Install/Uninstall problems after windows updates crash

Discussion in 'Windows XP / Older OS' started by The_Numpty, Jun 22, 2011.

  1. The_Numpty

    The_Numpty MDL Novice

    Jun 22, 2011
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    Greetings!
    I have windows XP Home sp3.

    During Windows update process, power was temporarily lost to the PC.

    Now I cannot run, uninstall or re-install programs such as Quicktime etc.

    There is a white square at the top left hand side of the desktop window and many programs in the Start->Programs folder are 'empty'...

    I'm also unable to re-install windows XP - it says the version installed is newer than the one on the cd.

    Examining the bios settings revealed that the second hard drive (F:) was shown as there, but no further details were shown (now fixed)

    I have very little hair left to pull out - can anyone help with this?

    Paul.
     
  2. Tito

    Tito Super Mod / Adviser
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    Nov 30, 2009
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    Just format the hard disk or C:\ and start from the beginning??? :Lighten:
     
  3. acyuta

    acyuta MDL Expert

    Mar 8, 2010
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    Also use a proper backup solution in the future. I use Acronis from the Western digital site and it is free.
     
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  4. starams5

    starams5 MDL Member

    Feb 5, 2010
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  5. urie

    urie Moderator
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    May 21, 2007
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    You could try using system restore first before formatting your computor.

    To start System Restore using the Command prompt, follow these steps:

    1 Restart your computer, and then press and hold F8 during the initial startup to start your computer in safe mode with a Command prompt.

    2 Use the arrow keys to select the Safe mode with a Command prompt option.

    3 If you are prompted to select an operating system, use the arrow keys to select the appropriate operating system for your computer, and then press ENTER.

    4 Log on as an administrator or with an account that has administrator credentials.

    5 At the command prompt, type %systemroot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe, and then press ENTER.

    6 Follow the instructions that appear on the screen to restore your computer to a functional state.
     
  6. The_Numpty

    The_Numpty MDL Novice

    Jun 22, 2011
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    Thanks Tito.
    I'm not particularly dreading a re-format and restart thing.
    However, because this pc came with windows installed and the disc I have is a windows XP home version 2002.
    I'm unsure whether this will completely reinstall the operating system.
    What do you think? Will this work?

    The Numpty
     
  7. The_Numpty

    The_Numpty MDL Novice

    Jun 22, 2011
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    Thanks! Have downloaded Acronis and will use from this point!
     
  8. Tito

    Tito Super Mod / Adviser
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  9. acyuta

    acyuta MDL Expert

    Mar 8, 2010
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    Acronis is free if you have a Seagate/WD hard disk as the boot disk. Do not know about other HD manufacturers. The paid (or torrent) version is also there, but for simple and 100% reliable backups, I would recommend the free download from Seagate/WD.
     
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