Backup files before Clean/Repair Install

M

malhithearnaz

New Member
I'm having issues with various programs on my 32 bit Home Premium Vista OS. It seems like a virus to me. When I try and open EXPLORER the infamous CLASS NOT REGISTERED error shows up. For many other applications I get the "WININET.dll NOT FOUND" error. I have tried REGISTRY MECHANIC and also tried to do a STARTUP REPAIR using the VISTA DVD. The Startup Repair utility does not seem to find any problems when I run it at startup.

I wanted to get opinions if all this was leading to a clean install or a repair install of Vista. I'm not sure if I have SP1 or SP2. I can't seem to get to any program that would give me that info because of aforementioned errors.

Also if it is a clean install that I need to do, can I save my documents and music somehow first? Any ideas? Is it possible to use DOS Command Shell and try the COPY command to copy these folders to my portable hard drive, which is L: drive on my computer.

I do have a few programs that run without the errors. One is Mozilla Firefox. I can see all my important files by typing "C:" in the Firefox browser (for eg. "//c:/Users/admin/Music"). Any way to copy them to "L:"? Or any way to back them up before OS installation? Thanks. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.
 

My Computer

System One

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    HP Compaq Presario/SR5113WM
    CPU
    AMD Athlon 64 X2 3600+ 1.9Ghz
    Motherboard
    Asus M2N68-LA
    Memory
    PNY Optima Memory DDR2 2GB 2x1 kit
    Graphics card(s)
    PNY Nvidia 8400 GS 256MB
    Sound Card
    On board RealTek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer X163W LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    Western Digital 160 GB SATA 3G (3.0Gb/sec) 7200 rpm Western Digital 160 GB IDE
    PSU
    Dynex 400w
    Case
    Nothin Special
    Cooling
    Stock
    Mouse
    Wireless Logitech LX7
    Keyboard
    Standard 102 key with volume and sleep buttons
    Internet Speed
    Comcrap 10mb cable
    Other Info
    Insignia 2.1 speakers, wireless Xbox 360 controller w/plug n play charger, Belkin wireless G + mimo usb network adapter.
malhithearnaz:

In answer to your question, in the event that you are unable for some reason
to do a Repair Installation as suggested by mansrm81, there are ways to
back up your personal files before doing a full reinstall.


Ardneh
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Compaq/SR5130NX
    CPU
    AMD AthlonTM 64x2 3800+
    Memory
    4 GB
    Graphics card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce 6150 SE
malhithearnaz:

A couple of weeks ago I saw a tutorial on using Notepad from BIOS to transfer files, but I couldn't find it again.
------------------------------------
I suggest using a Ubuntu Live CD as a Vista Rescue Utility.
Getting started is a simple and easy process.

Just Download > Burn image to CD/DVD > Boot Up.

Download site:

Download Ubuntu | Ubuntu

Choose Ubuntu 8.04 LTS Desktop
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After downloading the file,burn it as an image to a CD or DVD.

I use Imgburn for this.

Download ImgBurn 2.5.0.0 - FileHippo.com

In Imgburn use the top-left option --- Write Image File To a Disc
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ubuntu is a graphical interface similar to Windows but with some differences.
Within 10 or 15 minutes of exploring the new OS you will be roaming through
your file system and copying files to USB stick.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ubuntu will load into memory before Windows MBR is activated.

It doesn't install to disc at all so long as you leave it at its default
Try Ubuntu without any change to your computer on its initial boot screen.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You'll need to boot into BIOS and set it to boot from your CD/DVD drive.
Then with the Live CD in that drive, key Enter.


Ardneh
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Compaq/SR5130NX
    CPU
    AMD AthlonTM 64x2 3800+
    Memory
    4 GB
    Graphics card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce 6150 SE
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top