HELP - think I lost a .dll file, now what?

[Jason]

I'm unable to install any programs, and also cannot
uninstall certain programs via Add/Remove Programs, and a
coworker is guessing that I must have lost a dynamic link
library (.dll) file in a recent program uninstall. I
keep getting an error message reading, "An Installation
Support File Could Not Be Installed. Interface Not
Registered" so I have no idea what I need to do to get
back to where I need to be. System Restore had been
disabled some time ago so that's not an option.

I'm open for any ideas, short of reformatting my hard
drive, so feel free to brainstorm with me. Thank you in
advance for your time and assistance.

Jason

 

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

If this is a recent issue, you might try using System Restore to take you
back to a time before this issue began. Start\All
Programs\Accessories\System Tools\System Restore.

If the above fails, you might try the following assuming 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.