COMPUTER ILLITERATE needs help..XP2!! Thanks

[decentperson12001]

Hi,

I'm pretty computer illiterate and wondering if anyone can help..

I have Win XP and downloaded Service Pack 2 a few days ago. It gave me
a nasty experience, so I attempted to uninstall it by using Add /
Remove in the Control Panel. Everything went fine, until I went to
System Restore and attempted to restore my computer to what it was
just prior to installing SP2. The boot went fine, until a screen
popped up that said "Restoration Incomplete" and said that "nothing
has been changed in your computer." First of all, what the hell does
that mean?? Does it mean I still have SP2? I checked Add & Remove, and
did not see an SP2 icon there anymore. However, my computer is still
functioning in an SP2-ish way (acting very slow and crappy), and I'm
wondering what the heck I have now. That's my first question. :\

Ok, to continue this sad story of a computer illiterate attempting to
fiddle with her computer, after the incomplete restoration process, I
tried to find out what was wrong. A message popped up that said
"suspicious script... [something] having to do with rstrui.exe may be
corrupt". I went back to the screen where it had my Restore Points,
and I couldn't plug in an earlier date than the one I had attempted
unsuccessfully. So I logged onto the web in frustration to try to find
some insight into this problem. Someone there said, "You should
disable System Restore, reboot, enable it, then reboot again." So I
did that, and as expected my Restore Points disappeared, but I ended
up with the same problem of not being able to plug in an earlier date.
I got the same message of the corrupt rstrue.exe thingy and gave up in
frustration.

Now I wonder where the heck my computer is at now. The SP2 icon is
gone in the Add / Remove file, and in place are a bunch of SP1 Hotfix
icons and one SP2 hotfix icon (but the original SP2 icon is gone).
What should I do??

Just so you know, prior to this process I defragged, did a Virus and
SpyWare check, and nothing was a miss.

Any help would be appreciated!

 

[Sandman]

Personally, I would suggest you re-install XP if you have a full install
disc, which I would guess, you do not. I don't know anyone who has
UNinstalled SP2 successfully.....You have initiated a series of steps that
have compounded each other as you did them, and no matter what anyone might
suggest, the only way to get back to a fully functioning Windows XP is to
re-install, without going into a lot of detail considering you admitted to
being a 'computer illiterate' probably would confuse you further, that would
be my suggestion.
my next suggestion would be DO NOT fool with anything you do not
understand. Making mistakes like this is, unfortunately, a part of the
learning process; I have done stuff like this and so have many others, so
don't feel alone. Whatever Company put your machine together may be able to
help you with getting a full copy of Windows XP to re-install; call them if
your warranty is still good..

Hi,

I'm pretty computer illiterate and wondering if anyone can help..

I have Win XP and downloaded Service Pack 2 a few days ago. It gave me
a nasty experience, so I attempted to uninstall it by using Add /
Remove in the Control Panel. Everything went fine, until I went to
System Restore and attempted to restore my computer to what it was
just prior to installing SP2. The boot went fine, until a screen
popped up that said "Restoration Incomplete" and said that "nothing
has been changed in your computer." First of all, what the hell does
that mean?? Does it mean I still have SP2? I checked Add & Remove, and
did not see an SP2 icon there anymore. However, my computer is still
functioning in an SP2-ish way (acting very slow and crappy), and I'm
wondering what the heck I have now. That's my first question. :\

Ok, to continue this sad story of a computer illiterate attempting to
fiddle with her computer, after the incomplete restoration process, I
tried to find out what was wrong. A message popped up that said
"suspicious script... [something] having to do with rstrui.exe may be
corrupt". I went back to the screen where it had my Restore Points,
and I couldn't plug in an earlier date than the one I had attempted
unsuccessfully. So I logged onto the web in frustration to try to find
some insight into this problem. Someone there said, "You should
disable System Restore, reboot, enable it, then reboot again." So I
did that, and as expected my Restore Points disappeared, but I ended
up with the same problem of not being able to plug in an earlier date.
I got the same message of the corrupt rstrue.exe thingy and gave up in
frustration.

Now I wonder where the heck my computer is at now. The SP2 icon is
gone in the Add / Remove file, and in place are a bunch of SP1 Hotfix
icons and one SP2 hotfix icon (but the original SP2 icon is gone).
What should I do??

