files suddenly gone

Thanks Larry,
had the feeling that turning SystemRestore off would not be a good idea.
I'm a little of Safe Mode , but I'll
see if that works.
--
nothing succeeds like bs


"Larry" wrote:

Do your system restore in Safe Mode. Don't turn off Restore or you will
clean out all that restore info you want.

Larry

"Memyself" wrote in message
...
Elmo, want to thank you for telling me about running Documents and Settings.
It did list my documents so I now know they're still there. Haven't been
able
to get them back yet, but am working on it. Did want to put this out there
for anyone else who may be having this same problem: I just found out that
McAfee may have caused this. A few minutes ago I checked the McAfee Security
Center Event Logs. It said, "12-14-2008, 6:19AM, System Guard allowed a
change to your computer". I logged on about 9AM to find the files gone so
that must be it!
In case anyone else has this problem, don't go to McAfee's techh support.
They keep telling me that as I got the software when I joined ATT, they
can't
help me. Don't do the ATT LiveChat support either. They told me to call
their
phone support people. I'm going to try the things suggested here first as
ATT
techies leave somewhat to be desired.

Also, I've heard that if System Restore won't go to the date you want, you
can turn it off, wait a bit, then turn it back on.
But, won't that destroy the restore points you want? In other words, if
computer was fine December 12, and you want to take it back to that point;
won't turning System Restore off erase that point?
--
nothing succeeds like bs


"Elmo" wrote:

Memyself wrote:
SystemRestore keeps telling me "Cannot restore your computer to
(whatever
date I tried; as of a few minutes ago must be 20 different days). No
changes
made to your computer" And so far I can't get Nass's or Philo's
suggestions
to work either.
I scanned for adware, malware., etc. I'm getting ready to throw this
thing
in this garbage and wipe my hands of all this high tech crap. I've had
it
with the constant bs. Thanks for tip on Geek Squad. Was already
suspicious
when the Dell tech support gal did nothing , but recommended them.
Can anyone tell me if Microsoft will accept a check for their $59
support? I
don't, I mean Never use credit cards .

If the account (with all your settings, software and files) was damaged,
the files would still be there, on the hd. You just need to locate the
folder for the old account and move everything to the new account. You
should see the folder with all its files and settings he

C:\Documents and Settings\Old_Username folder

This MSKB article might help:

How to Copy User Data to a New User Profile:
http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;811151

http://groups.google.com/group/micro...9870d68b3f197f

--
Joe =o)

Forgot to ask: Should I try Safe Mode first before trying this "Create New
User Profile " method or I should try
PC Inspector File Recovery first?
--
nothing succeeds like bs


"Larry" wrote:

Do your system restore in Safe Mode. Don't turn off Restore or you will
clean out all that restore info you want.

Larry

"Memyself" wrote in message
...
Elmo, want to thank you for telling me about running Documents and Settings.
It did list my documents so I now know they're still there. Haven't been
able
to get them back yet, but am working on it. Did want to put this out there
for anyone else who may be having this same problem: I just found out that
McAfee may have caused this. A few minutes ago I checked the McAfee Security
Center Event Logs. It said, "12-14-2008, 6:19AM, System Guard allowed a
change to your computer". I logged on about 9AM to find the files gone so
that must be it!
In case anyone else has this problem, don't go to McAfee's techh support.
They keep telling me that as I got the software when I joined ATT, they
can't
help me. Don't do the ATT LiveChat support either. They told me to call
their
phone support people. I'm going to try the things suggested here first as
ATT
techies leave somewhat to be desired.

Also, I've heard that if System Restore won't go to the date you want, you
can turn it off, wait a bit, then turn it back on.
But, won't that destroy the restore points you want? In other words, if
computer was fine December 12, and you want to take it back to that point;
won't turning System Restore off erase that point?
--
nothing succeeds like bs


"Elmo" wrote:

Memyself wrote:
SystemRestore keeps telling me "Cannot restore your computer to
(whatever
date I tried; as of a few minutes ago must be 20 different days). No
changes
made to your computer" And so far I can't get Nass's or Philo's
suggestions
to work either.
I scanned for adware, malware., etc. I'm getting ready to throw this
thing
in this garbage and wipe my hands of all this high tech crap. I've had
it
with the constant bs. Thanks for tip on Geek Squad. Was already
suspicious
when the Dell tech support gal did nothing , but recommended them.
Can anyone tell me if Microsoft will accept a check for their $59
support? I
don't, I mean Never use credit cards .

If the account (with all your settings, software and files) was damaged,
the files would still be there, on the hd. You just need to locate the
folder for the old account and move everything to the new account. You
should see the folder with all its files and settings he

C:\Documents and Settings\Old_Username folder

This MSKB article might help:

How to Copy User Data to a New User Profile:
http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;811151

http://groups.google.com/group/micro...9870d68b3f197f

--
Joe =o)

Hi,
First of, try to disbale Mcafee and disconnect from the internet, then Turn
your machine OFF and Restart it while booting up Press F8 to get to the Boot
menu option and select Safe Mode.
In Safe Mode try To Restore your System to an earlier date and Reboot your
machine to start in Normal Mode.
If that corrected the issue then first thing to do is backup your Data to a
removable storage. If the machine behave okay after a day or so then you are
okay if it start to act funy try to gsther the info in the Event Viewer to
help pin point the causer!
If the Restore didn't take effect then try to create user profile first and
create it in safe mode and also assign it as Admin.
Log with the new Profile and open windows explorer and do the following:
Click Tools Folder Options View scroll down to the radio button for:
(*) Show hidden files folders
and aslo uncheck this check box:
[ ] Hide extension for known file types.
NOTE/Warnning: uncheck these or redo these chnages when your issue resolved!
Now, locate this directory:
C:\Documents and settings\Old corrupteduserprofile\Favorite
C:\Documents and settings\Old corrupteduserprofile\ My documents
Copy the data from this to this (follow the KB article instructions)
C:\Documents and settings\New profile\ Favorite (for fav from the old Profile)
C:\Documents and settings\New profile\Documents (for docs and pics from Old
profile)

After making sure all in and you are not missing something you can safely
delete the profile and you don't need to run any program to recover data!
HTH,
nass
---
http://www.nasstec.co.uk

"Memyself" wrote:

Forgot to ask: Should I try Safe Mode first before trying this "Create New
User Profile " method or I should try
PC Inspector File Recovery first?
--
nothing succeeds like bs


"Larry" wrote:

Do your system restore in Safe Mode. Don't turn off Restore or you will
clean out all that restore info you want.

Larry

"Memyself" wrote in message
...
Elmo, want to thank you for telling me about running Documents and Settings.
It did list my documents so I now know they're still there. Haven't been
able
to get them back yet, but am working on it. Did want to put this out there
for anyone else who may be having this same problem: I just found out that
McAfee may have caused this. A few minutes ago I checked the McAfee Security
Center Event Logs. It said, "12-14-2008, 6:19AM, System Guard allowed a
change to your computer". I logged on about 9AM to find the files gone so
that must be it!
In case anyone else has this problem, don't go to McAfee's techh support.
They keep telling me that as I got the software when I joined ATT, they
can't
help me. Don't do the ATT LiveChat support either. They told me to call
their
phone support people. I'm going to try the things suggested here first as
ATT
techies leave somewhat to be desired.

Also, I've heard that if System Restore won't go to the date you want, you
can turn it off, wait a bit, then turn it back on.
But, won't that destroy the restore points you want? In other words, if
computer was fine December 12, and you want to take it back to that point;
won't turning System Restore off erase that point?
--
nothing succeeds like bs


"Elmo" wrote:

Memyself wrote:
SystemRestore keeps telling me "Cannot restore your computer to
(whatever
date I tried; as of a few minutes ago must be 20 different days). No
changes
made to your computer" And so far I can't get Nass's or Philo's
suggestions
to work either.
I scanned for adware, malware., etc. I'm getting ready to throw this
thing
in this garbage and wipe my hands of all this high tech crap. I've had
it
with the constant bs. Thanks for tip on Geek Squad. Was already
suspicious
when the Dell tech support gal did nothing , but recommended them.
Can anyone tell me if Microsoft will accept a check for their $59
support? I
don't, I mean Never use credit cards .

If the account (with all your settings, software and files) was damaged,
the files would still be there, on the hd. You just need to locate the
folder for the old account and move everything to the new account. You
should see the folder with all its files and settings he

C:\Documents and Settings\Old_Username folder

This MSKB article might help:

How to Copy User Data to a New User Profile:
http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;811151

http://groups.google.com/group/micro...9870d68b3f197f

--
Joe =o)

There's just no end to Microsoft's BS. After reading Larry's post, I thought
I'd try using System Restore in Safe Mode. Well,
guess what? They've got it set up so that there's no way in hell to access
Safe Mode!!!!
why didn't someone tell me? I did everything, I mean absolutely everything
it says to do in order to access Safe Mode and you know what happens? It just
keeps starting in normal mode after a page of gobbely goop.
I now know that what I always suspected is true: Micorsoft deliberately
embeds their crap with problems, makes sure that the Help and Support feature
is loaded with mis-information so that one is forced to use the fee based
support; only I don't have that kind of money!!!!
How am I supposed to get to safe mode when all the instructions for doing it
are wrong?
--
nothing succeeds like bs


"Larry" wrote:

Do your system restore in Safe Mode. Don't turn off Restore or you will
clean out all that restore info you want.

Larry

"Memyself" wrote in message
...
Elmo, want to thank you for telling me about running Documents and Settings.
It did list my documents so I now know they're still there. Haven't been
able
to get them back yet, but am working on it. Did want to put this out there
for anyone else who may be having this same problem: I just found out that
McAfee may have caused this. A few minutes ago I checked the McAfee Security
Center Event Logs. It said, "12-14-2008, 6:19AM, System Guard allowed a
change to your computer". I logged on about 9AM to find the files gone so
that must be it!
In case anyone else has this problem, don't go to McAfee's techh support.
They keep telling me that as I got the software when I joined ATT, they
can't
help me. Don't do the ATT LiveChat support either. They told me to call
their
phone support people. I'm going to try the things suggested here first as
ATT
techies leave somewhat to be desired.

Also, I've heard that if System Restore won't go to the date you want, you
can turn it off, wait a bit, then turn it back on.
But, won't that destroy the restore points you want? In other words, if
computer was fine December 12, and you want to take it back to that point;
won't turning System Restore off erase that point?
--
nothing succeeds like bs


"Elmo" wrote:

Memyself wrote:
SystemRestore keeps telling me "Cannot restore your computer to
(whatever
date I tried; as of a few minutes ago must be 20 different days). No
changes
made to your computer" And so far I can't get Nass's or Philo's
suggestions
to work either.
I scanned for adware, malware., etc. I'm getting ready to throw this
thing
in this garbage and wipe my hands of all this high tech crap. I've had
it
with the constant bs. Thanks for tip on Geek Squad. Was already
suspicious
when the Dell tech support gal did nothing , but recommended them.
Can anyone tell me if Microsoft will accept a check for their $59
support? I
don't, I mean Never use credit cards .

If the account (with all your settings, software and files) was damaged,
the files would still be there, on the hd. You just need to locate the
folder for the old account and move everything to the new account. You
should see the folder with all its files and settings he

C:\Documents and Settings\Old_Username folder

This MSKB article might help:

How to Copy User Data to a New User Profile:
http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;811151

http://groups.google.com/group/micro...9870d68b3f197f

--
Joe =o)

Hi,
Calm down and get focus. Winding up will not help and believe me if it is
Microsoft I will agree with you it is their problem, but this the vendor
settings not microsoft settings!
What you get when you try Safe Mode? Do you get three option CD-Rom Device
Floppy Device
Hard dribe and a number for it?
If you do try to select the HDD and immediately Press F8 to get to the Boot
Option or Safe Mode.
sometimes it gives you the option for F9 or F11 it depends on the Brand you
are using.

Take your time and try many times and I'm sure you will successed.
Good luck.


"Memyself" wrote:

There's just no end to Microsoft's BS. After reading Larry's post, I thought
I'd try using System Restore in Safe Mode. Well,
guess what? They've got it set up so that there's no way in hell to access
Safe Mode!!!!
why didn't someone tell me? I did everything, I mean absolutely everything
it says to do in order to access Safe Mode and you know what happens? It just
keeps starting in normal mode after a page of gobbely goop.
I now know that what I always suspected is true: Micorsoft deliberately
embeds their crap with problems, makes sure that the Help and Support feature
is loaded with mis-information so that one is forced to use the fee based
support; only I don't have that kind of money!!!!
How am I supposed to get to safe mode when all the instructions for doing it
are wrong?
--
nothing succeeds like bs


"Larry" wrote:

Do your system restore in Safe Mode. Don't turn off Restore or you will
clean out all that restore info you want.

Larry

"Memyself" wrote in message
...
Elmo, want to thank you for telling me about running Documents and Settings.
It did list my documents so I now know they're still there. Haven't been
able
to get them back yet, but am working on it. Did want to put this out there
for anyone else who may be having this same problem: I just found out that
McAfee may have caused this. A few minutes ago I checked the McAfee Security
Center Event Logs. It said, "12-14-2008, 6:19AM, System Guard allowed a
change to your computer". I logged on about 9AM to find the files gone so
that must be it!
In case anyone else has this problem, don't go to McAfee's techh support.
They keep telling me that as I got the software when I joined ATT, they
can't
help me. Don't do the ATT LiveChat support either. They told me to call
their
phone support people. I'm going to try the things suggested here first as
ATT
techies leave somewhat to be desired.

Also, I've heard that if System Restore won't go to the date you want, you
can turn it off, wait a bit, then turn it back on.
But, won't that destroy the restore points you want? In other words, if
computer was fine December 12, and you want to take it back to that point;
won't turning System Restore off erase that point?
--
nothing succeeds like bs


"Elmo" wrote:

Memyself wrote:
SystemRestore keeps telling me "Cannot restore your computer to
(whatever
date I tried; as of a few minutes ago must be 20 different days). No
changes
made to your computer" And so far I can't get Nass's or Philo's
suggestions
to work either.
I scanned for adware, malware., etc. I'm getting ready to throw this
thing
in this garbage and wipe my hands of all this high tech crap. I've had
it
with the constant bs. Thanks for tip on Geek Squad. Was already
suspicious
when the Dell tech support gal did nothing , but recommended them.
Can anyone tell me if Microsoft will accept a check for their $59
support? I
don't, I mean Never use credit cards .

If the account (with all your settings, software and files) was damaged,
the files would still be there, on the hd. You just need to locate the
folder for the old account and move everything to the new account. You
should see the folder with all its files and settings he

C:\Documents and Settings\Old_Username folder

This MSKB article might help:

How to Copy User Data to a New User Profile:
http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;811151

http://groups.google.com/group/micro...9870d68b3f197f


--
Joe =o)

I'll try that, but if you saw my most recent post, you know that the
instructions for accessing Safe Mode that are in the Help and Support feature
don't seem to work. However, as I've noticed some things work differently
when I unplug my modem, I'll try your suggestion anyway. I have to say, the
high tech has given me far more headaches than joys since I got my first
computer 7 years ago. I DO apreciate the tips from you folks here though.
Thanks for trying to help, even if it doesn't work.
--
nothing succeeds like bs


"nass" wrote:


Hi,
First of, try to disbale Mcafee and disconnect from the internet, then Turn
your machine OFF and Restart it while booting up Press F8 to get to the Boot
menu option and select Safe Mode.
In Safe Mode try To Restore your System to an earlier date and Reboot your
machine to start in Normal Mode.
If that corrected the issue then first thing to do is backup your Data to a
removable storage. If the machine behave okay after a day or so then you are
okay if it start to act funy try to gsther the info in the Event Viewer to
help pin point the causer!
If the Restore didn't take effect then try to create user profile first and
create it in safe mode and also assign it as Admin.
Log with the new Profile and open windows explorer and do the following:
Click Tools Folder Options View scroll down to the radio button for:
(*) Show hidden files folders
and aslo uncheck this check box:
[ ] Hide extension for known file types.
NOTE/Warnning: uncheck these or redo these chnages when your issue resolved!
Now, locate this directory:
C:\Documents and settings\Old corrupteduserprofile\Favorite
C:\Documents and settings\Old corrupteduserprofile\ My documents
Copy the data from this to this (follow the KB article instructions)
C:\Documents and settings\New profile\ Favorite (for fav from the old Profile)
C:\Documents and settings\New profile\Documents (for docs and pics from Old
profile)

After making sure all in and you are not missing something you can safely
delete the profile and you don't need to run any program to recover data!
HTH,
nass
---
http://www.nasstec.co.uk

"Memyself" wrote:

Forgot to ask: Should I try Safe Mode first before trying this "Create New
User Profile " method or I should try
PC Inspector File Recovery first?
--
nothing succeeds like bs


"Larry" wrote:

Do your system restore in Safe Mode. Don't turn off Restore or you will
clean out all that restore info you want.

Larry

"Memyself" wrote in message
...
Elmo, want to thank you for telling me about running Documents and Settings.
It did list my documents so I now know they're still there. Haven't been
able
to get them back yet, but am working on it. Did want to put this out there
for anyone else who may be having this same problem: I just found out that
McAfee may have caused this. A few minutes ago I checked the McAfee Security
Center Event Logs. It said, "12-14-2008, 6:19AM, System Guard allowed a
change to your computer". I logged on about 9AM to find the files gone so
that must be it!
In case anyone else has this problem, don't go to McAfee's techh support.
They keep telling me that as I got the software when I joined ATT, they
can't
help me. Don't do the ATT LiveChat support either. They told me to call
their
phone support people. I'm going to try the things suggested here first as
ATT
techies leave somewhat to be desired.

Also, I've heard that if System Restore won't go to the date you want, you
can turn it off, wait a bit, then turn it back on.
But, won't that destroy the restore points you want? In other words, if
computer was fine December 12, and you want to take it back to that point;
won't turning System Restore off erase that point?
--
nothing succeeds like bs


"Elmo" wrote:

Memyself wrote:
SystemRestore keeps telling me "Cannot restore your computer to
(whatever
date I tried; as of a few minutes ago must be 20 different days). No
changes
made to your computer" And so far I can't get Nass's or Philo's
suggestions
to work either.
I scanned for adware, malware., etc. I'm getting ready to throw this
thing
in this garbage and wipe my hands of all this high tech crap. I've had
it
with the constant bs. Thanks for tip on Geek Squad. Was already
suspicious
when the Dell tech support gal did nothing , but recommended them.
Can anyone tell me if Microsoft will accept a check for their $59
support? I
don't, I mean Never use credit cards .

If the account (with all your settings, software and files) was damaged,
the files would still be there, on the hd. You just need to locate the
folder for the old account and move everything to the new account. You
should see the folder with all its files and settings he

C:\Documents and Settings\Old_Username folder

This MSKB article might help:

How to Copy User Data to a New User Profile:
http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;811151

http://groups.google.com/group/micro...9870d68b3f197f

--
Joe =o)

Hi again,

Yes I get this thing called Boot Up page and it gives me those 3 options
you mentioned. But when I press and hold F8, all I get is this loun annoying
ringing noise and the Boot Page just sits there. After trying several times
for about 2 or 3 minutes each, I took my finger off. When I do, I get a page
telling me to either "press F1 to continue or F2 or Setup."
Setup is useless and F1 takes me back to the empty landscape wallpaper that
I never installed and never saw before this happened.
My computer is a Dell Optiplex GX240. Could it be that they have it fixed so
that you have to press a different key for Safe Mode? I always thought that
was up to Micrcosoft which keys were pressed for which functions. Anyway, I
keep trying as I have to get those files back.
--
nothing succeeds like bs


"nass" wrote:


Hi,
Calm down and get focus. Winding up will not help and believe me if it is
Microsoft I will agree with you it is their problem, but this the vendor
settings not microsoft settings!
What you get when you try Safe Mode? Do you get three option CD-Rom Device
Floppy Device
Hard dribe and a number for it?
If you do try to select the HDD and immediately Press F8 to get to the Boot
Option or Safe Mode.
sometimes it gives you the option for F9 or F11 it depends on the Brand you
are using.

Take your time and try many times and I'm sure you will successed.
Good luck.


"Memyself" wrote:

There's just no end to Microsoft's BS. After reading Larry's post, I thought
I'd try using System Restore in Safe Mode. Well,
guess what? They've got it set up so that there's no way in hell to access
Safe Mode!!!!
why didn't someone tell me? I did everything, I mean absolutely everything
it says to do in order to access Safe Mode and you know what happens? It just
keeps starting in normal mode after a page of gobbely goop.
I now know that what I always suspected is true: Micorsoft deliberately
embeds their crap with problems, makes sure that the Help and Support feature
is loaded with mis-information so that one is forced to use the fee based
support; only I don't have that kind of money!!!!
How am I supposed to get to safe mode when all the instructions for doing it
are wrong?
--
nothing succeeds like bs


"Larry" wrote:

Do your system restore in Safe Mode. Don't turn off Restore or you will
clean out all that restore info you want.

Larry

"Memyself" wrote in message
...
Elmo, want to thank you for telling me about running Documents and Settings.
It did list my documents so I now know they're still there. Haven't been
able
to get them back yet, but am working on it. Did want to put this out there
for anyone else who may be having this same problem: I just found out that
McAfee may have caused this. A few minutes ago I checked the McAfee Security
Center Event Logs. It said, "12-14-2008, 6:19AM, System Guard allowed a
change to your computer". I logged on about 9AM to find the files gone so
that must be it!
In case anyone else has this problem, don't go to McAfee's techh support.
They keep telling me that as I got the software when I joined ATT, they
can't
help me. Don't do the ATT LiveChat support either. They told me to call
their
phone support people. I'm going to try the things suggested here first as
ATT
techies leave somewhat to be desired.

Also, I've heard that if System Restore won't go to the date you want, you
can turn it off, wait a bit, then turn it back on.
But, won't that destroy the restore points you want? In other words, if
computer was fine December 12, and you want to take it back to that point;
won't turning System Restore off erase that point?
--
nothing succeeds like bs


"Elmo" wrote:

Memyself wrote:
SystemRestore keeps telling me "Cannot restore your computer to
(whatever
date I tried; as of a few minutes ago must be 20 different days). No
changes
made to your computer" And so far I can't get Nass's or Philo's
suggestions
to work either.
I scanned for adware, malware., etc. I'm getting ready to throw this
thing
in this garbage and wipe my hands of all this high tech crap. I've had
it
with the constant bs. Thanks for tip on Geek Squad. Was already
suspicious
when the Dell tech support gal did nothing , but recommended them.
Can anyone tell me if Microsoft will accept a check for their $59
support? I
don't, I mean Never use credit cards .

If the account (with all your settings, software and files) was damaged,
the files would still be there, on the hd. You just need to locate the
folder for the old account and move everything to the new account. You
should see the folder with all its files and settings he

C:\Documents and Settings\Old_Username folder

This MSKB article might help:

How to Copy User Data to a New User Profile:
http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;811151

http://groups.google.com/group/micro...9870d68b3f197f


--
Joe =o)

To access Safe Mode you have to repeatedly press F8, not hold it down.
There is a short time period between the completion of BIOS and the
appearance of the XP Flag that the system detects and responds to the
F8 Key press. If your Dell is setup like most it shows a dell background
during BIOS post and not the detailed summary information. Normally
you should press F8 about every half-second. Apparently you are doing
the key press during a period where the machine is watching for a key
press to enter BIOS setup ( a totally different procedure than Safe Mode)

"Memyself" wrote in message
...
Hi again,

Yes I get this thing called Boot Up page and it gives me those 3 options
you mentioned. But when I press and hold F8, all I get is this loun
annoying
ringing noise and the Boot Page just sits there. After trying several
times
for about 2 or 3 minutes each, I took my finger off. When I do, I get a
page
telling me to either "press F1 to continue or F2 or Setup."
Setup is useless and F1 takes me back to the empty landscape wallpaper
that
I never installed and never saw before this happened.
My computer is a Dell Optiplex GX240. Could it be that they have it fixed
so
that you have to press a different key for Safe Mode? I always thought
that
was up to Micrcosoft which keys were pressed for which functions. Anyway,
I
keep trying as I have to get those files back.
--
nothing succeeds like bs


"nass" wrote:


Hi,
Calm down and get focus. Winding up will not help and believe me if it
is
Microsoft I will agree with you it is their problem, but this the vendor
settings not microsoft settings!
What you get when you try Safe Mode? Do you get three option CD-Rom
Device
Floppy Device
Hard dribe and a number for it?
If you do try to select the HDD and immediately Press F8 to get to the
Boot
Option or Safe Mode.
sometimes it gives you the option for F9 or F11 it depends on the Brand
you
are using.

Take your time and try many times and I'm sure you will successed.
Good luck.


"Memyself" wrote:

There's just no end to Microsoft's BS. After reading Larry's post, I
thought
I'd try using System Restore in Safe Mode. Well,
guess what? They've got it set up so that there's no way in hell to
access
Safe Mode!!!!
why didn't someone tell me? I did everything, I mean absolutely
everything
it says to do in order to access Safe Mode and you know what happens?
It just
keeps starting in normal mode after a page of gobbely goop.
I now know that what I always suspected is true: Micorsoft deliberately
embeds their crap with problems, makes sure that the Help and Support
feature
is loaded with mis-information so that one is forced to use the fee
based
support; only I don't have that kind of money!!!!
How am I supposed to get to safe mode when all the instructions for
doing it
are wrong?
--
nothing succeeds like bs


"Larry" wrote:

Do your system restore in Safe Mode. Don't turn off Restore or you
will
clean out all that restore info you want.

Larry

"Memyself" wrote in message
...
Elmo, want to thank you for telling me about running Documents and
Settings.
It did list my documents so I now know they're still there. Haven't
been
able
to get them back yet, but am working on it. Did want to put this out
there
for anyone else who may be having this same problem: I just found out
that
McAfee may have caused this. A few minutes ago I checked the McAfee
Security
Center Event Logs. It said, "12-14-2008, 6:19AM, System Guard allowed
a
change to your computer". I logged on about 9AM to find the files
gone so
that must be it!
In case anyone else has this problem, don't go to McAfee's techh
support.
They keep telling me that as I got the software when I joined ATT,
they
can't
help me. Don't do the ATT LiveChat support either. They told me to
call
their
phone support people. I'm going to try the things suggested here
first as
ATT
techies leave somewhat to be desired.

Also, I've heard that if System Restore won't go to the date you
want, you
can turn it off, wait a bit, then turn it back on.
But, won't that destroy the restore points you want? In other words,
if
computer was fine December 12, and you want to take it back to that
point;
won't turning System Restore off erase that point?
--
nothing succeeds like bs


"Elmo" wrote:

Memyself wrote:
SystemRestore keeps telling me "Cannot restore your computer to
(whatever
date I tried; as of a few minutes ago must be 20 different days).
No
changes
made to your computer" And so far I can't get Nass's or Philo's
suggestions
to work either.
I scanned for adware, malware., etc. I'm getting ready to throw
this
thing
in this garbage and wipe my hands of all this high tech crap.
I've had
it
with the constant bs. Thanks for tip on Geek Squad. Was already
suspicious
when the Dell tech support gal did nothing , but recommended
them.
Can anyone tell me if Microsoft will accept a check for their $59
support? I
don't, I mean Never use credit cards .

If the account (with all your settings, software and files) was
damaged,
the files would still be there, on the hd. You just need to locate
the
folder for the old account and move everything to the new account.
You
should see the folder with all its files and settings he

C:\Documents and Settings\Old_Username folder

This MSKB article might help:

How to Copy User Data to a New User Profile:
http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;811151

http://groups.google.com/group/micro...9870d68b3f197f


--
Joe =o)

Thanks for that. I believe the Help&Support thingie said to hold F8 until the
Safe Mode page appears. I never tried repeated pressing. Yeah, I get a Dell
info page that almost looks like Safe Mode at first glance. I did try some
other keys and got that same ringing noise. that never happened with my old
Gateway Essential 750 (which came with WindowsMellenium). Have to say, as
screwed up as WM was, I could get into Safe Mode wnenever I needed to without
all this fuss and bother.
Anyway, thanks for the tip.
--
nothing succeeds like bs


"R. McCarty" wrote:

To access Safe Mode you have to repeatedly press F8, not hold it down.
There is a short time period between the completion of BIOS and the
appearance of the XP Flag that the system detects and responds to the
F8 Key press. If your Dell is setup like most it shows a dell background
during BIOS post and not the detailed summary information. Normally
you should press F8 about every half-second. Apparently you are doing
the key press during a period where the machine is watching for a key
press to enter BIOS setup ( a totally different procedure than Safe Mode)

"Memyself" wrote in message
...
Hi again,

Yes I get this thing called Boot Up page and it gives me those 3 options
you mentioned. But when I press and hold F8, all I get is this loun
annoying
ringing noise and the Boot Page just sits there. After trying several
times
for about 2 or 3 minutes each, I took my finger off. When I do, I get a
page
telling me to either "press F1 to continue or F2 or Setup."
Setup is useless and F1 takes me back to the empty landscape wallpaper
that
I never installed and never saw before this happened.
My computer is a Dell Optiplex GX240. Could it be that they have it fixed
so
that you have to press a different key for Safe Mode? I always thought
that
was up to Micrcosoft which keys were pressed for which functions. Anyway,
I
keep trying as I have to get those files back.
--
nothing succeeds like bs


"nass" wrote:


Hi,
Calm down and get focus. Winding up will not help and believe me if it
is
Microsoft I will agree with you it is their problem, but this the vendor
settings not microsoft settings!
What you get when you try Safe Mode? Do you get three option CD-Rom
Device
Floppy Device
Hard dribe and a number for it?
If you do try to select the HDD and immediately Press F8 to get to the
Boot
Option or Safe Mode.
sometimes it gives you the option for F9 or F11 it depends on the Brand
you
are using.

Take your time and try many times and I'm sure you will successed.
Good luck.


"Memyself" wrote:

There's just no end to Microsoft's BS. After reading Larry's post, I
thought
I'd try using System Restore in Safe Mode. Well,
guess what? They've got it set up so that there's no way in hell to
access
Safe Mode!!!!
why didn't someone tell me? I did everything, I mean absolutely
everything
it says to do in order to access Safe Mode and you know what happens?
It just
keeps starting in normal mode after a page of gobbely goop.
I now know that what I always suspected is true: Micorsoft deliberately
embeds their crap with problems, makes sure that the Help and Support
feature
is loaded with mis-information so that one is forced to use the fee
based
support; only I don't have that kind of money!!!!
How am I supposed to get to safe mode when all the instructions for
doing it
are wrong?
--
nothing succeeds like bs


"Larry" wrote:

Do your system restore in Safe Mode. Don't turn off Restore or you
will
clean out all that restore info you want.

Larry

"Memyself" wrote in message
...
Elmo, want to thank you for telling me about running Documents and
Settings.
It did list my documents so I now know they're still there. Haven't
been
able
to get them back yet, but am working on it. Did want to put this out
there
for anyone else who may be having this same problem: I just found out
that
McAfee may have caused this. A few minutes ago I checked the McAfee
Security
Center Event Logs. It said, "12-14-2008, 6:19AM, System Guard allowed
a
change to your computer". I logged on about 9AM to find the files
gone so
that must be it!
In case anyone else has this problem, don't go to McAfee's techh
support.
They keep telling me that as I got the software when I joined ATT,
they
can't
help me. Don't do the ATT LiveChat support either. They told me to
call
their
phone support people. I'm going to try the things suggested here
first as
ATT
techies leave somewhat to be desired.

Also, I've heard that if System Restore won't go to the date you
want, you
can turn it off, wait a bit, then turn it back on.
But, won't that destroy the restore points you want? In other words,
if
computer was fine December 12, and you want to take it back to that
point;
won't turning System Restore off erase that point?
--
nothing succeeds like bs


"Elmo" wrote:

Memyself wrote:
SystemRestore keeps telling me "Cannot restore your computer to
(whatever
date I tried; as of a few minutes ago must be 20 different days).
No
changes
made to your computer" And so far I can't get Nass's or Philo's
suggestions
to work either.
I scanned for adware, malware., etc. I'm getting ready to throw
this
thing
in this garbage and wipe my hands of all this high tech crap.
I've had
it
with the constant bs. Thanks for tip on Geek Squad. Was already
suspicious
when the Dell tech support gal did nothing , but recommended
them.
Can anyone tell me if Microsoft will accept a check for their $59
support? I
don't, I mean Never use credit cards .

If the account (with all your settings, software and files) was
damaged,
the files would still be there, on the hd. You just need to locate
the
folder for the old account and move everything to the new account.
You
should see the folder with all its files and settings he

C:\Documents and Settings\Old_Username folder

This MSKB article might help:

How to Copy User Data to a New User Profile:
http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;811151

http://groups.google.com/group/micro...9870d68b3f197f


--
Joe =o)

Just tried it and still no Safe Mode. What I did get was a page somewhat like
the BIOS page (or maybe it actually was BIOS). It said:
"Primary hard drive not found
Secondary hard drive not found
Press F1 to continue or F2 for Setup"

Does anyone know what that means? It can't mean those drives are just gone!
When I run "C:\Documents and Settings\Old_Username Folder" I can see a list
of my missing documents. I assume that if those drives were simply gone,
that list wouldn't be there.
I feel like a fool to keep bugging people here but do you know what my next
step should be? In the meantime I'll search Microsoft's knowledge base and
the newsgroups to see if anyone else has had this problem.
--
nothing succeeds like bs


"R. McCarty" wrote:

To access Safe Mode you have to repeatedly press F8, not hold it down.
There is a short time period between the completion of BIOS and the
appearance of the XP Flag that the system detects and responds to the
F8 Key press. If your Dell is setup like most it shows a dell background
during BIOS post and not the detailed summary information. Normally
you should press F8 about every half-second. Apparently you are doing
the key press during a period where the machine is watching for a key
press to enter BIOS setup ( a totally different procedure than Safe Mode)

"Memyself" wrote in message
...
Hi again,

Yes I get this thing called Boot Up page and it gives me those 3 options
you mentioned. But when I press and hold F8, all I get is this loun
annoying
ringing noise and the Boot Page just sits there. After trying several
times
for about 2 or 3 minutes each, I took my finger off. When I do, I get a
page
telling me to either "press F1 to continue or F2 or Setup."
Setup is useless and F1 takes me back to the empty landscape wallpaper
that
I never installed and never saw before this happened.
My computer is a Dell Optiplex GX240. Could it be that they have it fixed
so
that you have to press a different key for Safe Mode? I always thought
that
was up to Micrcosoft which keys were pressed for which functions. Anyway,
I
keep trying as I have to get those files back.
--
nothing succeeds like bs


"nass" wrote:


Hi,
Calm down and get focus. Winding up will not help and believe me if it
is
Microsoft I will agree with you it is their problem, but this the vendor
settings not microsoft settings!
What you get when you try Safe Mode? Do you get three option CD-Rom
Device
Floppy Device
Hard dribe and a number for it?
If you do try to select the HDD and immediately Press F8 to get to the
Boot
Option or Safe Mode.
sometimes it gives you the option for F9 or F11 it depends on the Brand
you
are using.

Take your time and try many times and I'm sure you will successed.
Good luck.


"Memyself" wrote:

There's just no end to Microsoft's BS. After reading Larry's post, I
thought
I'd try using System Restore in Safe Mode. Well,
guess what? They've got it set up so that there's no way in hell to
access
Safe Mode!!!!
why didn't someone tell me? I did everything, I mean absolutely
everything
it says to do in order to access Safe Mode and you know what happens?
It just
keeps starting in normal mode after a page of gobbely goop.
I now know that what I always suspected is true: Micorsoft deliberately
embeds their crap with problems, makes sure that the Help and Support
feature
is loaded with mis-information so that one is forced to use the fee
based
support; only I don't have that kind of money!!!!
How am I supposed to get to safe mode when all the instructions for
doing it
are wrong?
--
nothing succeeds like bs


"Larry" wrote:

Do your system restore in Safe Mode. Don't turn off Restore or you
will
clean out all that restore info you want.

Larry

"Memyself" wrote in message
...
Elmo, want to thank you for telling me about running Documents and
Settings.
It did list my documents so I now know they're still there. Haven't
been
able
to get them back yet, but am working on it. Did want to put this out
there
for anyone else who may be having this same problem: I just found out
that
McAfee may have caused this. A few minutes ago I checked the McAfee
Security
Center Event Logs. It said, "12-14-2008, 6:19AM, System Guard allowed
a
change to your computer". I logged on about 9AM to find the files
gone so
that must be it!
In case anyone else has this problem, don't go to McAfee's techh
support.
They keep telling me that as I got the software when I joined ATT,
they
can't
help me. Don't do the ATT LiveChat support either. They told me to
call
their
phone support people. I'm going to try the things suggested here
first as
ATT
techies leave somewhat to be desired.

Also, I've heard that if System Restore won't go to the date you
want, you
can turn it off, wait a bit, then turn it back on.
But, won't that destroy the restore points you want? In other words,
if
computer was fine December 12, and you want to take it back to that
point;
won't turning System Restore off erase that point?
--
nothing succeeds like bs


"Elmo" wrote:

Memyself wrote:
SystemRestore keeps telling me "Cannot restore your computer to
(whatever
date I tried; as of a few minutes ago must be 20 different days).
No
changes
made to your computer" And so far I can't get Nass's or Philo's
suggestions
to work either.
I scanned for adware, malware., etc. I'm getting ready to throw
this
thing
in this garbage and wipe my hands of all this high tech crap.
I've had
it
with the constant bs. Thanks for tip on Geek Squad. Was already
suspicious
when the Dell tech support gal did nothing , but recommended
them.
Can anyone tell me if Microsoft will accept a check for their $59
support? I
don't, I mean Never use credit cards .

