Thanks Sharon! My computer windows xp sp2 didnt come with a cd would i still
be able to look for missing files?
You're welcome! Most systems that come with XP pre-installed have a folder
somewhere on the hard drive -sometimes on a hidden partition - named "i386"
that contains the files to setup Windows. This folder can be used for this
purpose.
Some finer points:
If you are trying to fix a Windows component that is listed under
Add/Remove Programs> Add/Remove Windows Components, use that interface to
remove the component and then to reinstall it.
You may have more than one i386 folder as Windows maintains a few inside
the Windows folders. Those do not hold the same files as the one provided
by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). The one provided by the OEM,
if not in a hidden partition, is often inside of a main folder with the
OEM's name. Example: .\Hewlett Packard\Support\Windows\i386\
The OEMs are required to provide the user some way to return the operating
system to "factory state." Take some time to find out what your OEM has
provided. Get a general understanding of how it is to be used. Easier to
take in that information when relaxed than when stressed about Windows not
working quite right.
Also, some OEMs will provide, in addition to the setup files resident on
the hard drive, a tool that allows one to burn a set of restore CDs. If
available, there will be a shortcut for this in the Start Menu and it
should also be mentioned in the system's documentation.