Just so you know, prior to this process I defragged, did a Virus and
SpyWare check, and nothing was a miss.

Any help would be appreciated!

 

[decentperson12001]

Personally, I would suggest you re-install XP if you have a full install
disc, which I would guess, you do not.

Thanks for your response. I don't have a full install disc, or any
disc for that matter. Does reinstall mean the same as restore install?
Or is this a clean install? I get confused with the terminology.

Unfortunately, the warranty on my machine has expired. Is it possible
just to go to a store and buy a CD titled Windows XP? I would rather
not wait to get something shipped.

Yes, I have definitely learned from this experience. I am probably
doing things wrong, because I'm following the footsteps of others who
might have slightly different problems with their PCs (and I'm
misapplying them to my own!?)

Thanks again for your help.

I don't know anyone who has
UNinstalled SP2 successfully.....You have initiated a series of steps that
have compounded each other as you did them, and no matter what anyone might
suggest, the only way to get back to a fully functioning Windows XP is to
re-install, without going into a lot of detail considering you admitted to
being a 'computer illiterate' probably would confuse you further, that would
be my suggestion.
my next suggestion would be DO NOT fool with anything you do not
understand. Making mistakes like this is, unfortunately, a part of the
learning process; I have done stuff like this and so have many others, so
don't feel alone. Whatever Company put your machine together may be able to
help you with getting a full copy of Windows XP to re-install; call them if
your warranty is still good..

Hi,

I'm pretty computer illiterate and wondering if anyone can help..

I have Win XP and downloaded Service Pack 2 a few days ago. It gave me
a nasty experience, so I attempted to uninstall it by using Add /
Remove in the Control Panel. Everything went fine, until I went to
System Restore and attempted to restore my computer to what it was
just prior to installing SP2. The boot went fine, until a screen
popped up that said "Restoration Incomplete" and said that "nothing
has been changed in your computer." First of all, what the hell does
that mean?? Does it mean I still have SP2? I checked Add & Remove, and
did not see an SP2 icon there anymore. However, my computer is still
functioning in an SP2-ish way (acting very slow and crappy), and I'm
wondering what the heck I have now. That's my first question. :\

Ok, to continue this sad story of a computer illiterate attempting to
fiddle with her computer, after the incomplete restoration process, I
tried to find out what was wrong. A message popped up that said
"suspicious script... [something] having to do with rstrui.exe may be
corrupt". I went back to the screen where it had my Restore Points,
and I couldn't plug in an earlier date than the one I had attempted
unsuccessfully. So I logged onto the web in frustration to try to find
some insight into this problem. Someone there said, "You should
disable System Restore, reboot, enable it, then reboot again." So I
did that, and as expected my Restore Points disappeared, but I ended
up with the same problem of not being able to plug in an earlier date.
I got the same message of the corrupt rstrue.exe thingy and gave up in
frustration.

Now I wonder where the heck my computer is at now. The SP2 icon is
gone in the Add / Remove file, and in place are a bunch of SP1 Hotfix
icons and one SP2 hotfix icon (but the original SP2 icon is gone).
What should I do??

Just so you know, prior to this process I defragged, did a Virus and
SpyWare check, and nothing was a miss.

Any help would be appreciated!

 

[decentperson12001]

Another thing, I just adjusted the settings on My Computer,
Performance Tab (this is basic enough that even I feel ok to touch it
and have eliminated most of the prettifications. The mouse no
longer has the high-tech drag and a few other visual adjustments. I
must say, my PC seems almost as fast as it did before the botch up.
However, I'm still concerned that it is in some limbo state and was
wondering if I should still reinstall (could you explain this one?) It
seems to be functioning OK (I only use it for e-mail, the internet and
such), but I'm worried about problems I might not be aware of. Thanks.

Thanks for your response. I don't have a full install disc, or any
disc for that matter. Does reinstall mean the same as restore install?
Or is this a clean install? I get confused with the terminology.

Unfortunately, the warranty on my machine has expired. Is it possible
just to go to a store and buy a CD titled Windows XP? I would rather
not wait to get something shipped.

Yes, I have definitely learned from this experience. I am probably
doing things wrong, because I'm following the footsteps of others who
might have slightly different problems with their PCs (and I'm
misapplying them to my own!?)

Thanks again for your help.

I don't know anyone who has
UNinstalled SP2 successfully.....You have initiated a series of steps that
have compounded each other as you did them, and no matter what anyone might
suggest, the only way to get back to a fully functioning Windows XP is to
re-install, without going into a lot of detail considering you admitted to
being a 'computer illiterate' probably would confuse you further, that would
be my suggestion.
my next suggestion would be DO NOT fool with anything you do not
understand. Making mistakes like this is, unfortunately, a part of the
learning process; I have done stuff like this and so have many others, so
don't feel alone. Whatever Company put your machine together may be able to
help you with getting a full copy of Windows XP to re-install; call them if
your warranty is still good..

Hi,

I'm pretty computer illiterate and wondering if anyone can help..

I have Win XP and downloaded Service Pack 2 a few days ago. It gave me
a nasty experience, so I attempted to uninstall it by using Add /
Remove in the Control Panel. Everything went fine, until I went to
System Restore and attempted to restore my computer to what it was
just prior to installing SP2. The boot went fine, until a screen
popped up that said "Restoration Incomplete" and said that "nothing
has been changed in your computer." First of all, what the hell does
that mean?? Does it mean I still have SP2? I checked Add & Remove, and
did not see an SP2 icon there anymore. However, my computer is still
functioning in an SP2-ish way (acting very slow and crappy), and I'm
wondering what the heck I have now. That's my first question. :\

Ok, to continue this sad story of a computer illiterate attempting to
fiddle with her computer, after the incomplete restoration process, I
tried to find out what was wrong. A message popped up that said
"suspicious script... [something] having to do with rstrui.exe may be
corrupt". I went back to the screen where it had my Restore Points,
and I couldn't plug in an earlier date than the one I had attempted
unsuccessfully. So I logged onto the web in frustration to try to find
some insight into this problem. Someone there said, "You should
disable System Restore, reboot, enable it, then reboot again." So I
did that, and as expected my Restore Points disappeared, but I ended
up with the same problem of not being able to plug in an earlier date.
I got the same message of the corrupt rstrue.exe thingy and gave up in
frustration.

Now I wonder where the heck my computer is at now. The SP2 icon is
gone in the Add / Remove file, and in place are a bunch of SP1 Hotfix
icons and one SP2 hotfix icon (but the original SP2 icon is gone).
What should I do??

Just so you know, prior to this process I defragged, did a Virus and
SpyWare check, and nothing was a miss.

Any help would be appreciated!

 

[Ron Martell]

(e-mail address removed) wrote:

Now I wonder where the heck my computer is at now. The SP2 icon is
gone in the Add / Remove file, and in place are a bunch of SP1 Hotfix
icons and one SP2 hotfix icon (but the original SP2 icon is gone).
What should I do??

Open Control Panel - System - General and see what it says there. The
last (4th) line in the System section will be your current Service
Pack level.

Another way to tell is to watch the opening Windows XP "splash"
screen. If you are at the original release or the Service Pack 1
level then the version name (Home or Professional) will show on this
screen. If you have Service Pack 2 installed then the screen will
just say "Windows XP".

Experience has shown that the best way to ensure success with
installing Service Pack 2 is to:
1. Do some initial preparation as described at
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spackins.htm
2. Do not get Service Pack 2 via Windows Update. Either download the
entire update as one file (270 mb) from
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...be-3b8e-4f30-8245-9e368d3cdb5a&DisplayLang=en
or order it on CD from Microsoft
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/cd/confirm.mspx

Good luck


Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

In memory of a dear friend Alex Nichol MVP
http://aumha.org/alex.htm

 

[T. Waters]

You can indeed go out and buy a copy of XP SP2. Since the copy of Windows on
your machine is not usable on another machine anyway, you might as well get
a fresh OS if you can afford it. That way, you have SP2, and an XP disk.
You might have to do a clean install of XP SP2, though. I don't think the
less-drastic Repair Install is an option in your situation.

Another thing, I just adjusted the settings on My Computer,
Performance Tab (this is basic enough that even I feel ok to touch it
and have eliminated most of the prettifications. The mouse no
longer has the high-tech drag and a few other visual adjustments. I
must say, my PC seems almost as fast as it did before the botch up.
However, I'm still concerned that it is in some limbo state and was
wondering if I should still reinstall (could you explain this one?) It
seems to be functioning OK (I only use it for e-mail, the internet and
such), but I'm worried about problems I might not be aware of. Thanks.

Thanks for your response. I don't have a full install disc, or any
disc for that matter. Does reinstall mean the same as restore install?
Or is this a clean install? I get confused with the terminology.

Unfortunately, the warranty on my machine has expired. Is it possible
just to go to a store and buy a CD titled Windows XP? I would rather
not wait to get something shipped.

Yes, I have definitely learned from this experience. I am probably
doing things wrong, because I'm following the footsteps of others who
might have slightly different problems with their PCs (and I'm
misapplying them to my own!?)

Thanks again for your help.

I don't know anyone who has
UNinstalled SP2 successfully.....You have initiated a series of steps that
have compounded each other as you did them, and no matter what anyone might
suggest, the only way to get back to a fully functioning Windows XP is to
re-install, without going into a lot of detail considering you admitted to
being a 'computer illiterate' probably would confuse you further, that would
be my suggestion.
my next suggestion would be DO NOT fool with anything you do not
understand. Making mistakes like this is, unfortunately, a part of the
learning process; I have done stuff like this and so have many others, so
don't feel alone. Whatever Company put your machine together may be able to
help you with getting a full copy of Windows XP to re-install; call them if
your warranty is still good..
Hi,

I'm pretty computer illiterate and wondering if anyone can help..

I have Win XP and downloaded Service Pack 2 a few days ago. It gave me
a nasty experience, so I attempted to uninstall it by using Add /
Remove in the Control Panel. Everything went fine, until I went to
System Restore and attempted to restore my computer to what it was
just prior to installing SP2. The boot went fine, until a screen
popped up that said "Restoration Incomplete" and said that "nothing
has been changed in your computer." First of all, what the hell does
that mean?? Does it mean I still have SP2? I checked Add & Remove, and
did not see an SP2 icon there anymore. However, my computer is still
functioning in an SP2-ish way (acting very slow and crappy), and I'm
wondering what the heck I have now. That's my first question. :\

Ok, to continue this sad story of a computer illiterate attempting to
fiddle with her computer, after the incomplete restoration process, I
tried to find out what was wrong. A message popped up that said
"suspicious script... [something] having to do with rstrui.exe may be
corrupt". I went back to the screen where it had my Restore Points,
and I couldn't plug in an earlier date than the one I had attempted
unsuccessfully. So I logged onto the web in frustration to try to find
some insight into this problem. Someone there said, "You should
disable System Restore, reboot, enable it, then reboot again." So I
did that, and as expected my Restore Points disappeared, but I ended
up with the same problem of not being able to plug in an earlier date.
I got the same message of the corrupt rstrue.exe thingy and gave up in
frustration.

Now I wonder where the heck my computer is at now. The SP2 icon is
gone in the Add / Remove file, and in place are a bunch of SP1 Hotfix
icons and one SP2 hotfix icon (but the original SP2 icon is gone).
What should I do??

Just so you know, prior to this process I defragged, did a Virus and
SpyWare check, and nothing was a miss.

Any help would be appreciated!

 

[decentperson12001]

(e-mail address removed) wrote:



Open Control Panel - System - General and see what it says there. The
last (4th) line in the System section will be your current Service
Pack level.

Another way to tell is to watch the opening Windows XP "splash"
screen. If you are at the original release or the Service Pack 1
level then the version name (Home or Professional) will show on this
screen. If you have Service Pack 2 installed then the screen will
just say "Windows XP".

It says Windows XP Home Edition Version 2002.. weird. It must mean it
is back to original or SP1. Any way to tell between the two?

Also, how could my computer even be functioning if I've uninstalled
SP2 and the restoration was incomplete? At that point, it was "no
changes were made to your computer", but it looks like it must have
been lying if it's now SP1 or earlier.

