Notepad is missing

[Carol]

I had a virus that I was finally able to get rid of, but
I think it did some damage because I believe "Notepad" is
now missing. When I click on Notepad a DOS like window
pops up for only a fraction of a second and notepad never
comes up. I'm afraid to shut down my computer or try
restoring my system to a previous date in fear that
windows will not start back up due to missing files. How
can I find out if I do have any missing critical Windows
XP files? Should I be afaid to do a system restore? Any
help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

 

[R. C. White]

Hi, Carol.

Have you run the System File Checker? At the Run prompt, type: sfc
/scannow

SFC will compare each WinXP operating system file to the "known good" copy
held in your on-disk cache and replace any missing or damaged ones. Have
your WinXP CD-ROM handy; SFC probably will need to see it.

If that doesn't work, post back and tell us what you did and what results
you saw.

Which virus did you have? Someone here will probably know what needs to be
done to recover from it - IF they know which one it was.

RC

 

[R. McCarty]

Windows automatically replaces any over written, deleted or
renamed system component, by System File Checker.
However, you can run the full checker (If you have an XP
CD-ROM install disk) by clicking Start, Run (Type)
Sfc /Scannow
The process will likely ask you to install the disk in your CD
unit.

System Restore is best used within a 2-3 day restore period.
Anything further back in time has a high probability that it will
not work.

You sound conscientious, so I would recommend you check
on getting some type of Imaging software. System Restore is
only designed to "Get you out of a Jam" and not for complete
protection of your system & Data. I don't want to sound like
a "broken record", but a little expense and some learning time
and you can stop worrying about XP messing up. Having a
"Verified" image allows you to relax and use Windows. If you
have an issue a full Image restore can get you back up and
running in no time.

 

[MattK]

or just copy notepad.exe from "c:\windows" to "c:\windows\system32"

Good Luck!!!

 

[Kelly]

Hi Carol,

Run the edit on line 326 - Restore Notepad.exe
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm