your PC? For instance, it's possible your
PC came with XP Home, but someone at some point upgraded you to XP
Pro.


dama1 wrote:
Leonard and Daave;
Refer to my question dated 11/6 titled "Missing DLL in Cache" for a
full explanation of how this occured. It was the HP tech trying to
get my all-in-one to function who ran the sfc /scannow and concluded
the problem was with the operating system, not the HP software
(after 3 hours of diagnostics and reinstalling software).
My OS disk has a Dell label on it indicating it is a reinstallation
CD for Windows XP Home Edition, Service Pack 2. Sorry, I don't know
what a COA sticker is.
"Winver" is Version 5.1 (Build 2600.xpsp_sp3_gdr.09084-1435: Service
Pack 3). I reinstalled service pack 3 after unsuccessfully running
sfc /scannow. Leonard, note you told me there was no problem as a
response to my prior question. Obviously something isn't right.
Dave G.


"Daave" wrote:

dama1 wrote:
I ran sfc /scannow because of a possible corrupt file. When
Windows File Protection started I got the message "Files that are
required for Windows to run properly must be copied to the DLL
cache." It then instructed, "Insert your Windows XP Professional
Service Pack 2 CD now." I don't get it, I have Windows XP Home
Edition and that's what the OS disk say's. Needless to say, the
process didn't work because when I ran sfc /scannow again I got
the same message. Can anybody shed any light on this anomoly. (I
had uninstalled Service Pack 3 so the OS disk would match what
was on the C: drive). I have a Vostro 200 desktop system. Thanks
for any assist. Dave G.

Something isn't adding up!

What OS is indicated on your COA sticker?

What OS is indicated when you do the following:

Start | Run | winver | OK

What exactly do you mean by "a possible corrupt file"? What is its
name, and why do you believe it may be corrupt?

What other problems have you been experiencing and for how long?
Can you recall anything you did (installing a program or update,
for instance) immediately before your proble(s)?


.


.


.

That's still strange that XP Pro is entering the equation.

A Clean Install is working with a clean slate, where you would have to
reinstall all your updates, programs, etc.

A Repair Install, if done correctly, leaves all your data and programs,
etc. intact. Then again, nothing is 100% foolproof. At the very least,
you should back up *all* your data before performing the Repair Install.

Also, your SP levels should match.

IIRC, you uninstalled and reinstalled SP3. What version of IE did you
have through all this? Assuming you originally had IE6, did you upgrade
to either IE7 or IE8, and if so, when (that is, at what SP level) did
you do this? Did you ever intentionally downgrade to IE6?


dama1 wrote:
The HP tech accessed my computer remotely. He performed multiple
functions in an effort to get the HP software for the all-in-one to
work, including opening the registry to delete any reference to HP
before reinstalling. Tried once from my HP disk and once from their
web site. I was watching the entire time and he didn't fool around
with any OS files. It was then he ran the sfc /scannow and got the
message about files required for Windows to run properly. His
conclusion; The problem is in the OS, not the HP software. Is a
repair install the same as a regular reinstall? Would I have to
reload all my software programs? That would be a real pain in the
patutie. Your thoughts............
Thanks again,
Dave G.

"Daave" wrote:

Still doesn't add up!

Did this HP tech work in person? Or did he work remotely? I'm
wondering if he screwed something up!

A Repair Install might be indicated. Which version of IE are you
running?


dama1 wrote:
Daave:
I ran winver again. In the blue field at the top it say's Windows XP
Home Edition. The COA (Proof of License) is attached to the top of
the CPU and say's Windows XP Home Edition. No one has worked on or
serviced my computer. It's only two years old. Just FYI, when I ran
sfc /scannow with Service Pack 3 installed it said "Insert your
Windows XP Home Edition CD". After I uninstalled Service Pack 3, it
said "Insert your Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2 CD".
Go figure???
Dave G.

"Daave" wrote:

1. Do winver again. Does it say XP Home or XP Pro? (This will be in
the blue area up top.)

2. COA = Certificate of Authenticity. Does your Dell Vostro 200
have a COA sticker on it? A COA sticker looks like this:

http://cdn2.ioffer.com/img/item/117/...uT79PdHLfY.jpg

If you have one, what OS is indicated on it? XP Home or XP Pro? (Or
it could be Vista, for all I know!)

