Alright, apparently I got a virus or something on my pc. I got home last night and my PC wouldn't turn on. It gave me an error message that a system file is missing or corrupt - so windows could not start up. I don't remember exactly the name of the file that is missing, but I know it said something like system32 or somthing like that.

The problem I have is that I don't have a Windows XP Home Edition CD, the only CD that came with my Dell was a reinstall XP Cd, which doesn't have a recovery file on it. I could reinstall XP, but then I lose all my information that I have on my PC.

Can someone please help me out??
THANK YOU!

 

Have you looked for a "CAB" folder on your computer? Most OEM installs will create this folder to access files and drivers. Browse your c: drive for this folder. It could be at the root of c: or in the "windows" and possibly c:\windows\options\CABS

Check this link to see how to extract the file if you find the folder:

http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;310435

I got my fingers crossed for ya..

Jabo

 

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention this. To fix it properly, get an upgrade to XP Pro.

 

Thanks, I'll try it out tonight.

ANother question - if I upgrade to XP Prof., will all my new programs that I installed stay on my PC, or will I have to reinstall everything? And would I lose any of my documents?

Thanks again!

 

if you upgrade, you will retain everything.

 

Thanks again guys!!