Experience has shown that the best way to ensure success with
installing Service Pack 2 is to:
1. Do some initial preparation as described at
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spackins.htm
2. Do not get Service Pack 2 via Windows Update. Either download the
entire update as one file (270 mb) from
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?
FamilyID=049c9dbe-3b8e-4f30-8245-9e368d3cdb5a&DisplayLang=en
or order it on CD from Microsoft
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/cd/confirm.mspx

Good luck

Thanks for the links.

 

[decentperson12001]

You can indeed go out and buy a copy of XP SP2. Since the copy of Windows on
your machine is not usable on another machine anyway, you might as well get
a fresh OS if you can afford it. That way, you have SP2, and an XP disk.
You might have to do a clean install of XP SP2, though. I don't think the
less-drastic Repair Install is an option in your situation.

Thanks for helping me narrow down my choices. If I do opt for a clean
install, any preliminary steps I need to take, ie: clean anything? Or
can I just hop down to the store and pop it in?

I'm curious also, if I were to just leave it the way it is (it seems
to be working well now), should I just assume it's an SP1 or original
XP system and treat it as such? Or did the botched restoration render
the system uniquely screwed up in some way that I won't be able to
proceed with normal updates (even to SP2 someday when it is in better
shape for people to use)?

Thanks again for your input.

Another thing, I just adjusted the settings on My Computer,
Performance Tab (this is basic enough that even I feel ok to touch it
and have eliminated most of the prettifications. The mouse no
longer has the high-tech drag and a few other visual adjustments. I
must say, my PC seems almost as fast as it did before the botch up.
However, I'm still concerned that it is in some limbo state and was
wondering if I should still reinstall (could you explain this one?) It
seems to be functioning OK (I only use it for e-mail, the internet and
such), but I'm worried about problems I might not be aware of. Thanks.

Thanks for your response. I don't have a full install disc, or any
disc for that matter. Does reinstall mean the same as restore install?
Or is this a clean install? I get confused with the terminology.

Unfortunately, the warranty on my machine has expired. Is it possible
just to go to a store and buy a CD titled Windows XP? I would rather
not wait to get something shipped.

Yes, I have definitely learned from this experience. I am probably
doing things wrong, because I'm following the footsteps of others who
might have slightly different problems with their PCs (and I'm
misapplying them to my own!?)

Thanks again for your help.

I don't know anyone who has
UNinstalled SP2 successfully.....You have initiated a series of steps that
have compounded each other as you did them, and no matter what anyone might
suggest, the only way to get back to a fully functioning Windows XP is to
re-install, without going into a lot of detail considering you admitted to
being a 'computer illiterate' probably would confuse you further, that would
be my suggestion.
my next suggestion would be DO NOT fool with anything you do not
understand. Making mistakes like this is, unfortunately, a part of the
learning process; I have done stuff like this and so have many others, so
don't feel alone. Whatever Company put your machine together may be able to
help you with getting a full copy of Windows XP to re-install; call them if
your warranty is still good..
Hi,

I'm pretty computer illiterate and wondering if anyone can help..

I have Win XP and downloaded Service Pack 2 a few days ago. It gave me
a nasty experience, so I attempted to uninstall it by using Add /
Remove in the Control Panel. Everything went fine, until I went to
System Restore and attempted to restore my computer to what it was
just prior to installing SP2. The boot went fine, until a screen
popped up that said "Restoration Incomplete" and said that "nothing
has been changed in your computer." First of all, what the hell does
that mean?? Does it mean I still have SP2? I checked Add & Remove, and
did not see an SP2 icon there anymore. However, my computer is still
functioning in an SP2-ish way (acting very slow and crappy), and I'm
wondering what the heck I have now. That's my first question. :\

Ok, to continue this sad story of a computer illiterate attempting to
fiddle with her computer, after the incomplete restoration process, I
tried to find out what was wrong. A message popped up that said
"suspicious script... [something] having to do with rstrui.exe may be
corrupt". I went back to the screen where it had my Restore Points,
and I couldn't plug in an earlier date than the one I had attempted
unsuccessfully. So I logged onto the web in frustration to try to find
some insight into this problem. Someone there said, "You should
disable System Restore, reboot, enable it, then reboot again." So I
did that, and as expected my Restore Points disappeared, but I ended
up with the same problem of not being able to plug in an earlier date.
I got the same message of the corrupt rstrue.exe thingy and gave up in
frustration.