3. Did anyone ever repair your PC? For instance, it's possible your
PC came with XP Home, but someone at some point upgraded you to XP
Pro.


dama1 wrote:
Leonard and Daave;
Refer to my question dated 11/6 titled "Missing DLL in Cache" for
a full explanation of how this occured. It was the HP tech trying
to get my all-in-one to function who ran the sfc /scannow and
concluded the problem was with the operating system, not the HP
software (after 3 hours of diagnostics and reinstalling software).
My OS disk has a Dell label on it indicating it is a
reinstallation CD for Windows XP Home Edition, Service Pack 2.
Sorry, I don't know what a COA sticker is.
"Winver" is Version 5.1 (Build 2600.xpsp_sp3_gdr.09084-1435:
Service Pack 3). I reinstalled service pack 3 after
unsuccessfully running sfc /scannow. Leonard, note you told me
there was no problem as a response to my prior question.
Obviously something isn't right. Dave G.


"Daave" wrote:

dama1 wrote:
I ran sfc /scannow because of a possible corrupt file. When
Windows File Protection started I got the message "Files that
are required for Windows to run properly must be copied to the
DLL cache." It then instructed, "Insert your Windows XP
Professional Service Pack 2 CD now." I don't get it, I have
Windows XP Home Edition and that's what the OS disk say's.
Needless to say, the process didn't work because when I ran sfc
/scannow again I got the same message. Can anybody shed any
light on this anomoly. (I had uninstalled Service Pack 3 so the
OS disk would match what was on the C: drive). I have a Vostro
200 desktop system. Thanks for any assist. Dave G.

Something isn't adding up!

What OS is indicated on your COA sticker?

What OS is indicated when you do the following:

Start | Run | winver | OK

What exactly do you mean by "a possible corrupt file"? What is
its name, and why do you believe it may be corrupt?

What other problems have you been experiencing and for how long?
Can you recall anything you did (installing a program or update,
for instance) immediately before your proble(s)?


.


.


.

That's still strange that XP Pro is entering the equation.

A Clean Install is working with a clean slate, where you would have to
reinstall all your updates, programs, etc.

A Repair Install, if done correctly, leaves all your data and programs,
etc. intact. Then again, nothing is 100% foolproof. At the very least,
you should back up *all* your data before performing the Repair Install.

Also, your SP levels should match.

IIRC, you uninstalled and reinstalled SP3. What version of IE did you
have through all this? Assuming you originally had IE6, did you upgrade
to either IE7 or IE8, and if so, when (that is, at what SP level) did
you do this? Did you ever intentionally downgrade to IE6?


dama1 wrote:
The HP tech accessed my computer remotely. He performed multiple
functions in an effort to get the HP software for the all-in-one to
work, including opening the registry to delete any reference to HP
before reinstalling. Tried once from my HP disk and once from their
web site. I was watching the entire time and he didn't fool around
with any OS files. It was then he ran the sfc /scannow and got the
message about files required for Windows to run properly. His
conclusion; The problem is in the OS, not the HP software. Is a
repair install the same as a regular reinstall? Would I have to
reload all my software programs? That would be a real pain in the
patutie. Your thoughts............
Thanks again,
Dave G.

"Daave" wrote:

Still doesn't add up!

Did this HP tech work in person? Or did he work remotely? I'm
wondering if he screwed something up!

A Repair Install might be indicated. Which version of IE are you
running?


dama1 wrote:
Daave:
I ran winver again. In the blue field at the top it say's Windows XP
Home Edition. The COA (Proof of License) is attached to the top of
the CPU and say's Windows XP Home Edition. No one has worked on or
serviced my computer. It's only two years old. Just FYI, when I ran
sfc /scannow with Service Pack 3 installed it said "Insert your
Windows XP Home Edition CD". After I uninstalled Service Pack 3, it
said "Insert your Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2 CD".
Go figure???
Dave G.

"Daave" wrote:

1. Do winver again. Does it say XP Home or XP Pro? (This will be in
the blue area up top.)

2. COA = Certificate of Authenticity. Does your Dell Vostro 200
have a COA sticker on it? A COA sticker looks like this:

http://cdn2.ioffer.com/img/item/117/...uT79PdHLfY.jpg

If you have one, what OS is indicated on it? XP Home or XP Pro? (Or
it could be Vista, for all I know!)

