In Windows XP, I am unable to open the "Add and Remove Programs" section of the Control Panel. I have not used it in awhile but have never had a problem before. Your help is appreciated.

Hi Sacramento,

Backup/archive/copy

To be on the safe side I strongly recommend that before doing anything at all you check that your back up/archive/copy of all your important data, drivers, files, settings, work, etc is 100% up to date accurate and reproducible, (even if your back up is even only a day or so out of date, it's worth updating it now.)
Also don't forget to check that you have all your application Installation CD's to hand together with the product keys (including those for Windows itself)

Windows Protected System File Checker SFC

Start>Run
type:
sfc /scannow (note the space between c /)
Have your Win XP installation disc handy as if damaged files are found they will need to be copied across from your disc, if SFC can't find correct copies elsewhere.

Windows XP Installation disc not available or wrong Service Pack ie SP1 when SP2 is needed

There are work- arounds to this problem but the easiest, by far is to borrow one and use that. It is perfectly OK to do this, for the purposes of running SFC,and if you ask around all your friends, you are likely to find someone who will be able to help you out.
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SFC no disc, no friends able to help.
Well you will need to do it the harder way and as a registry edit will be required it is essential that you back up your registry before you do anything else. Then in the event of trouble it will be easier to repair your registry. Download ERUNT from here: (ERUNT download and review - registry backup tool from SnapFiles) and take a moment to familiarise yourself with the programme and how to repair your registry with it if it should become necessary. At the same time it would be wise to create a System Restore point, post back here if you need instructions on how to do this.

For the alterations needed to run SFC If you go here (scannow sfc - LEARN how to use SFC.EXE (system file checker) in this article!) you will find detailed instructions on the copying of files and the system changes you need to make. When you have followed all the instructions, reboot you machine and try to run SFC again, and please let us know how you go.
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System Restore Point facility

Go to:
Start>All Programs>Accessories>System Tools>System Restore
follow the onscreen directions.
Try to put your system back to a date before your troubles started.
see how you go.

Note 1
Using this facility will normally preserve documents and data created by you in your My Documents folder, but some data files left on the desktop for example are at severe risk of being lost. For this reason it is recommended that before doing anything at all, you check that your back up/archive/copy of all your important data, files, settings, work, etc is 100% up to date accurate and reproducible, (even if your back up is even only a day or so out of date, its worth updating it now.)

Also don't forget to check that you have all your application Installation CD's to hand together with the product keys (including those for Windows itself)

Note 2
It is always important to have System Restore, protecting your boot drive (usually Drive C:/ unless your trusted adviser specifically recommends turning it off for a short while.

Keep us posted on your progress.

kind regards,

Thank you for your directions on fixing my computer. Unfortunately, while I have a repair disc (up to Service Pack 2), I have Service Pack 3 on my system. So I cannot use it including the fact that I have somehow misplaced my product key!
I tried to follow the instructions for not having a disc and I am now completely lost in space with the Scannow instructions.
I guess you would have to know that I am 66 years old and all of this is just too complicated for me! Thank you anyway!
I will probably take my computer back where I bought it and have them fix it for me!!!!!
Thanks, again.

By the way, I did make one change: I changed the Source Path to C drive. (It was on E drive.) Should I leave it alone or put it back?

Hello Sacramento,

Your product key should be a sticker on the back of your PC tower, or if a Laptop underneath in a prominent position. You do not need your product key to do an SFC Scan, but you do need you Operating System CD.

If you are going back to where you purchased your computer you should request strongly the OS CD for XP/SP2 along with a slipstreamed CD containing SP3. By law here in Australia computers must be supplied with the CD OS when sold. The shop where you purchased your computer can easily slipstream SP3 for you using your SP2 disk.
Windows XP: Slipstream Service Pack 3 into Your Windows XP Installation CD

Now being your age is just a number, please don't worry about that, it is what you make of life that counts, not the number you have at any one time. Most of the volunteers here would be able to exceed your age if they admitted it.

Re the change you made, please ask your IT when you take your computer back as there is not enough information for me to comment on that question

Just to clarify, you need your Windows XP/SP2 OS CD, then ask for a slipstreamed SP3 CD to be supplied which of course will cost a smalll amount, but worth it in the end. You should not be asked to pay for the original OS Windows XP SP2.

Good luck and keep us posted,

kind regards,

Thank you for all your help. Somehow my original problem seems to have disappeared as I can now open the Add/Remove. I am going to get a CD, as you suggest. I have a feeling there will come a time when I really need it. Thanks again!