Now I wonder where the heck my computer is at now. The SP2 icon is
gone in the Add / Remove file, and in place are a bunch of SP1 Hotfix
icons and one SP2 hotfix icon (but the original SP2 icon is gone).
What should I do??

Just so you know, prior to this process I defragged, did a Virus and
SpyWare check, and nothing was a miss.

Any help would be appreciated!

 

[T. Waters]

1. Clean Install will wipe out everything on your computer, so be sure to
make backups of important files. Also see this very extensive article:
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html
It really is quite easy.

2. You can assume you have SP1, and you ought to be able to receive Updates
in the future. Glad to hear your computer is working normally now.

You can indeed go out and buy a copy of XP SP2. Since the copy of Windows on
your machine is not usable on another machine anyway, you might as well get
a fresh OS if you can afford it. That way, you have SP2, and an XP disk.
You might have to do a clean install of XP SP2, though. I don't think the
less-drastic Repair Install is an option in your situation.

Thanks for helping me narrow down my choices. If I do opt for a clean
install, any preliminary steps I need to take, ie: clean anything? Or
can I just hop down to the store and pop it in?

I'm curious also, if I were to just leave it the way it is (it seems
to be working well now), should I just assume it's an SP1 or original
XP system and treat it as such? Or did the botched restoration render
the system uniquely screwed up in some way that I won't be able to
proceed with normal updates (even to SP2 someday when it is in better
shape for people to use)?

Thanks again for your input.

Another thing, I just adjusted the settings on My Computer,
Performance Tab (this is basic enough that even I feel ok to touch it
and have eliminated most of the prettifications. The mouse no
longer has the high-tech drag and a few other visual adjustments. I
must say, my PC seems almost as fast as it did before the botch up.
However, I'm still concerned that it is in some limbo state and was
wondering if I should still reinstall (could you explain this one?) It
seems to be functioning OK (I only use it for e-mail, the internet and
such), but I'm worried about problems I might not be aware of. Thanks.
On Tue, 05 Apr 2005 18:43:19 -0700, (e-mail address removed) wrote:

Thanks for your response. I don't have a full install disc, or any
disc for that matter. Does reinstall mean the same as restore install?
Or is this a clean install? I get confused with the terminology.

Unfortunately, the warranty on my machine has expired. Is it possible
just to go to a store and buy a CD titled Windows XP? I would rather
not wait to get something shipped.

Yes, I have definitely learned from this experience. I am probably
doing things wrong, because I'm following the footsteps of others who
might have slightly different problems with their PCs (and I'm
misapplying them to my own!?)

Thanks again for your help.

I don't know anyone who has
UNinstalled SP2 successfully.....You have initiated a series of steps that
have compounded each other as you did them, and no matter what anyone might
suggest, the only way to get back to a fully functioning Windows XP

is
to

re-install, without going into a lot of detail considering you

admitted
to

being a 'computer illiterate' probably would confuse you further,

that
would

be my suggestion.
my next suggestion would be DO NOT fool with anything you do not
understand. Making mistakes like this is, unfortunately, a part of the
learning process; I have done stuff like this and so have many

others,
so

don't feel alone. Whatever Company put your machine together may be

able
to

help you with getting a full copy of Windows XP to re-install; call

them
if

your warranty is still good..
Hi,

I'm pretty computer illiterate and wondering if anyone can help..

I have Win XP and downloaded Service Pack 2 a few days ago. It gave me
a nasty experience, so I attempted to uninstall it by using Add /
Remove in the Control Panel. Everything went fine, until I went to
System Restore and attempted to restore my computer to what it was
just prior to installing SP2. The boot went fine, until a screen
popped up that said "Restoration Incomplete" and said that "nothing
has been changed in your computer." First of all, what the hell does
that mean?? Does it mean I still have SP2? I checked Add & Remove, and
did not see an SP2 icon there anymore. However, my computer is still
functioning in an SP2-ish way (acting very slow and crappy), and I'm
wondering what the heck I have now. That's my first question. :\

Ok, to continue this sad story of a computer illiterate attempting to
fiddle with her computer, after the incomplete restoration process, I
tried to find out what was wrong. A message popped up that said
"suspicious script... [something] having to do with rstrui.exe may be
corrupt". I went back to the screen where it had my Restore Points,
and I couldn't plug in an earlier date than the one I had attempted
unsuccessfully. So I logged onto the web in frustration to try to find
some insight into this problem. Someone there said, "You should
disable System Restore, reboot, enable it, then reboot again." So I
did that, and as expected my Restore Points disappeared, but I ended
up with the same problem of not being able to plug in an earlier date.
I got the same message of the corrupt rstrue.exe thingy and gave up in
frustration.