3. Did anyone ever repair your PC? For instance, it's possible your
PC came with XP Home, but someone at some point upgraded you to XP
Pro.


dama1 wrote:
Leonard and Daave;
Refer to my question dated 11/6 titled "Missing DLL in Cache" for
a full explanation of how this occured. It was the HP tech trying
to get my all-in-one to function who ran the sfc /scannow and
concluded the problem was with the operating system, not the HP
software (after 3 hours of diagnostics and reinstalling software).
My OS disk has a Dell label on it indicating it is a
reinstallation CD for Windows XP Home Edition, Service Pack 2.
Sorry, I don't know what a COA sticker is.
"Winver" is Version 5.1 (Build 2600.xpsp_sp3_gdr.09084-1435:
Service Pack 3). I reinstalled service pack 3 after
unsuccessfully running sfc /scannow. Leonard, note you told me
there was no problem as a response to my prior question.
Obviously something isn't right. Dave G.


"Daave" wrote:

dama1 wrote:
I ran sfc /scannow because of a possible corrupt file. When
Windows File Protection started I got the message "Files that
are required for Windows to run properly must be copied to the
DLL cache." It then instructed, "Insert your Windows XP
Professional Service Pack 2 CD now." I don't get it, I have
Windows XP Home Edition and that's what the OS disk say's.
Needless to say, the process didn't work because when I ran sfc
/scannow again I got the same message. Can anybody shed any
light on this anomoly. (I had uninstalled Service Pack 3 so the
OS disk would match what was on the C: drive). I have a Vostro
200 desktop system. Thanks for any assist. Dave G.

Something isn't adding up!

What OS is indicated on your COA sticker?

What OS is indicated when you do the following:

Start | Run | winver | OK

What exactly do you mean by "a possible corrupt file"? What is
its name, and why do you believe it may be corrupt?

What other problems have you been experiencing and for how long?
Can you recall anything you did (installing a program or update,
for instance) immediately before your proble(s)?


.


.


.

I never upgraded IE from version 6. I'm happy with it and didn't want to take
any chances. Should I anyway, for better performance? It certainly is strange
that the system ask's for XP home edition when I have service pack 3
installed, and XP pro with service pack 2 when I unstall SP3. A repair
install could be the best solution. What's the process for this? Should I
uninstall SP3 as my OS disk is SP2? I already have all my files, e-mail and
photos backed up on a SimpleTech external drive. I appreciate all your help
and will take your advise.
Dave G.

"Daave" wrote:

That's still strange that XP Pro is entering the equation.

A Clean Install is working with a clean slate, where you would have to
reinstall all your updates, programs, etc.

A Repair Install, if done correctly, leaves all your data and programs,
etc. intact. Then again, nothing is 100% foolproof. At the very least,
you should back up *all* your data before performing the Repair Install.

Also, your SP levels should match.

IIRC, you uninstalled and reinstalled SP3. What version of IE did you
have through all this? Assuming you originally had IE6, did you upgrade
to either IE7 or IE8, and if so, when (that is, at what SP level) did
you do this? Did you ever intentionally downgrade to IE6?


dama1 wrote:
The HP tech accessed my computer remotely. He performed multiple
functions in an effort to get the HP software for the all-in-one to
work, including opening the registry to delete any reference to HP
before reinstalling. Tried once from my HP disk and once from their
web site. I was watching the entire time and he didn't fool around
with any OS files. It was then he ran the sfc /scannow and got the
message about files required for Windows to run properly. His
conclusion; The problem is in the OS, not the HP software. Is a
repair install the same as a regular reinstall? Would I have to
reload all my software programs? That would be a real pain in the
patutie. Your thoughts............
Thanks again,
Dave G.

"Daave" wrote:

Still doesn't add up!

Did this HP tech work in person? Or did he work remotely? I'm
wondering if he screwed something up!

A Repair Install might be indicated. Which version of IE are you
running?


dama1 wrote:
Daave:
I ran winver again. In the blue field at the top it say's Windows XP
Home Edition. The COA (Proof of License) is attached to the top of
the CPU and say's Windows XP Home Edition. No one has worked on or
serviced my computer. It's only two years old. Just FYI, when I ran
sfc /scannow with Service Pack 3 installed it said "Insert your
Windows XP Home Edition CD". After I uninstalled Service Pack 3, it
said "Insert your Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2 CD".
Go figure???
Dave G.

"Daave" wrote:

1. Do winver again. Does it say XP Home or XP Pro? (This will be in
the blue area up top.)

2. COA = Certificate of Authenticity. Does your Dell Vostro 200
have a COA sticker on it? A COA sticker looks like this:

http://cdn2.ioffer.com/img/item/117/...uT79PdHLfY.jpg

If you have one, what OS is indicated on it? XP Home or XP Pro? (Or
it could be Vista, for all I know!)

