I still cannot drag files or use the search function or connect to the network or internet.

Before considering a 'repair install', some of that missing functionality might be restored as follows:


Use the System File Checker (SFC) :
(typical runtime is 30 minutes) - please read over all instructions before proceeding.


Sometimes when you install third party software, it may overwrite important operating system files. This can cause instability - or worse. Windows XP includes a command line tool that you can use if you think this may have happened (for example, if you get a message box warning that there is a problem with a .dll or the system just seems unstable). Here's how to use it:

1. Click Start | Run.
2. In the Run box, type/copy&paste:
   SFC /scannow (notice the space plus slash).
   
3. Windows will scan all protected Windows files to verify that they are intact and in their original versions. If they're not, corrupt, missing or incorrect files are replaced. You may be prompted to insert your Windows XP installation CD if your Dllcache folder (where Windows keeps a copy of essential system files) has become corrupt or has been deleted.

To avoid the possibility of having to dig out and insert the OS CD, you can copy the i386 folder from the installation CD to your hard disk, and just point Windows there to find the files it needs. For instructions on how to do so, and more info about scannow, see:
http://www.wxpnews.com/rd/rd.cfm?id=060117HT-Update_XP




Let us know what, if anything, changes.

no changes were made after I ran the scannow also, it did not ask me to install CD.

sorry for all the problems.

I am attempting to fix without losing family photos

If that is still your overriding primary objective, I would strongly suggest you proceed on a basis where the contents of the current disk are protected without the possibility of avoidable compromise.

Doing a repair install introduces some low to moderate risk of avoidable user error, but may not necessarily fix your issues, either. I have not been able to find a successful resolution in my research of very similar cases. We may have removed much of the infection on your PC but the damage that has been done may not be easily repaired, if at all.


The safest and simplest way to protect your valued files is to obtain a new hard drive and do a clean install and then deal with your old drive yourself (put it in an USB external enclosure [IDE or SATA, as applicable] or as a secondary internal drive) or through professional assistance.


Even a backup would generally require the acquisition of another hard drive unless you have a working CD/DVD burner. Much harder to do when you don't have 'drag & drop' functionality.


You could use affordable backup software like Acronis ($US50 or less) but would not want a complete drive image, just the files/folders of interest:

http://www.acronis.com/

However, there is a learning curve and the recovery process needs to be carefully reviewed and methodically applied in an understood and alert manner.

Thanks for all your help, I believe I am much more knowledgeable than I was a few days ago.
I believe I will need to go with finding another hard drive to get the computer back and then figure how to get the pictures off of this one.

again thank you for your help and your time

Rick