OS malfunction

[dama1]

I ran sfc /scannow because of a possible corrupt file. When Windows File
Protection started I got the message "Files that are required for Windows to
run properly must be copied to the DLL cache." It then instructed, "Insert
your Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2 CD now." I don't get it, I have
Windows XP Home Edition and that's what the OS disk say's. Needless to say,
the process didn't work because when I ran sfc /scannow again I got the same
message. Can anybody shed any light on this anomoly. (I had uninstalled
Service Pack 3 so the OS disk would match what was on the C: drive). I have a
Vostro 200 desktop system. Thanks for any assist.
Dave G.

 

[Leonard Grey]

What is the name of the possibly corrupt file, and why do you suspect
that it is corrupt? (Please quote the full text of error messages.)

 

[Daave]

I ran sfc /scannow because of a possible corrupt file. When Windows
File Protection started I got the message "Files that are required
for Windows to run properly must be copied to the DLL cache." It then
instructed, "Insert your Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2 CD
now." I don't get it, I have Windows XP Home Edition and that's what
the OS disk say's. Needless to say, the process didn't work because
when I ran sfc /scannow again I got the same message. Can anybody
shed any light on this anomoly. (I had uninstalled Service Pack 3 so
the OS disk would match what was on the C: drive). I have a Vostro
200 desktop system. Thanks for any assist.
Dave G.

Something isn't adding up!

What OS is indicated on your COA sticker?

What OS is indicated when you do the following:

Start | Run | winver | OK

What exactly do you mean by "a possible corrupt file"? What is its name,
and why do you believe it may be corrupt?

What other problems have you been experiencing and for how long? Can you
recall anything you did (installing a program or update, for instance)
immediately before your proble(s)?

 

[dama1]

Leonard and Daave;
Refer to my question dated 11/6 titled "Missing DLL in Cache" for a full
explanation of how this occured. It was the HP tech trying to get my
all-in-one to function who ran the sfc /scannow and concluded the problem was
with the operating system, not the HP software (after 3 hours of diagnostics
and reinstalling software).
My OS disk has a Dell label on it indicating it is a reinstallation CD for
Windows XP Home Edition, Service Pack 2. Sorry, I don't know what a COA
sticker is.
"Winver" is Version 5.1 (Build 2600.xpsp_sp3_gdr.09084-1435: Service Pack
3). I reinstalled service pack 3 after unsuccessfully running sfc /scannow.
Leonard, note you told me there was no problem as a response to my prior
question. Obviously something isn't right.
Dave G.

 

[Daave]

1. Do winver again. Does it say XP Home or XP Pro? (This will be in the
blue area up top.)

2. COA = Certificate of Authenticity. Does your Dell Vostro 200 have a
COA sticker on it? A COA sticker looks like this:

http://cdn2.ioffer.com/img/item/117/987/491/i8hyeuT79PdHLfY.jpg

If you have one, what OS is indicated on it? XP Home or XP Pro? (Or it
could be Vista, for all I know!)

3. Did anyone ever repair your PC? For instance, it's possible your PC
came with XP Home, but someone at some point upgraded you to XP Pro.

 

[dama1]

Daave:
I ran winver again. In the blue field at the top it say's Windows XP Home
Edition. The COA (Proof of License) is attached to the top of the CPU and
say's Windows XP Home Edition. No one has worked on or serviced my computer.
It's only two years old. Just FYI, when I ran sfc /scannow with Service Pack
3 installed it said "Insert your Windows XP Home Edition CD". After I
uninstalled Service Pack 3, it said "Insert your Windows XP Professional
Service Pack 2 CD".
Go figure???
Dave G.

 

[Daave]

Still doesn't add up!

Did this HP tech work in person? Or did he work remotely? I'm wondering
if he screwed something up!

A Repair Install might be indicated. Which version of IE are you
running?

 

[dama1]

The HP tech had remote access. He went through a lot of functions trying to
get the software to work properly, including going into the registry to
insure all files relating to HP were removed before a reinstall. One
reinstall was via my setup disk, another via their web site. He didn't mess
with any OS files as far as I can tell (I was watching the entire time). I'm
running IE6 (6.0.2900.5512). Is a repair install the same as a reinstall,
i.e. all software programs would need to be reinstalled? That would be a real
pain in the patutie. Let me know what you think....
Thanks again,
Dave G.

 

[dama1]

The HP tech accessed my computer remotely. He performed multiple functions in
an effort to get the HP software for the all-in-one to work, including
opening the registry to delete any reference to HP before reinstalling. Tried
once from my HP disk and once from their web site. I was watching the entire
time and he didn't fool around with any OS files. It was then he ran the sfc
/scannow and got the message about files required for Windows to run
properly. His conclusion; The problem is in the OS, not the HP software. Is a
repair install the same as a regular reinstall? Would I have to reload all my
software programs? That would be a real pain in the patutie. Your
thoughts............
Thanks again,
Dave G.

 

[Daave]

That's still strange that XP Pro is entering the equation.

A Clean Install is working with a clean slate, where you would have to
reinstall all your updates, programs, etc.

A Repair Install, if done correctly, leaves all your data and programs,
etc. intact. Then again, nothing is 100% foolproof. At the very least,
you should back up *all* your data before performing the Repair Install.

Also, your SP levels should match.

IIRC, you uninstalled and reinstalled SP3. What version of IE did you
have through all this? Assuming you originally had IE6, did you upgrade
to either IE7 or IE8, and if so, when (that is, at what SP level) did
you do this? Did you ever intentionally downgrade to IE6?

 

[dama1]

I never upgraded IE from version 6. I'm happy with it and didn't want to take
any chances. Should I anyway, for better performance? It certainly is strange
that the system ask's for XP home edition when I have service pack 3
installed, and XP pro with service pack 2 when I unstall SP3. A repair
install could be the best solution. What's the process for this? Should I
uninstall SP3 as my OS disk is SP2? I already have all my files, e-mail and
photos backed up on a SimpleTech external drive. I appreciate all your help
and will take your advise.
Dave G.