3. Did anyone ever repair your PC? For instance, it's possible your
PC came with XP Home, but someone at some point upgraded you to XP
Pro.


dama1 wrote:
Leonard and Daave;
Refer to my question dated 11/6 titled "Missing DLL in Cache" for
a full explanation of how this occured. It was the HP tech trying
to get my all-in-one to function who ran the sfc /scannow and
concluded the problem was with the operating system, not the HP
software (after 3 hours of diagnostics and reinstalling software).
My OS disk has a Dell label on it indicating it is a
reinstallation CD for Windows XP Home Edition, Service Pack 2.
Sorry, I don't know what a COA sticker is.
"Winver" is Version 5.1 (Build 2600.xpsp_sp3_gdr.09084-1435:
Service Pack 3). I reinstalled service pack 3 after
unsuccessfully running sfc /scannow. Leonard, note you told me
there was no problem as a response to my prior question.
Obviously something isn't right. Dave G.


"Daave" wrote:

dama1 wrote:
I ran sfc /scannow because of a possible corrupt file. When
Windows File Protection started I got the message "Files that
are required for Windows to run properly must be copied to the
DLL cache." It then instructed, "Insert your Windows XP
Professional Service Pack 2 CD now." I don't get it, I have
Windows XP Home Edition and that's what the OS disk say's.
Needless to say, the process didn't work because when I ran sfc
/scannow again I got the same message. Can anybody shed any
light on this anomoly. (I had uninstalled Service Pack 3 so the
OS disk would match what was on the C: drive). I have a Vostro
200 desktop system. Thanks for any assist. Dave G.

Something isn't adding up!

What OS is indicated on your COA sticker?

What OS is indicated when you do the following:

Start | Run | winver | OK

What exactly do you mean by "a possible corrupt file"? What is
its name, and why do you believe it may be corrupt?

What other problems have you been experiencing and for how long?
Can you recall anything you did (installing a program or update,
for instance) immediately before your proble(s)?


.


.


.


.

I never upgraded IE from version 6. I'm happy with it and didn't want to take
any chances. Should I anyway, for better performance? It certainly is strange
that the system ask's for XP home edition when I have service pack 3
installed, and XP pro with service pack 2 when I unstall SP3. A repair
install could be the best solution. What's the process for this? Should I
uninstall SP3 as my OS disk is SP2? I already have all my files, e-mail and
photos backed up on a SimpleTech external drive. I appreciate all your help
and will take your advise.
Dave G.

"Daave" wrote:

That's still strange that XP Pro is entering the equation.

A Clean Install is working with a clean slate, where you would have to
reinstall all your updates, programs, etc.

A Repair Install, if done correctly, leaves all your data and programs,
etc. intact. Then again, nothing is 100% foolproof. At the very least,
you should back up *all* your data before performing the Repair Install.

Also, your SP levels should match.

IIRC, you uninstalled and reinstalled SP3. What version of IE did you
have through all this? Assuming you originally had IE6, did you upgrade
to either IE7 or IE8, and if so, when (that is, at what SP level) did
you do this? Did you ever intentionally downgrade to IE6?


dama1 wrote:
The HP tech accessed my computer remotely. He performed multiple
functions in an effort to get the HP software for the all-in-one to
work, including opening the registry to delete any reference to HP
before reinstalling. Tried once from my HP disk and once from their
web site. I was watching the entire time and he didn't fool around
with any OS files. It was then he ran the sfc /scannow and got the
message about files required for Windows to run properly. His
conclusion; The problem is in the OS, not the HP software. Is a
repair install the same as a regular reinstall? Would I have to
reload all my software programs? That would be a real pain in the
patutie. Your thoughts............
Thanks again,
Dave G.

"Daave" wrote:

Still doesn't add up!

Did this HP tech work in person? Or did he work remotely? I'm
wondering if he screwed something up!

A Repair Install might be indicated. Which version of IE are you
running?


dama1 wrote:
Daave:
I ran winver again. In the blue field at the top it say's Windows XP
Home Edition. The COA (Proof of License) is attached to the top of
the CPU and say's Windows XP Home Edition. No one has worked on or
serviced my computer. It's only two years old. Just FYI, when I ran
sfc /scannow with Service Pack 3 installed it said "Insert your
Windows XP Home Edition CD". After I uninstalled Service Pack 3, it
said "Insert your Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2 CD".
Go figure???
Dave G.

