Clean-up cleaned too much -- help!

G

Guest

I recently ran Windows Clean-up
(http://www.stevengould.org/software/cleanup/) on a different computer, and
after it was done, I got messages saying that I need to insert Windows XP
Service Pack 2 CD to restore original files. Problem is, this computer is
OEM, don't have a CD, and so I just clicked cancel. There was about ten of
these messages, so I'm assuming there was about 10 files.

Now, Windows is severly messed up. The Start Button is gone, the whole
bottom taskbar is basically eliminated. I can still hit the Windows Start key
on the keyboard, but the Start Menu is all messed up ("programs" and anything
below aren't there). I tried using Microsoft support, however they need a
Product ID, and when I right-click on "my computer" (to get the PID), the
General tab is gone, and a couple others. So, I can't get customer support
unless I have the PID (or pay $90).

Otherwise, programs still work. However, for example, when you run Word,
after you close it asks you if you want to save the changes to Normal and
then brings up the general template window... not good.

Wehn trying to run Windows Update: the update site doesn't work. I just get
a red x saying it doesn't work, and to look at the options below for possible
solutions. The possible solutiosn aren't very good, and basically the only
thing I can do is try to contact customer support.

So, I realize now my mistake was that I hit the "Scan local drives for
temporary folders" in the options box in CleanUp -- this ultimately caused
the program to indiscriminatly delete some important files based on extension
names.

How do I even begin by fixing this? Thanks.
 
G

Guest

Oh -- one more thing to add -- I tried running Windows in Safe Mode, but I
get the same results -- severely messed up start menu. Also, I tried running
system restore, but it said I can't run system restore. (I don't believe a
restore "point" was ever created, though).
 
G

Guest

Thanks much!
Unfortunately, the guys over at that forum aren't very knowledgable. I think
I'll be able to figure it out from all the info, though. Once again, thanks
much.

Jon
 
B

Bruce Chambers

hannedog said:
I recently ran Windows Clean-up
(http://www.stevengould.org/software/cleanup/) on a different computer, and
after it was done, I got messages saying that I need to insert Windows XP
Service Pack 2 CD to restore original files. Problem is, this computer is
OEM, don't have a CD, and so I just clicked cancel. There was about ten of
these messages, so I'm assuming there was about 10 files.

Now, Windows is severly messed up. The Start Button is gone, the whole
bottom taskbar is basically eliminated. I can still hit the Windows Start key
on the keyboard, but the Start Menu is all messed up ("programs" and anything
below aren't there). I tried using Microsoft support, however they need a
Product ID, and when I right-click on "my computer" (to get the PID), the
General tab is gone, and a couple others. So, I can't get customer support
unless I have the PID (or pay $90).

Otherwise, programs still work. However, for example, when you run Word,
after you close it asks you if you want to save the changes to Normal and
then brings up the general template window... not good.

Wehn trying to run Windows Update: the update site doesn't work. I just get
a red x saying it doesn't work, and to look at the options below for possible
solutions. The possible solutiosn aren't very good, and basically the only
thing I can do is try to contact customer support.

So, I realize now my mistake was that I hit the "Scan local drives for
temporary folders" in the options box in CleanUp -- this ultimately caused
the program to indiscriminatly delete some important files based on extension
names.

How do I even begin by fixing this? Thanks.


1) Follow the computer manufacturer's instructions for using whatever
OS restoration method was provided.

2) Never, ever, use that "Clean Up" again.


--

Bruce Chambers

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They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. -Benjamin Franklin

Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of
chains and slavery? .... I know not what course others may take, but as
for me, give me liberty, or give me death! -Patrick Henry
 
G

Guest

Ok, I seem to have everything running back normally now. The only thing that
was changed was that all of the desktop/quicklaunch/etc. icons background are
no longer transparent. The immediate background is white (that little square
area that belongs to a particular icon). How do I change them back so they're
transparent? I looked at my video card software, it's Intel, and it doesn't
look like that option is anywhere. Your help is appreciated. Thanks.

Jon
 
G

Guest

Never mind -- I figured it out. I ran some online diagnostics from HP (my
laptop is an HP-Compaq) and that seemed to fix the problem. Thanks for your
help!

Jon
 

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