Can't access system tools!?

[lantonel]

When I try to access any system tools or the command
prompt, I get the following message: "Windows cannot
access the specified device, path, or file. You may not
have the appropriate permissions to access the item." I
am the administrator, so I should not be getting this
message? Has anyone seen this before? Are there any
solutions other than doing an FDisk?

Thanks

Lantonel

 

[Michael Solomon \(MS-MVP Windows Shell/User\)]

If this is a relatively recent issue, you might try using System Restore to
take you back to a time when this worked properly. Start\All
Programs\Accessories\System Tools\System Restore. If that doesn't resolve
it, try the information below.


The following assumes you have an actual XP CD as opposed to a restore CD or
restore partition supplied by your PC manufacturer.

Go to Start, type sfc /scannow in the run box and press enter. Note, there
is a space between sfc and the forward slash. You will be asked for your XP
CD. Be aware, upon inserting the CD the XP setup screen may appear, this is
not a part of sfc /scannow, rather it is being invoked by autorun. Simply
minimize the screen and allow sfc to continue.

If the above fails to resolve the issue, try a repair install as follows:



Be sure you are well backed up in case there is a problem from which you are
unable to recover. NOTE, while a repair install should leave your data
files intact, if something goes wrong during the repair install, you may be
forced to start over and do a clean install of XP. If you don't have your
data backed up, you would lose your data should that eventuality occur.



Boot from the CD. If your system is set to be able to boot from the CD, it
should detect the disk and give a brief message, during the boot up, if you
wish to boot from the CD press any key.



Once you have pressed a key, setup should begin. You will see a reference
asking if you need to load special drivers and another notice that if you
wish to begin the ASR (Automatic Recovery Console) depress F2. Just let
setup run past all of that. It will continue to load files and drivers.



Then it will bring you to a screen. Eventually, you will come to a screen
with the option to (1) setup Windows or (2) Repair Windows Installation
using the Recovery console.



The first option, to setup Windows is the one you want and requires you to
press enter. When asked, press F8 to accept the end user agreement. Setup
will then search for previous versions of Windows. Upon finding your
version, it will ask if you wish to Repair your current installation or
install fresh. Press R, that will run a repair installation. From there
on, follow the screens.

 

[lantonel]

Wow that's alot of information! Thanks for the help!
I'm working on backing up my system now before I do
anything (any suggestions on the best backup method? I'm
planning on copying everything using Nero), and I'll let
you know how it works out.

Thanks!

lantonel

 

[Michael Solomon \(MS-MVP Windows Shell/User\)]

You're welcome.

Usually, it helps to have a good backup application, it helps prevent the
possibility of missing something. XP Home and Pro come with a limited
backup app. The application is not installed by default on XP Home Edition
and unfortunately, many OEMs often don't include it on the disk or recovery
partition include with their setups.

On Pro, you can access back as follows, go to Start\All
Programs\Accessories\System Tools\Backup.

If you have an XP Home Edition CD:
Go to the valueadd\msft\ntbackup folder on the XP Home Edition cd and
install ntbackup manually by double clicking the file.

As an alternative fully functional trial version of Stomp's Backup MyPC is
available at the following site:
http://www.stompinc.com/index.phtml?stp
Backup MyPC is actually a more robust version of the backup utility included
with retail versions of XP.

I'm sorry, I'm not familiar with Nero's backup feature so I cannot compare
or comment.

I also use Imaging software to create full images but, first, this must be
augmented with regular backups and second, while I do store images on a
separate partition, if you don't have some other place off your hard drive
to store them, I have a backup computer, it's no help to you if your hard
drive fails.