"Daave" wrote:

1. Do winver again. Does it say XP Home or XP Pro? (This will be in
the blue area up top.)

2. COA = Certificate of Authenticity. Does your Dell Vostro 200
have a COA sticker on it? A COA sticker looks like this:

http://cdn2.ioffer.com/img/item/117/...uT79PdHLfY.jpg

If you have one, what OS is indicated on it? XP Home or XP Pro? (Or
it could be Vista, for all I know!)

3. Did anyone ever repair your PC? For instance, it's possible your
PC came with XP Home, but someone at some point upgraded you to XP
Pro.


dama1 wrote:
Leonard and Daave;
Refer to my question dated 11/6 titled "Missing DLL in Cache" for
a full explanation of how this occured. It was the HP tech trying
to get my all-in-one to function who ran the sfc /scannow and
concluded the problem was with the operating system, not the HP
software (after 3 hours of diagnostics and reinstalling software).
My OS disk has a Dell label on it indicating it is a
reinstallation CD for Windows XP Home Edition, Service Pack 2.
Sorry, I don't know what a COA sticker is.
"Winver" is Version 5.1 (Build 2600.xpsp_sp3_gdr.09084-1435:
Service Pack 3). I reinstalled service pack 3 after
unsuccessfully running sfc /scannow. Leonard, note you told me
there was no problem as a response to my prior question.
Obviously something isn't right. Dave G.


"Daave" wrote:

dama1 wrote:
I ran sfc /scannow because of a possible corrupt file. When
Windows File Protection started I got the message "Files that
are required for Windows to run properly must be copied to the
DLL cache." It then instructed, "Insert your Windows XP
Professional Service Pack 2 CD now." I don't get it, I have
Windows XP Home Edition and that's what the OS disk say's.
Needless to say, the process didn't work because when I ran sfc
/scannow again I got the same message. Can anybody shed any
light on this anomoly. (I had uninstalled Service Pack 3 so the
OS disk would match what was on the C: drive). I have a Vostro
200 desktop system. Thanks for any assist. Dave G.

Something isn't adding up!

What OS is indicated on your COA sticker?

What OS is indicated when you do the following:

Start | Run | winver | OK

What exactly do you mean by "a possible corrupt file"? What is
its name, and why do you believe it may be corrupt?

What other problems have you been experiencing and for how long?
Can you recall anything you did (installing a program or update,
for instance) immediately before your proble(s)?


.


.


.


.

All good questions. I will reply inline.

dama1 wrote:
I never upgraded IE from version 6.

That makes the Repair Install much easier. :-) For a Repair Install to
go smoothly, you should have IE6.

I'm happy with it and didn't want
to take any chances. Should I anyway, for better performance?

Not better performance (i.e., loading of pages isn't speediet). IE7 and
IE8 have more features, most notably tabbed browsing. Matter of
preference.

It
certainly is strange that the system ask's for XP home edition when I
have service pack 3 installed, and XP pro with service pack 2 when I
unstall SP3.

I had never heard of that before. I still think it might have been
something the HP tech did.

A repair install could be the best solution.

If it results in a stable OS, yes. But if not, you may need to perform a
Clean Install (hopefully not).

What's the
process for this? Should I uninstall SP3 as my OS disk is SP2?

Some people obtain (from a friend or colleague), the same installation
CD -- the only difference being the SP level. That is, if you knew
someone who had a Dell-branded XP Home installation CD at the SP3 level,
you could keep your PC's OS at its current SP3 level (because they would
match). No problem with legality or ethics because the *license* is what
is important and you stated you have a license (per your COA sticker).
The nice thing about the Dell-branded CDs is that when you install it
(on a Dell of course!), there is no need to enter a Product Key because
Dell uses something called System Locked Preinstallation (SLP), which
means that it looks for info hard-coded onto your motherboard's CMOS
chip.

For those who can't borrow the proper CD, some choose to create their
own, using their older Dell CD, the SP3 installation file from
Microsoft, and a few other files. This process is called slipstreaming
by many, and it is normally straightforward. But since Dell CDs are
customized, some people have reported problems. If you wish to pursue
this, you might have more success by posting to a Dell forum or
newsgroup and ask for guidance.

