HELP! windows files replaced by unrecognized version

[taoh]

I'm using Windows XP Pro SP1. It appears that some windows
files are lost, as a warning message shows, "some files
that are required to run Windows have been replaced by
unrecognized version", and it asks to "insert the Windows
XP Professional SP1 CD". I did, but nothing happens. I
also did a repair installation and upgrade to SP1a from
Microsoft website, neither one worked. What should I do?
Thanks in advance. Here are some of the syptoms,

1. it doesn't see other computers on the LAN or vice
versa, neither does Remote Desktop work.
2. its ftp server is still accessible on the LAN. and
RealVNC works fine.
3. the current user has to completely logoff before
another user can log in. after entering the password of
another user, it just flashes the background of the
current user and comes back to the welcome screen.

 

[Malke]

I'm using Windows XP Pro SP1. It appears that some windows
files are lost, as a warning message shows, "some files
that are required to run Windows have been replaced by
unrecognized version", and it asks to "insert the Windows
XP Professional SP1 CD". I did, but nothing happens. I
also did a repair installation and upgrade to SP1a from
Microsoft website, neither one worked. What should I do?
Thanks in advance. Here are some of the syptoms,

1. it doesn't see other computers on the LAN or vice
versa, neither does Remote Desktop work.
2. its ftp server is still accessible on the LAN. and
RealVNC works fine.
3. the current user has to completely logoff before
another user can log in. after entering the password of
another user, it just flashes the background of the
current user and comes back to the welcome screen.

What does a scan with a current antivirus program (meaning a version not
earlier than 2002 and using updated virus definitions) show? If your
computer is clean, then please post back with what you think changed
between the time things worked and the time they didn't. Also, be sure
to tell us what you've already done to troubleshoot.

Malke

 

[Guest]

I did a Norton virus scan as suggested, however, the scan
never finishes. It appeared stuck at certain directories
which has a weird path, like "D:\documents and
settings\frust\start
menu\programs\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\websho~1
"
, and the file count was over 400k. There were actually
more "\" before "websho~1". I had to stop it by
hitting "stop scan".

The other syptoms include,

1. Fast user switching no longer works. The current user
has to log off before another user can log in, other
wise,
it just flashes the background of the current user, then
goes back to the welcome screen.
2. It's not present on the LAN (workgroup), doesn't see
other machines eitehr, although its ftp server is still
accessible. RealVNC works fine also.
3. The task bar lost its blue color.

What I have done include,

1. "sfc.exe /scannow", prompted with the "insert CD", but
didn't change anything
2. Repair installation with my XP Pro CD. didn't change
anything.
3. Upgrade to XP SP1a, didn't change anything.

Really don't wanna reinstall everything... almost tried
to synchronize the "D:\Windows" folder with another XP
machine I have, but I'm holding.......

 

[frust]

I did a Norton virus scan as suggested, however, the scan
never finishes. It appeared stuck at certain directories
which has a weird path, like "D:\documents and
settings\frust\start
menu\programs\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\websho~1
"
, and the file count was over 400k. There were actually
more "\" before "websho~1". I had to stop it by
hitting "stop scan".

The other syptoms include,

1. Fast user switching no longer works. The current user
has to log off before another user can log in, other
wise,
it just flashes the background of the current user, then
goes back to the welcome screen.
2. It's not present on the LAN (workgroup), doesn't see
other machines eitehr, although its ftp server is still
accessible. RealVNC works fine also.
3. The task bar lost its blue color.

What I have done include,

1. "sfc.exe /scannow", prompted with the "insert CD", but
didn't change anything
2. Repair installation with my XP Pro CD. didn't change
anything.
3. Upgrade to XP SP1a, didn't change anything.

Really don't wanna reinstall everything... almost tried
to synchronize the "D:\Windows" folder with another XP
machine I have, but I'm holding.......

 

[Malke]

I did a Norton virus scan as suggested, however, the scan
never finishes. It appeared stuck at certain directories
which has a weird path, like "D:\documents and
settings\frust\start
menu\programs\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\websho~1
"
, and the file count was over 400k. There were actually
more "\" before "websho~1". I had to stop it by
hitting "stop scan".

The other syptoms include,

1. Fast user switching no longer works. The current user
has to log off before another user can log in, other
wise,
it just flashes the background of the current user, then
goes back to the welcome screen.
2. It's not present on the LAN (workgroup), doesn't see
other machines eitehr, although its ftp server is still
accessible. RealVNC works fine also.
3. The task bar lost its blue color.

What I have done include,

1. "sfc.exe /scannow", prompted with the "insert CD", but
didn't change anything
2. Repair installation with my XP Pro CD. didn't change
anything.
3. Upgrade to XP SP1a, didn't change anything.

Really don't wanna reinstall everything... almost tried
to synchronize the "D:\Windows" folder with another XP
machine I have, but I'm holding.......

Well, it sure sounds like something is failing badly. I'd test your RAM
and hard drive, just to be sure the hardware is not the guilty party.
If the hardware tests OK, then I'm sorry but I would format the drive
and reinstall Windows. I understand you don't want to do that, but
don't forget I can't see the machine, either. You might want to call in
a good local computer repair person to check it out.

Good luck,

Malke