Hi,

I recently downloaded what I thought was a proxy program, but turned out to be a command line based program that deletes system32 in a very quick way... I tried to look at the code by changing it to .txt but it wasnt in a readable format. anyway now I cant log into my computer because it has an error message when I try to type in the admin password. I cant restore it either because thats windows based and probably got deleted.. all I want to know is there a way to reinstall all the system32 .dll files without having to reformat? I also have all my firefox history in the hdd and id rather not lose that. Ive tried safe mode but it doesnt work. the only thing ive come close to was booting windows xp disk and hit "r" to repair it and got to a command line with a bunch of stuff related to the systemroot and whatnot. so is there any way to recover without reformatting?

How to recover from a corrupted registry that prevents Windows XP from starting


If the above does not work a Repair Install should retain your files and folders.

If the data is extremely valuable you can slave the drive in another computer to extract it.

Thanks for the info, I did everything in the first one and everything went smooth as far as the command line type thing went, however when I restart or try to start in safe mode is say:

"load needed DLLs for kernel"

along with some files on the top of the screen called

system32\ntoskrnl.exe
system32\hal.dll
system32\kdcom.dll

I suspect that some of these files lie in the windows\repair\ folder, am I correct?

I would recommend a Repair Install:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315341

Again if you have critical data slave the drive first to extract your data.

I have never lost anything on a Repair Install but all concerned recommend having backups.

Another good guide:

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

what do you mean slave the drive? as in salvage it for a new computer? if so Id have to hire somebody to do that... cuz im a klutz

or does slave mean just getting the data?

edit- ok ive done chkdsk /r at the windows command line, and now the

system32\ntoskrnl.exe
system32\hal.dll
system32\kdcom.dll

doesnt show, however the "load needed DLLs for kernel" still shows up

It means you remove the drive from the present computer and install it into another computer.

From the second computer which runs as Master you can access and backup data on the slave drive.

You can also use an USB external enclosure to achieve the same results without having to open the second computer.

Then put the drive back in the present computer and run a Repair Install.

Again if your data is not Critical there is a very good chance that a Repair Install will retain your data.

The question is how valuable the data and what risk you are comfortable with.

Again I've never lost anything via a Repair Install. But maybe I'm just lucky.

what would constitute install repair data loss? for instance system32 being destroyed?

I have a question about the usb thing, if I were to take a double sided usb cord, and plug one into one computer, and the other into the working computer, would the computer show up in "my computer" or would a harddrive show up on "my computer"?

also, I have an external harddrive if that means anything

A Repair Install should retain all your data and programs.

It simply reinstalls the Operating system files. XP as new.

It differs from a Clean Install which would remove all data from your hard drive before reinstalling XP.

The data in question is anything you have added: pictures; files; documents; etc.

As to the USB you would need to remove the hard drive and place it into an exterior USB case then attach that to a functioning computer.

ok thanks, and how would I reinstall it

is this the link for explaining how to reinstalling the os?

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315341

also, what about my exterior harddrive, would that help?

Yes that is the link.

Remove the USB drive during the process.