Could I have compromised Windows?

[Gracie]

I run Windows XP Pro, MS Office 2003 w/ Outlook and
Business Contact Manager, and used McAfee Internet
Security 6.0 (virus protection, firewall, spamkiller, and
privacy controls).

Two days ago I tried to add my Outlook Address Book to
SpamKiller, and all hell broke loose. I got an error
message that said Spamkiller couldn't find Outlook, and
from that point I could launch Outlook but other than the
folder headers, nothing was accessible (mail,
names/addresses, etc.). I rebooted and from that point, I
only had McAfee Privacy Service, no virus protection,
etc. (I am online bare naked right now...scary as $@#$).

Hang on... I'm getting to the Windows question.

In an attempt to repair, I ran a repair to McAfee through
Control Panel/Add-Remove. No joy. I ran a repair in
Outlook. No joy. So I removed McAfee, thinking I'd
reinstall. I remember from ages ago that someone told me
if you remove software via Control Panel, that some may
still remain and you can clean up the bits and pieces via
Windows Explorer. So I went into WE, there were tons of
things still remaining in various McAfee files, so I
deleted it all (dang quick trigger finger). I tried
reinstalling McAfee and it won't reinstall. I have worked
with McAfee for two days now trying to resolve, have
purged registry of all traces of McAfee, prepared
(extensively) for clean install, went out to aumha.org
and followed protocol for QuickFix for adware, etc.
(posted HiJackThis log, reply pending), and ran a virus
scan that says I'm clean.

Still no joy. These are the questions (finally,.... my
apologies for the long route)...
1. is it possible/probable that I deleted files that are
important to the function of Windows and/or MS Office?

2. If so, is it possible to get them back without totally
reinstalling? (I tried system restore... got an error
messages that either there weren't any changes or I
didn't have a benchmark from which to restore).

3. If I have to reinstall, do I have to save my
folders/files/favorites/email/contacts/"normal" thing
from office (whew) to disks, or will that stuff stay put?

Thanks for your help!!! What a mess, eh?

 

[Jerry]

Gracie,

Boot from the XP CD and do a repair install. That should, hopefully. 'fix'
all your Windows problems. Once that is done try repairing and/or
reinstalling the other stuff.

 

[Gracie]

I followed your suggestion, but haven't had any luck.
Same problems. I talked to Dell (why not.. I seem to be
talking to everyone else) and they are suggesting a total
reinstall. A tech is supposed to call me tomorrow morning
and walk me through it. Whadaya think?

Thanks for the help.

 

[Jerry]

Tough luck.

If you're talking to Dell that tells me you bought a system that came with a
restore CD and not a 'real' WinXP CD.

Using a restore CD means your system will be returned to the pristine
condition it was in when you brought it home; anything you
added/downloaded/etc will be lost.

Oh well, at least you should have everything running again.

 

[Rocket J. Squirrel]

All Dell PCs come with a "real" XP installation CD.

Rocky