Now I wonder where the heck my computer is at now. The SP2 icon is
gone in the Add / Remove file, and in place are a bunch of SP1 Hotfix
icons and one SP2 hotfix icon (but the original SP2 icon is gone).
What should I do??

Just so you know, prior to this process I defragged, did a Virus and
SpyWare check, and nothing was a miss.

Any help would be appreciated!

 

[Sandman]

Forget all the stuff you are running thru your mind. if you can afford to
do so, go to Compusa or Best Buy if you have one of those where you live..
Buy a FULL install of Windows XP; it will probably include SP2.. It will NOT
be an UPGRADE install disc, don't buy one of those..
An OEM copy is cheaper and the only limtation is, you might have to call
Microsoft if you ever have to re-install it. It is still a full version of
XP..
Next, copy to another CD or whatever you can, any files or materials you
might want to save. This cannot be any part of XP, just your personal
stuff, pictures, or whatever. Then, put the XP disc into your CD-ROM and
follow the instructions. It will say there is already a copy of Windows XP
on your computer and ask if you want to delete it... Yes, you do. It will
then make available ALLthe space on your hard drive to install the clean and
new XP... Let us say, for example, that you have an 80gig HD... Clearing out
that partition with the OLD XP on it will give you 1 large space onto which
you want to install the NEW.. It will not be 80gigs, but close. DO NOT be in
a hurry and read all the options presented.
It will ask you, additionally, if you want to use NTFS file system,
YES.......Follow instructions onscreen and eventually, after asking a few
more questions, the FORMATTING of the HD will begin. This measn ALL the
stuff on the HD will be wiped clean and when XP is installed it will be a
clean and un messed-up copy of XP....
You can do this.. Good Luck.

 

[Ken Blake]

In

Forget all the stuff you are running thru your mind. if you
can
afford to do so, go to Compusa or Best Buy if you have one of
those
where you live.. Buy a FULL install of Windows XP; it will
probably
include SP2.. It will NOT be an UPGRADE install disc, don't buy
one
of those..

I'm coming in late to the thread, and I'm not not sure what the
OP's problem is, but I wanted to comment on the sentence above:

The Full Version of Windows XP and the Upgrade Version are
completely identical except for two things:

1. The Full version costs much more

2. The Upgrade version can not do a clean installation unless you
have a CD of a previous qualifying version to show it when
prompted to do so.

Note that, despite what many people think, the Upgrade version
*can* do a clean installation.

Since almost everyone has a previous qualifying version, or can
buy a used copy of one very cheaply, the Upgrade version is the
best choice for almost everyone (even those who want to do a
clean installation), since it saves a significant amount of
money.

An OEM copy is cheaper and the only limtation is, you
might have to call Microsoft if you ever have to re-install it.
It is
still a full version of XP..

The term "Full version" is normally used for a retail version
only. The OEM version, although it is "full" In the sense you
mean it, is a different version. It has very significant
limitations over the retail version, as follows:

1. Its license ties it permanently to the first computer it's
installed on. It can never legally be moved to another computer,
sold, or given away.

2. It can only do a clean installation, not an upgrade.

3. Microsoft provides no support for OEM versions. You can't call
them with a problem, but instead have to get any needed support
from your OEM; that support may range anywhere between good and
non-existent. Or you can get support elsewhere, such as in these
newsgroups.

Because of these OEM version disadvantages, and because the
retail Upgrade version costs only slightly more than the OEM
version, it's much the better choice for almost everyone.

 

[decentperson12001]

Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions. It saves me a lot of
time. I'm sure I'll be back with more questions. You've sure narrowed
down what would otherwise have been a mind boggling experience. Thanks
again for your help.