Here are some links for reference:

http://www.tacktech.com/display.cfm?ttid=295

http://www.nliteos.com/

http://en.community.dell.com/forums/.../19585246.aspx

Since there are many variables, you might decide you would rather not
attempt slipstreaming (at least presently), so you would need to
uninstall SP3, so that your OS is at the SP2 level. This way your SP
levels would match. You could then perform the Repair Install, and then
later re-upgrade to SP3.

Hopefully the Repair Install will straighten out your OS. Then again,
you'll be back to Square One with regard to your HP All-In-One. Perhaps
you should post to an HP forum for assistance. Then again, I wonder if
HP might be repsonsible to offer you no-charge support because of what
the first HP tech did. Or you might just want to avoid HP techs
altogether. :-)

Repair Install instructions:

http://michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

I already have all my files, e-mail and photos backed up on a
SimpleTech external drive.

Excellent. Did you also back up your address book and Web browser
favorites? If you have a folder of installation files, back those up,
too!

If you use Outlook Express for e-mail, you should definitely look he

http://www.insideoe.com/backup/

Backing up is a precaution. If the Repair Install goes well, there will
be no need to restore your backups or reinstall any apps. Backups should
be done regularly, regardless, so any future disaster won't result in
the loss of important data.

I appreciate all your help and will take
your advise.
Dave G.

YW. Hopefully the Repair Install will work for you. Otherwise, be
prepared for the more involved Clean Install:

http://michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html


"Daave" wrote:

That's still strange that XP Pro is entering the equation.

A Clean Install is working with a clean slate, where you would have
to reinstall all your updates, programs, etc.

A Repair Install, if done correctly, leaves all your data and
programs, etc. intact. Then again, nothing is 100% foolproof. At the
very least, you should back up *all* your data before performing the
Repair Install.

Also, your SP levels should match.

IIRC, you uninstalled and reinstalled SP3. What version of IE did you
have through all this? Assuming you originally had IE6, did you
upgrade to either IE7 or IE8, and if so, when (that is, at what SP
level) did you do this? Did you ever intentionally downgrade to IE6?


dama1 wrote:
The HP tech accessed my computer remotely. He performed multiple
functions in an effort to get the HP software for the all-in-one to
work, including opening the registry to delete any reference to HP
before reinstalling. Tried once from my HP disk and once from their
web site. I was watching the entire time and he didn't fool around
with any OS files. It was then he ran the sfc /scannow and got the
message about files required for Windows to run properly. His
conclusion; The problem is in the OS, not the HP software. Is a
repair install the same as a regular reinstall? Would I have to
reload all my software programs? That would be a real pain in the
patutie. Your thoughts............
Thanks again,
Dave G.

"Daave" wrote:

Still doesn't add up!

Did this HP tech work in person? Or did he work remotely? I'm
wondering if he screwed something up!

A Repair Install might be indicated. Which version of IE are you
running?


dama1 wrote:
Daave:
I ran winver again. In the blue field at the top it say's Windows
XP Home Edition. The COA (Proof of License) is attached to the
top of the CPU and say's Windows XP Home Edition. No one has
worked on or serviced my computer. It's only two years old. Just
FYI, when I ran sfc /scannow with Service Pack 3 installed it
said "Insert your Windows XP Home Edition CD". After I
uninstalled Service Pack 3, it said "Insert your Windows XP
Professional Service Pack 2 CD".
Go figure???
Dave G.

"Daave" wrote:

1. Do winver again. Does it say XP Home or XP Pro? (This will be
in the blue area up top.)

2. COA = Certificate of Authenticity. Does your Dell Vostro 200
have a COA sticker on it? A COA sticker looks like this:

http://cdn2.ioffer.com/img/item/117/...uT79PdHLfY.jpg

If you have one, what OS is indicated on it? XP Home or XP Pro?
(Or it could be Vista, for all I know!)

3. Did anyone ever repair your PC? For instance, it's possible
your PC came with XP Home, but someone at some point upgraded
you to XP Pro.


dama1 wrote:
Leonard and Daave;
Refer to my question dated 11/6 titled "Missing DLL in Cache"
for a full explanation of how this occured. It was the HP tech
trying to get my all-in-one to function who ran the sfc
/scannow and concluded the problem was with the operating
system, not the HP software (after 3 hours of diagnostics and
reinstalling software). My OS disk has a Dell label on it
indicating it is a reinstallation CD for Windows XP Home
Edition, Service Pack 2. Sorry, I don't know what a COA sticker
is. "Winver" is Version 5.1 (Build 2600.xpsp_sp3_gdr.09084-1435:
Service Pack 3). I reinstalled service pack 3 after
unsuccessfully running sfc /scannow. Leonard, note you told me
there was no problem as a response to my prior question.
Obviously something isn't right. Dave G.


