How Can I Diagnose and Fix Windows?

[Homeboy]

Is there a Microsoft product or web utility that will "look at" my current
version of Windows XP Pro and "fix" it as necessary, e.g., adding missing
files, swapping out corrupted files, fixing registry entries, etc.? That is,
making it just as though you had done a "clean install" or as close as
possible? I am aware of Windows Update, but I am looking for something more
than that. I am also aware of going back to the original disk, but there have
been so many patches and updates since then. Also, I tried System File
Checker, but it kept telling me that I was using the wrong disk, I guess
because there were updated files on the computer.

 

[R. McCarty]

XP employs a feature called "Windows File Protection" which hooks into
System File Checker. UNLESS you've dismissed a warning about a file
being an unexpected version your XP is correct. WFP operates quietly in
the background and immediately fixes non-expected version replacements.

Fixing Registry entries - ? - That's best done by hand and not through a
automated tool of any kind.

Not sure why you believe the system state is corrupted, but just routine
maintenance is usually enough to keep things running smoothly.

 

[Bennett Marco]

Is there a Microsoft product or web utility that will "look at" my current
version of Windows XP Pro and "fix" it as necessary, e.g., adding missing
files, swapping out corrupted files, fixing registry entries, etc.? That is,
making it just as though you had done a "clean install" or as close as
possible? I am aware of Windows Update, but I am looking for something more
than that. I am also aware of going back to the original disk, but there have
been so many patches and updates since then. Also, I tried System File
Checker, but it kept telling me that I was using the wrong disk, I guess
because there were updated files on the computer.

If System File Checker won't work, then guess what?

Clean install is your choice. There is NO once-product-fixes-all
solution.

 

[smlunatick]

Is there a Microsoft product or web utility that will "look at" my current
version of Windows XP Pro and "fix" it as necessary, e.g., adding missing
files, swapping out corrupted files, fixing registry entries, etc.? That is,
making it just as though you had done a "clean install" or as close as
possible? I am aware of Windows Update, but I am looking for something more
than that. I am also aware of going back to the original disk, but there have
been so many patches and updates since then. Also, I tried System File
Checker, but it kept telling me that I was using the wrong disk, I guess
because there were updated files on the computer.

Well, if you want to complete fix your PC, re-install your XP by
fulling the "clean" install process. This is the only true way since
Microsoft would not know what application and files you will place on
it.

 

[ANONYMOUS]

You could try "Repair Install" of XP. Here is the link for step by step
instructions.

http://www.windowsreinstall.com/winxppro/installxpcdrepair/indexfullpage.htm

hth
<******************************** England 5-1 Croatia
********************************>

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

Backup your personal data, then do a format & clean install of Windows.
Please note that a Repair Install (AKA in-place upgrade) will NOT fix this!

cf. http://michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html#steps

After the clean install, you'll have the equivalent of a "new computer" so
take care of everything on the following page before otherwise connecting
the machine to the internet or a network and before using a USB key that
isn't brand-new or hasn't been freshly formatted:

5 steps to help protect your new computer before you go online
http://www.microsoft.com/protect/computer/advanced/xppc.mspx

HOW TO get a computer running WinXP Gold (no Service Packs) fully patched
(after a clean install)
http://groups.google.com/group/microsoft.public.windowsupdate/msg/3f5afa8ed33e121c

HOW TO get a computer running WinXP SP1(a) or SP2 fully patched (after a
clean install)
http://groups.google.com/group/microsoft.public.windowsxp.general/msg/a066ae41add7dd2b

Also see:

Steps To Help Prevent Spyware
http://www.microsoft.com/protect/computer/spyware/prevent.mspx

Rogue Security Software - Microsoft Security:
http://www.microsoft.com/protect/computer/viruses/rogue.mspx

 

[Peter Foldes]

Homeboy

Back up and save all your Data and then do a clean reformat. System Restore and
Repair install will not work here

 

[Martin C]

I'm intrigued - why only use a USB key that is new or formatted. Is there a
reason other than possible virus infection behind this, or is that whay you
meant?

Martin

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

That is what I meant.

I'm intrigued - why only use a USB key that is new or formatted. Is there
a
reason other than possible virus infection behind this, or is that whay
you
meant?

Martin