Missing Features

[Guest]

Hey all. I have recently begun trying to network a few PCs together and have
come upon an issue which I think may not pertain to networking. Of two PCs,
one (PC A) appears to be missing a few basic Windows features as compared to
PC B. For instance, the Help files have disappeared. So has the Network
Diagnostic function, which has been especially inconvenient. Furthermore,
the built-in Windows firewall can not be adjusted either on or off on PC A,
although it is set as off. A quick perusal of the Security Settings,
however, says the firewall is on.

And lastly, the basic means for changing Windows appearence themes on PC A
is gone. I can alter display setting, screen savers and basic wallpaper, but
not themes.

This comes up as I have struggled to network these PCs together. Having
accessed various newsgroups on Networkings, I have discovered that firewalls
can be a big source of headaches. And so I am wondering if part of the
problem is my inability to alter the basic Windows firewall on PC A.

I have disabled all other security software from firewall to antivirus to
anti-spyware.

Roughly a year ago PC A had a significant spyware infection. It has been
cleansed, but I am wondering if this infection could have permenantly removed
various componants of Windows (such as firewalls features, Help files,
Network Diagnostic and the Appearence themes that are simply not there,) and,
if so, what might be the best approach to restoring these functions.

Thank you all for any help.

Ken.

 

[Harry Ohrn MS MVP]

You may have answered your own question. It is very likely that
spyware/malware infection you had broke some of the things you report as
being broken. Try running System File Checker and see if that helps to
repair the problem(s). To run SFC pop your Windows XP Cd into the drive,
cancel the install screen and click the Start Button then select Run. In the
box type the following and click OK

SFC /SCANNOW

System File Check will display a progress bar. Depending on your system
specs this can take many minutes to complete as it scans for and replaces
damaged system files. Unfortunately it doesn't tell you what or if it fixed
anything. When finished remove the CD and reboot. If that doesn't repair the
problems you may need to run a Repair Install. See How to Run a Repair
Install found here http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/repair_xp.htm Before
repairing your system ensure you have made a backup of important data