Expert Help needed, with XP System functions

[Paul Woodsford]

A friend has XP Home SP1 using an internal modem to connect to the WWW.
A few days ago he found that Windows Update stopped working. Could get to
the site, click on Scan and it stopped at 0%.
Followed all the likely fixes in the site FAQ without any change in the
situation.
Now the following has also happened:-
1.System Restore starts but will not restore to a past date.
2.He deleted his Dial Up Connection and tried to make a new one, but the
Modem selection is greyed out despite the modem being installed + drivers
and working using HyperTerminal.
3. sfc /scannow will not run.
4. Has tried to Repair XP using the install function in Setup and it
completed but the above 1,2,3 still not working.

The XP auxiliary programmes, Notepad,WordPad,paint and mediaplayer all work
as does all the installed 3rd party software. No new software has been
installed in the past 3 months.
He uses Norton and has had no problems for sometime. All this is new.

Can anyone help us as I am sure all these problems are connected.

 

[Lawrence]

Well, if he is using Norton products then he has definitely had problems for
some time! Try getting a decent "Anti Virus" and do a throygh scan. I would
suggest www. grisoft.com (AVG), then run SpyBot (or Adaware to remove any
viruses and maleware on the system. (AFTER REMOVING THE JUNK NORTON
ANTI-VIRUS). Install all available updates from the MS website. That should
get that system on the way to becoming a well running system.
ALSO, if you are using AOL, DUMP THEM! Get a real Internet Service
Provider...........

"Paul Woodsford"