Windows XP repair followed by restore

[JDGuymon]

My system crashed and I had to do a system repair from the original operating
system CD. After that, my installed programs are not recognized.
Is there any way to follow this with a restore?
I know the restore files still exist because I can see them in the C:\System
Volume Information folder. There are two sets of files, one from the
original installation and one from the new repair. If I try to restore now,
it only "sees" the files in the newly repaired installation. How do I point
the system to the original restore files so I can access them? Is there a
change that can be made in the registry? Is there another way to complete
the restore?
Thanks.

 

[Colin Barnhorst]

How did you perform the repair install? That should not have uninstalled
any programs. What programs are you talking about?

 

[JDGuymon]

I did the repair from the windows installation disk. My understanding of
this process was that everything would be intact. However, when complete, it
was like a new installation of windows with all the factory defaults. Only
difference is, all of my installed programs (office, adobe, etc) are still
there, but they are not recognized by the OS and will not run. They are not
uninstalled, the OS just isn't aware of them.

 

[Big Al]

I did the repair from the windows installation disk. My understanding of
this process was that everything would be intact. However, when complete, it
was like a new installation of windows with all the factory defaults. Only
difference is, all of my installed programs (office, adobe, etc) are still
there, but they are not recognized by the OS and will not run. They are not
uninstalled, the OS just isn't aware of them.

I'll be interested to hear this thread. Every time I do a restore I
get the same thing. I suspect the registry is re-written and of course
any knowledge of installed items is gone.

 

[Colin Barnhorst]

They may still be on the disk but they are uninstalled. Installation
registers the components of the software in the registry. Until this is
done they are not installed and will not run. Reinstall the programs.

 

[Colin Barnhorst]

Do a search on microsoft.com on "repair install windows xp" and read the
method. It is possible to miss the second 'r' during the text phase of
Setup (the first 'r' is the recovery console and the second is repair
install) and do an overwrite of Windows instead.

I have never performed a repair install of xp (any version) which resulted
in uninstalled software.

 

[PD43]

Do a search on microsoft.com on "repair install windows xp" and read the
method. It is possible to miss the second 'r' during the text phase of
Setup (the first 'r' is the recovery console and the second is repair
install) and do an overwrite of Windows instead.

I have never performed a repair install of xp (any version) which resulted
in uninstalled software.

Nor have I.

 

[sgopus]

it appears you didn't do a repair, but a new install without format, this
will leave uninstalled software, now that things are really hosed up, it's
time to consider starting over again, with a format and clean install of
windows and other software.

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

I agree with the others. It sounds like you used the OEM System Recovery
(don't confuse with System Restore) disk that came with the machine and have
returned the machine to OOBE (Out Of Box Experience) state. The fact that
your other applications are still present strongly suggests that the
machine's in a "confused" state. Consult the machine manufacturer's support
pages for instructions on using the Recovery disk properly.

Good luck!

 

[JDGuymon]

But can anyone answer the question about whether the existing restore files
can be used. They are present. I just need to access them. There must be a
registry entry that points to these files...

 

[Colin Barnhorst]

If you are talking about system restore files, I don't think so.

 

[sgopus]

NO, they shouldn't be used! it would only add to the problem.
you've got massive issues, that need to be resolved via a clean install.

backup what data you can access and start over.

 

[PD43]

But can anyone answer the question about whether the existing restore files
can be used. They are present. I just need to access them. There must be a
registry entry that points to these files...

No. Each program makes its own registry entries when it's installed.
You have no option other than to reinstall your programs.

 

[Daave]

NO, they shouldn't be used! it would only add to the problem.
you've got massive issues, that need to be resolved via a clean
install.

If OP is going to perform a clean install *anyway*, then what's the harm
in trying a System Restore (provided the first thing he does is back up
all the data he can)?

backup what data you can access and start over.

Yes! It cannot be stressed enough that backing up data is *very*
important!

 

[Daave]

I got the impression that OP used an installation disk (he never gave
enough details, though). If he did, is it possible he performed the
steps of Method 3 listed here?:

"How to install or upgrade to Windows XP"
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/316941

That is, was a parallel installation done? And if the original
installation is still on the drive, can OP boot off of *that*?

 

[Daave]

My system crashed and I had to do a system repair from the original
operating system CD. After that, my installed programs are not
recognized.
Is there any way to follow this with a restore?
I know the restore files still exist because I can see them in the
C:\System Volume Information folder. There are two sets of files,
one from the original installation and one from the new repair. If I
try to restore now, it only "sees" the files in the newly repaired
installation. How do I point the system to the original restore
files so I can access them? Is there a change that can be made in
the registry? Is there another way to complete the restore?
Thanks.

First of all, back up all the data you can. Sounds like you may have
performed an accidental parallel installation of Windows XP. If so, read
on...

If you're able to choose which version of Windows to boot off of, simply
follow these instructions:

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/twoxp.txt

If the above doesn't work, you can try the method below (and if that
doesn't work, then I guess you'll need to perform a clean install as
others have suggested). But first, you might as well try the following:

First, perform a *repair* install. *Carefully* follow the instructions
here:

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

After you do this, Edit Boot.Ini file:

Go to start/Run and type "msconfig." Open "Boot.ini" and highlight the
new OS. Then click on "check all boot paths" and remove the entry for
the newer (accidental/parallel) Windows setup. If all works, delete the
newer (accidental/parallel) Windows folder.

Good luck.

 

[Colin Barnhorst]

He won't be able to. Once the system files have been reinstalled the
versioning won't permit a system restore. He'll just get an error.