files and folders

  • Thread starter Thread starter Deb
  • Start date Start date
D

Deb

the files and folders on the pc are now mostly in the
wrong place and no restore points have been made ( well
not when the pc was in the state when xp was installed)
so i can't restore system to how i would like it. lack of
basic understanding has been the problem! I wonder if
there is some way that i can get all the files/folders
put into the correct places. I need to make sure the
files are opened as they should be as often i get a msg
saying that a file can't be opened because its creator is
unknown etc. basically, i need the contents of the pc
(both system stuff and personal stuff is affected) sorted
out, corrected and then locked so things can't be put in
the wrong places again. I seem to have duplicated loads
of stuff and where i've tried to sort it out (blindly)
i've now got the problem of not being able to operate
without a msg telling me that the file/folder has been
moved or is missing. Please would you attempt to 'sort
me out'? I would be soooo happy if you can. Thankyou
Deb.
 
Could you give us some information about how the system got that way? You
seem to be talking about application files, your data files and system
files, is that correct?

Did you just upgrade this system to XP over a previous version of Windows,
if yes, what version?

If no, what led to the system being in this state, is this a recent issue?
You do realize that if restore points are created automatically as long as
System Restore is turned on and it is by default in XP setup which means you
would have to have turned it off for it not to be functioning or it is
corrupt. In other words, if this didn't begin too long ago, you might be
able to use System Restore to set it right, just look for a restore point
that predates the issue as long as one still exists.

If this is not the result of having just upgraded over a previous setup,
first you should run a virus scan, if you don't have your own antivirus
application you can get scanned online:
http://housecall.trendmicro.com/ Just click "Scan now, it's Free" under
Scan my PC.

Also, download, install and run Ad Aware to be sure there's not malware on
your system that might be the source of the issue:
www.lavasoftusa.com

To resolve problems with the system files, short of starting over, you can
try the following:
The following assumes you have an actual XP CD as opposed to a restore CD or
restore partition supplied by your PC manufacturer.

Go to Start, type sfc /scannow in the run box and press enter. Note, there
is a space between sfc and the forward slash. You will be asked for your XP
CD. Be aware, upon inserting the CD the XP setup screen may appear, this is
not a part of sfc /scannow, rather it is being invoked by autorun. Simply
minimize the screen and allow sfc to continue.

If the above fails to resolve the issue, try a repair install as follows:

Be sure you are well backed up in case there is a problem from which you are
unable to recover. NOTE, while a repair install should leave your data
files intact, if something goes wrong during the repair install, you may be
forced to start over and do a clean install of XP. If you don't have your
data backed up, you would lose your data should that eventuality occur.

Assuming your system is set to boot from the CD-ROM drive, boot with the XP
CD in the drive. If it isn't or you are not sure, you need to enter the
system's BIOS. When you boot the system, the first screen usually has
instructions that if you wish to enter setup press a specific key, when you
see that, do so. Then you will have to navigate to the boot sequence, if
the CD-ROM drive is not first line, set it first in the boot sequence. Save
your settings and exit with the XP CD in the drive. The system will reboot.

Boot from the CD. If your system is set to be able to boot from the CD, it
should detect the disk and give a brief message, during the boot up, if you
wish to boot from the CD press any key.

Once you have pressed a key, setup should begin. You will see a reference
asking if you need to load special drivers and another notice that if you
wish to begin the ASR (Automatic Recovery Console) depress F2. Just let
setup run past all of that. It will continue to load files and drivers.

Then it will bring you to a screen. Eventually, you will come to a screen
with the option to (1) setup Windows or (2) Repair Windows Installation
using the Recovery console.

The first option, to setup Windows is the one you want and requires you to
press enter. When asked, press F8 to accept the end user agreement. Setup
will then search for previous versions of Windows. Upon finding your
version, it will ask if you wish to Repair your current installation or
install fresh. Press R, that will run a repair installation. From there
on, follow the screens.

The best way to fix applications files is to reinstall the applications.

The only thing I can suggest for data files is to manually move them to
where they belong unless they are where they belong and only the paths to
them are corrupted.
 
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