Widespread system failures.....help

[Rick]

My computer has just gone nuts. A few days ago, my NAV
popped up a window that I got a Hale. something virus and
it couldn't be removed. I searched for it through
explorer and the registry and founf nothing. But soon, my
desktop was overflowing with log test files from all over
my comp. I would erase them, only for them to come back
with more, everytime I returned to my desktop. I got so
frustrated that I decided to just reload windows and
start from scratch. Well, I found out that
their "Restoring Windows XP will erase all your user
data" was a crock. My desktop was empty, Add/Remove progs
was minimal, but using explorer, I found all the programs
I had before. And I can't get rid of them. I can't re-
install Norton system works with AV protection, because
it says it's already there and the AV just wont do
anything. If I try and open it, it won't. Other aspect of
system works will open, but I have no AV protection. I
spent money in these programs, with a subscription good
for a long while. Can anyone help me?

helpless in sacramento
rick

 

[Marshall]

If you really want to start from scratch, you should try
formatting your hard disk. Go into CMOS and change the
boot order to look for a CD-ROM before your IDE-0 drive.
Reboot with the Win XP disk in the drive, and you'll have
the option to do a full reinstall. Make sure to do a
format - that'll wipe your disk clean.

Marshall