"Daave" wrote:

dama1 wrote:
I ran sfc /scannow because of a possible corrupt file. When
Windows File Protection started I got the message "Files that
are required for Windows to run properly must be copied to the
DLL cache." It then instructed, "Insert your Windows XP
Professional Service Pack 2 CD now." I don't get it, I have
Windows XP Home Edition and that's what the OS disk say's.
Needless to say, the process didn't work because when I ran
sfc /scannow again I got the same message. Can anybody shed
any light on this anomoly. (I had uninstalled Service Pack 3
so the OS disk would match what was on the C: drive). I have
a Vostro 200 desktop system. Thanks for any assist. Dave G.

Something isn't adding up!

What OS is indicated on your COA sticker?

What OS is indicated when you do the following:

Start | Run | winver | OK

What exactly do you mean by "a possible corrupt file"? What is
its name, and why do you believe it may be corrupt?

What other problems have you been experiencing and for how
long? Can you recall anything you did (installing a program or
update, for instance) immediately before your proble(s)?


.


.


.


.

All good questions. I will reply inline.

dama1 wrote:
I never upgraded IE from version 6.

That makes the Repair Install much easier. :-) For a Repair Install to
go smoothly, you should have IE6.

I'm happy with it and didn't want
to take any chances. Should I anyway, for better performance?

Not better performance (i.e., loading of pages isn't speediet). IE7 and
IE8 have more features, most notably tabbed browsing. Matter of
preference.

It
certainly is strange that the system ask's for XP home edition when I
have service pack 3 installed, and XP pro with service pack 2 when I
unstall SP3.

I had never heard of that before. I still think it might have been
something the HP tech did.

A repair install could be the best solution.

If it results in a stable OS, yes. But if not, you may need to perform a
Clean Install (hopefully not).

What's the
process for this? Should I uninstall SP3 as my OS disk is SP2?

Some people obtain (from a friend or colleague), the same installation
CD -- the only difference being the SP level. That is, if you knew
someone who had a Dell-branded XP Home installation CD at the SP3 level,
you could keep your PC's OS at its current SP3 level (because they would
match). No problem with legality or ethics because the *license* is what
is important and you stated you have a license (per your COA sticker).
The nice thing about the Dell-branded CDs is that when you install it
(on a Dell of course!), there is no need to enter a Product Key because
Dell uses something called System Locked Preinstallation (SLP), which
means that it looks for info hard-coded onto your motherboard's CMOS
chip.

For those who can't borrow the proper CD, some choose to create their
own, using their older Dell CD, the SP3 installation file from
Microsoft, and a few other files. This process is called slipstreaming
by many, and it is normally straightforward. But since Dell CDs are
customized, some people have reported problems. If you wish to pursue
this, you might have more success by posting to a Dell forum or
newsgroup and ask for guidance.

Here are some links for reference:

http://www.tacktech.com/display.cfm?ttid=295

http://www.nliteos.com/

http://en.community.dell.com/forums/.../19585246.aspx

Since there are many variables, you might decide you would rather not
attempt slipstreaming (at least presently), so you would need to
uninstall SP3, so that your OS is at the SP2 level. This way your SP
levels would match. You could then perform the Repair Install, and then
later re-upgrade to SP3.

Hopefully the Repair Install will straighten out your OS. Then again,
you'll be back to Square One with regard to your HP All-In-One. Perhaps
you should post to an HP forum for assistance. Then again, I wonder if
HP might be repsonsible to offer you no-charge support because of what
the first HP tech did. Or you might just want to avoid HP techs
altogether. :-)

Repair Install instructions:

http://michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

I already have all my files, e-mail and photos backed up on a
SimpleTech external drive.

Excellent. Did you also back up your address book and Web browser
favorites? If you have a folder of installation files, back those up,
too!

If you use Outlook Express for e-mail, you should definitely look he

http://www.insideoe.com/backup/

Backing up is a precaution. If the Repair Install goes well, there will
be no need to restore your backups or reinstall any apps. Backups should
be done regularly, regardless, so any future disaster won't result in
the loss of important data.

I appreciate all your help and will take
your advise.
Dave G.