If the account (with all your settings, software and files) was
damaged,
the files would still be there, on the hd. You just need to locate
the
folder for the old account and move everything to the new account.
You
should see the folder with all its files and settings he

C:\Documents and Settings\Old_Username folder

This MSKB article might help:

How to Copy User Data to a New User Profile:
http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;811151

http://groups.google.com/group/micro...9870d68b3f197f


--
Joe =o)

Memyself wrote:
Just tried it and still no Safe Mode. What I did get was a page somewhat like
the BIOS page (or maybe it actually was BIOS). It said:
"Primary hard drive not found
Secondary hard drive not found
Press F1 to continue or F2 for Setup"

Does anyone know what that means? It can't mean those drives are just gone!
When I run "C:\Documents and Settings\Old_Username Folder" I can see a list
of my missing documents. I assume that if those drives were simply gone,
that list wouldn't be there.
I feel like a fool to keep bugging people here but do you know what my next
step should be? In the meantime I'll search Microsoft's knowledge base and
the newsgroups to see if anyone else has had this problem.

Try pecking on the F5 key after the kb lights flash on/off. You're
trying to prevent a keyboard error by pressing a key to soon in the
POST. I prefer F5 since some systems use F8 to ask what boot device to use.

--
Joe =o)

Well, one little, tiny bit of good news. I finally got into Safe Mode. The
bad news is that System Restore still tells me it can't restore the computer
to before this weird thing happened. I tried Dec. 12, and all the other
restore points up to Oct. 30 (it won't go back any further and each time I
get this: "Cannot restore computer to the date chosen, no changes made".
Here's how I finally got in: I found a site called
http://www.the_pc_guru.com/how_to_st...owsXP_in_s.php.
It said to: 1. go to Start, then Run
2. type "msconfig" in the Run box, hit Enter
3. when System Configuration Utility box comes up , chose
BOOT.INI tab
4. tick the box marked "SAFEBOOT" , click OK
5. Restart when prompted
System DID restart in Safe Mode. Before you go back to Normal Mode, you have
to repeat the steps and uncheck the SAFEBOOT box.

Like I said, it worked as far as being finally able to get to SM, it just
didn't help me solved the real problem.
I'm going to see if Dell can help me with this "Primary Disk Drive not
found, etc." thing.
Oh yes, thanks for suggesting other keys to try. If I find out anything
about the Drive problem I'll let you know in case anyone here is having
similar headaches


--
nothing succeeds like bs


"Elmo" wrote:

Memyself wrote:
Just tried it and still no Safe Mode. What I did get was a page somewhat like
the BIOS page (or maybe it actually was BIOS). It said:
"Primary hard drive not found
Secondary hard drive not found
Press F1 to continue or F2 for Setup"

Does anyone know what that means? It can't mean those drives are just gone!
When I run "C:\Documents and Settings\Old_Username Folder" I can see a list
of my missing documents. I assume that if those drives were simply gone,
that list wouldn't be there.
I feel like a fool to keep bugging people here but do you know what my next
step should be? In the meantime I'll search Microsoft's knowledge base and
the newsgroups to see if anyone else has had this problem.

Try pecking on the F5 key after the kb lights flash on/off. You're
trying to prevent a keyboard error by pressing a key to soon in the
POST. I prefer F5 since some systems use F8 to ask what boot device to use.

--
Joe =o)

"Memyself" wrote:

Well, one little, tiny bit of good news. I finally got into Safe Mode. The
bad news is that System Restore still tells me it can't restore the computer
to before this weird thing happened. I tried Dec. 12, and all the other
restore points up to Oct. 30 (it won't go back any further and each time I
get this: "Cannot restore computer to the date chosen, no changes made".
Here's how I finally got in: I found a site called
http://www.the_pc_guru.com/how_to_st...owsXP_in_s.php.
It said to: 1. go to Start, then Run
2. type "msconfig" in the Run box, hit Enter
3. when System Configuration Utility box comes up , chose
BOOT.INI tab
4. tick the box marked "SAFEBOOT" , click OK
5. Restart when prompted
System DID restart in Safe Mode. Before you go back to Normal Mode, you have
to repeat the steps and uncheck the SAFEBOOT box.

Like I said, it worked as far as being finally able to get to SM, it just
didn't help me solved the real problem.
I'm going to see if Dell can help me with this "Primary Disk Drive not
found, etc." thing.
Oh yes, thanks for suggesting other keys to try. If I find out anything
about the Drive problem I'll let you know in case anyone here is having
similar headaches


--
nothing succeeds like bs

Hi,
From your descriptions, your HDD may be going bad and you need to act quickly!
I Will advise you against using the Recovery Partition which provided on
DEll machine it will wipe out all your data and take your machine to factory
settings.
If you want you can use Repair/install which may or may not (no guarantee)
it will keep your data intacte and not corrupted. Which you should do now is:
1- Check the HDD health by ruuning the Diagnostic tools on it from he
Drivers and Downloads Search Criteria
http://support.dell.com/support/down...&catid=&impid=

Also, if the HDD test pass okay try to download the BIOS updates ( you can
log into the BIOS settings and make sure the HDD selected as primary and
detected) and chipset drivers (IDE) and extract them to yuor hdd.

Something to consider resettings the jumper on your HDD per the article
instruction or console your Machine/HDD manual.
Read from page 32 and onward (3.2 Jumper settings):
http://www.seagate.com/support/disc/.../ata/u7_pm.pdf

If the HDD is bad try to Contact DELL in either case the machine under
warranty or out of warranty to repalce your HDD with a new one (make sure
they will supply you with a media to install the Operating system, talk to
them about it).

After having a new HDD and all is working you can hook the Old HDD to the
Machine as Slave and grap your Data then you can foramt that HDD and use it
to install software that you have installation media ( don't trust it with
Data,always back up to external Storage).
HTH,
nass
---
http://www.nasstec.co.uk

I sure hope a new drive won't cost more than 150 or so as I'm laid off right
now. Anyway, I'll try the things you say. I suppose that copying data to a
new user profile, or any of that stuff is no good till I see just what is
going on with the HDD. I think I'll spend a couple more hours trying to get
system restore to work, then try what you suggest. I worry that by the time I
have enough money for a new drive or to pay any tech support or data retrival
fees, it'll be too late. Do you have any idea about if GoBack will help? I
know it's under $40 , but I have no idea how it'll work for this kind of
problem.

