Cannot Create a directory named "sys"

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G

Guest

I'm using XP Pro SP2, (Administrator account, clean boot, no non-Microsoft
services running, no Virus protection software running).

When I try to install Visual Studio 2005, I receive an error message when
the install tries to create the "...VC\include\sys directory", but that's
just the symptom.

Come to find out I can't create a "sys" directory anywhere. In fact, the
word "sys" cannot be used to name a file. I can create a sys.sys directory or
file, but not just "sys", plus all my VS6 and VS.NET 2003 "sys" directories
have been deleted.

Does anyone have a clue? Trojan? Virus? -- Symantec finds nothing, nor does
Microsoft's malicious software removal tool. Is it some obscure setting in
the XP setup?

Any suggestions will be appreciated.
 
Try going to CMD.EXE
type CD\ to put you in the root directory.
Type MD SYS
This will create an new directory on drive C.
 
No this doesn't work either. I get the error message "The system cannot find
the file specified" when I try "md sys".

But thanks anyway... really serious problem -- simple answers don't seem to
apply.
 
Charlie, what kind of computer system do you have ?
There is something wrong somewhere
The simple commands work on every computer I tried it on.

Are you by chance on a remote station hooked up to a central system?
 
It's a DELL 4700 -- pretty standard system. I develop software and web design
for various clients using VS6 and VS.NET 2003. I too am able to create sys
directories on all our six other XP systems.

Since your last post, I've reloaded XP, done several virus and anti-spy
scans, did a complete review of all my services and disabled all but the most
critical.

I still cannot create a "sys" directory (or any file named sys). Truly weird.

However, after the reload I was able to create files named sys while in Safe
Mode.

I don't want to have to use up one of my free MS Support calls if I don't
have to, but it may come to that.

Thanks for your interest.

Charlie
 
Once more, Charlie,

It's possible you have a bad XP CD.
You can use an XP CD from another machine but using the product key for the
first one.
The product key is not installed on the XP CD unless it is an OEM disk so
there is no conflict.
It is on the sticker.
 
Hi,

I have exactly the same problem. I dont feel lonely anymore :))

I have tried to boot Windows in safe mode, and it works!!

Maybe we can list all our applications et see what are the common ones?
contact me on my email.

Vince
 
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