YW. Hopefully the Repair Install will work for you. Otherwise, be
prepared for the more involved Clean Install:

http://michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html


"Daave" wrote:

That's still strange that XP Pro is entering the equation.

A Clean Install is working with a clean slate, where you would have
to reinstall all your updates, programs, etc.

A Repair Install, if done correctly, leaves all your data and
programs, etc. intact. Then again, nothing is 100% foolproof. At the
very least, you should back up *all* your data before performing the
Repair Install.

Also, your SP levels should match.

IIRC, you uninstalled and reinstalled SP3. What version of IE did you
have through all this? Assuming you originally had IE6, did you
upgrade to either IE7 or IE8, and if so, when (that is, at what SP
level) did you do this? Did you ever intentionally downgrade to IE6?


dama1 wrote:
The HP tech accessed my computer remotely. He performed multiple
functions in an effort to get the HP software for the all-in-one to
work, including opening the registry to delete any reference to HP
before reinstalling. Tried once from my HP disk and once from their
web site. I was watching the entire time and he didn't fool around
with any OS files. It was then he ran the sfc /scannow and got the
message about files required for Windows to run properly. His
conclusion; The problem is in the OS, not the HP software. Is a
repair install the same as a regular reinstall? Would I have to
reload all my software programs? That would be a real pain in the
patutie. Your thoughts............
Thanks again,
Dave G.

"Daave" wrote:

Still doesn't add up!

Did this HP tech work in person? Or did he work remotely? I'm
wondering if he screwed something up!

A Repair Install might be indicated. Which version of IE are you
running?


dama1 wrote:
Daave:
I ran winver again. In the blue field at the top it say's Windows
XP Home Edition. The COA (Proof of License) is attached to the
top of the CPU and say's Windows XP Home Edition. No one has
worked on or serviced my computer. It's only two years old. Just
FYI, when I ran sfc /scannow with Service Pack 3 installed it
said "Insert your Windows XP Home Edition CD". After I
uninstalled Service Pack 3, it said "Insert your Windows XP
Professional Service Pack 2 CD".
Go figure???
Dave G.

"Daave" wrote:

1. Do winver again. Does it say XP Home or XP Pro? (This will be
in the blue area up top.)

2. COA = Certificate of Authenticity. Does your Dell Vostro 200
have a COA sticker on it? A COA sticker looks like this:

http://cdn2.ioffer.com/img/item/117/...uT79PdHLfY.jpg

If you have one, what OS is indicated on it? XP Home or XP Pro?
(Or it could be Vista, for all I know!)

3. Did anyone ever repair your PC? For instance, it's possible
your PC came with XP Home, but someone at some point upgraded
you to XP Pro.


dama1 wrote:
Leonard and Daave;
Refer to my question dated 11/6 titled "Missing DLL in Cache"
for a full explanation of how this occured. It was the HP tech
trying to get my all-in-one to function who ran the sfc
/scannow and concluded the problem was with the operating
system, not the HP software (after 3 hours of diagnostics and
reinstalling software). My OS disk has a Dell label on it
indicating it is a reinstallation CD for Windows XP Home
Edition, Service Pack 2. Sorry, I don't know what a COA sticker
is. "Winver" is Version 5.1 (Build 2600.xpsp_sp3_gdr.09084-1435:
Service Pack 3). I reinstalled service pack 3 after
unsuccessfully running sfc /scannow. Leonard, note you told me
there was no problem as a response to my prior question.
Obviously something isn't right. Dave G.


"Daave" wrote:

dama1 wrote:
I ran sfc /scannow because of a possible corrupt file. When
Windows File Protection started I got the message "Files that
are required for Windows to run properly must be copied to the
DLL cache." It then instructed, "Insert your Windows XP
Professional Service Pack 2 CD now." I don't get it, I have
Windows XP Home Edition and that's what the OS disk say's.
Needless to say, the process didn't work because when I ran
sfc /scannow again I got the same message. Can anybody shed
any light on this anomoly. (I had uninstalled Service Pack 3
so the OS disk would match what was on the C: drive). I have
a Vostro 200 desktop system. Thanks for any assist. Dave G.

Something isn't adding up!

What OS is indicated on your COA sticker?

What OS is indicated when you do the following:

Start | Run | winver | OK

What exactly do you mean by "a possible corrupt file"? What is
its name, and why do you believe it may be corrupt?

What other problems have you been experiencing and for how
long? Can you recall anything you did (installing a program or
update, for instance) immediately before your proble(s)?


.


.


.


.