I need some sleep, been at this steadily since Sunday morning. Thanks for
all your help and I'll let you know what happens.
--
nothing succeeds like bs


"nass" wrote:



"Memyself" wrote:

Well, one little, tiny bit of good news. I finally got into Safe Mode. The
bad news is that System Restore still tells me it can't restore the computer
to before this weird thing happened. I tried Dec. 12, and all the other
restore points up to Oct. 30 (it won't go back any further and each time I
get this: "Cannot restore computer to the date chosen, no changes made".
Here's how I finally got in: I found a site called
http://www.the_pc_guru.com/how_to_st...owsXP_in_s.php.
It said to: 1. go to Start, then Run
2. type "msconfig" in the Run box, hit Enter
3. when System Configuration Utility box comes up , chose
BOOT.INI tab
4. tick the box marked "SAFEBOOT" , click OK
5. Restart when prompted
System DID restart in Safe Mode. Before you go back to Normal Mode, you have
to repeat the steps and uncheck the SAFEBOOT box.

Like I said, it worked as far as being finally able to get to SM, it just
didn't help me solved the real problem.
I'm going to see if Dell can help me with this "Primary Disk Drive not
found, etc." thing.
Oh yes, thanks for suggesting other keys to try. If I find out anything
about the Drive problem I'll let you know in case anyone here is having
similar headaches


--
nothing succeeds like bs

Hi,
From your descriptions, your HDD may be going bad and you need to act quickly!
I Will advise you against using the Recovery Partition which provided on
DEll machine it will wipe out all your data and take your machine to factory
settings.
If you want you can use Repair/install which may or may not (no guarantee)
it will keep your data intacte and not corrupted. Which you should do now is:
1- Check the HDD health by ruuning the Diagnostic tools on it from he
Drivers and Downloads Search Criteria
http://support.dell.com/support/down...&catid=&impid=

Also, if the HDD test pass okay try to download the BIOS updates ( you can
log into the BIOS settings and make sure the HDD selected as primary and
detected) and chipset drivers (IDE) and extract them to yuor hdd.

Something to consider resettings the jumper on your HDD per the article
instruction or console your Machine/HDD manual.
Read from page 32 and onward (3.2 Jumper settings):
http://www.seagate.com/support/disc/.../ata/u7_pm.pdf

If the HDD is bad try to Contact DELL in either case the machine under
warranty or out of warranty to repalce your HDD with a new one (make sure
they will supply you with a media to install the Operating system, talk to
them about it).

After having a new HDD and all is working you can hook the Old HDD to the
Machine as Slave and grap your Data then you can foramt that HDD and use it
to install software that you have installation media ( don't trust it with
Data,always back up to external Storage).
HTH,
nass
---
http://www.nasstec.co.uk

Not sure about one thing. When you do this process once issue is resolved, do
you mean after the "primary disk drive not found" issue is dealt with? Thanks
again


--
nothing succeeds like bs


"nass" wrote:


Hi,
First of, try to disbale Mcafee and disconnect from the internet, then Turn
your machine OFF and Restart it while booting up Press F8 to get to the Boot
menu option and select Safe Mode.
In Safe Mode try To Restore your System to an earlier date and Reboot your
machine to start in Normal Mode.
If that corrected the issue then first thing to do is backup your Data to a
removable storage. If the machine behave okay after a day or so then you are
okay if it start to act funy try to gsther the info in the Event Viewer to
help pin point the causer!
If the Restore didn't take effect then try to create user profile first and
create it in safe mode and also assign it as Admin.
Log with the new Profile and open windows explorer and do the following:
Click Tools Folder Options View scroll down to the radio button for:
(*) Show hidden files folders
and aslo uncheck this check box:
[ ] Hide extension for known file types.
NOTE/Warnning: uncheck these or redo these chnages when your issue resolved!
Now, locate this directory:
C:\Documents and settings\Old corrupteduserprofile\Favorite
C:\Documents and settings\Old corrupteduserprofile\ My documents
Copy the data from this to this (follow the KB article instructions)
C:\Documents and settings\New profile\ Favorite (for fav from the old Profile)
C:\Documents and settings\New profile\Documents (for docs and pics from Old
profile)

After making sure all in and you are not missing something you can safely
delete the profile and you don't need to run any program to recover data!
HTH,
nass
---
http://www.nasstec.co.uk

"Memyself" wrote:

Forgot to ask: Should I try Safe Mode first before trying this "Create New
User Profile " method or I should try
PC Inspector File Recovery first?
--
nothing succeeds like bs


"Larry" wrote:

Do your system restore in Safe Mode. Don't turn off Restore or you will
clean out all that restore info you want.

Larry

"Memyself" wrote in message
...
Elmo, want to thank you for telling me about running Documents and Settings.
It did list my documents so I now know they're still there. Haven't been
able
to get them back yet, but am working on it. Did want to put this out there
for anyone else who may be having this same problem: I just found out that
McAfee may have caused this. A few minutes ago I checked the McAfee Security
Center Event Logs. It said, "12-14-2008, 6:19AM, System Guard allowed a
change to your computer". I logged on about 9AM to find the files gone so
that must be it!
In case anyone else has this problem, don't go to McAfee's techh support.
They keep telling me that as I got the software when I joined ATT, they
can't
help me. Don't do the ATT LiveChat support either. They told me to call
their
phone support people. I'm going to try the things suggested here first as
ATT
techies leave somewhat to be desired.

Also, I've heard that if System Restore won't go to the date you want, you
can turn it off, wait a bit, then turn it back on.
But, won't that destroy the restore points you want? In other words, if
computer was fine December 12, and you want to take it back to that point;
won't turning System Restore off erase that point?
--
nothing succeeds like bs


"Elmo" wrote:

Memyself wrote:
SystemRestore keeps telling me "Cannot restore your computer to
(whatever
date I tried; as of a few minutes ago must be 20 different days). No
changes
made to your computer" And so far I can't get Nass's or Philo's
suggestions
to work either.
I scanned for adware, malware., etc. I'm getting ready to throw this
thing
in this garbage and wipe my hands of all this high tech crap. I've had
it
with the constant bs. Thanks for tip on Geek Squad. Was already
suspicious
when the Dell tech support gal did nothing , but recommended them.
Can anyone tell me if Microsoft will accept a check for their $59
support? I
don't, I mean Never use credit cards .

If the account (with all your settings, software and files) was damaged,
the files would still be there, on the hd. You just need to locate the
folder for the old account and move everything to the new account. You
should see the folder with all its files and settings he

C:\Documents and Settings\Old_Username folder

This MSKB article might help:

How to Copy User Data to a New User Profile:
http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;811151

http://groups.google.com/group/micro...9870d68b3f197f

--
Joe =o)