PlanetCpp
asked on
Device drivers & system restore gone haywire!
Hey guys
I'm trying to help my neighbor who's having a problem with his computer. I'm a programmer but i can't stand odd computer problems like these.
He was installing the drivers for a new printer and when it was just about finished his computer froze and restarted (or he restarted it i cant exactlly remember now)
when it came back on it was messed up, heres the differences:
1.) XP logon screen shows up, theres only one user and it never used to ask him to click his account before
2.) Random device drivers are missing or corrupted. theyre:
LITE-ON DVD-ROM LTD163 //his dvd drive
LITE-ON LTR-24102B //his cdrw drive
Avance Ac'97 Audio for VIA(r) Audio Controller //his sound card
MPU-401 compatible MIDI Device
BtCap, WDM Video Capture
Plug and Play Software device enumerator
3.) His screen saver doesn't work anymore, i didnt get to look into this one yet.
The printer driver was succesfully installed and i told him i really doubt that installing a printer driver can cause these changes.
I tried to rollback the drivers but it says there is no saved backup. i tried uninstalling and then finding the hardware but when it installs it it says its corrupted, says there was a problem installing it.
then i figured id just perform a system restore. i tried to go back a few hours, a day, and a few days but each one fails. after it restarts it pops up saying that windows could not restore to that point and to choose another.
the cd drives are annoying because the company doesnt make drivers for it, it says you use window's drivers. you can only find firmware upgrades but theyre no use since it wouldnt be able to even see that i had the drive installed.
remmeber the cd drives arent working so i cant use any cd's yet. anyone have any ideas.
thanks in advance
I'm trying to help my neighbor who's having a problem with his computer. I'm a programmer but i can't stand odd computer problems like these.
He was installing the drivers for a new printer and when it was just about finished his computer froze and restarted (or he restarted it i cant exactlly remember now)
when it came back on it was messed up, heres the differences:
1.) XP logon screen shows up, theres only one user and it never used to ask him to click his account before
2.) Random device drivers are missing or corrupted. theyre:
LITE-ON DVD-ROM LTD163 //his dvd drive
LITE-ON LTR-24102B //his cdrw drive
Avance Ac'97 Audio for VIA(r) Audio Controller //his sound card
MPU-401 compatible MIDI Device
BtCap, WDM Video Capture
Plug and Play Software device enumerator
3.) His screen saver doesn't work anymore, i didnt get to look into this one yet.
The printer driver was succesfully installed and i told him i really doubt that installing a printer driver can cause these changes.
I tried to rollback the drivers but it says there is no saved backup. i tried uninstalling and then finding the hardware but when it installs it it says its corrupted, says there was a problem installing it.
then i figured id just perform a system restore. i tried to go back a few hours, a day, and a few days but each one fails. after it restarts it pops up saying that windows could not restore to that point and to choose another.
the cd drives are annoying because the company doesnt make drivers for it, it says you use window's drivers. you can only find firmware upgrades but theyre no use since it wouldnt be able to even see that i had the drive installed.
remmeber the cd drives arent working so i cant use any cd's yet. anyone have any ideas.
thanks in advance
HOW TO: Restore the Operating System to a Previous State in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;306084
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;306084
and once u perform a inplace upgrade. try to get latest BIOS for your mobo.
get all the latest device driver for your devices.
and then get the latest windows update.
i am assuming that your system is free with viruses and adware/spyware if u are not sure about that. then after performing inplace upgrade, have a run of these scans.
get all the latest device driver for your devices.
and then get the latest windows update.
i am assuming that your system is free with viruses and adware/spyware if u are not sure about that. then after performing inplace upgrade, have a run of these scans.
Sorry. Missed the part about system restore. :(
Troubleshooting System Restore in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=http://support.microsoft.com:80/support/kb/articles/q302/7/96.asp&NoWebContent=1
SUMMARY
This article describes how to perform basic troubleshooting for issues that involve the System Restore tool in Windows XP.
The information in this article applies to:
Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
Microsoft Windows XP Professional
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=http://support.microsoft.com:80/support/kb/articles/q302/7/96.asp&NoWebContent=1
SUMMARY
This article describes how to perform basic troubleshooting for issues that involve the System Restore tool in Windows XP.
The information in this article applies to:
Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
Microsoft Windows XP Professional
if you can boot to safe mode:
Try running system file checker
START | RUN | SFC /SCANNOW
You may need your XP CD nearby.
Try running system file checker
START | RUN | SFC /SCANNOW
You may need your XP CD nearby.
If you have problems with SFC
The Windows File Checker Utility Cannot Restore Protected Operating System Files
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;pl;291594
SYMPTOMS
When the Windows File Checker utility (also known as Sfc.exe) tries to restore protected operating system files on the computer, you may experience one or both of the following symptoms:
You receive the following message:
Files that are required for Windows to run properly must be copied to the DLL Cache.
The network location from which the files should be copied, \\server\volume, is not available.
Contact your system administrator or insert the Windows 2000 Professional CD now.
You are prompted for your credentials. After you enter your credentials, you are prompted for them again.
The information in this article applies to:
Microsoft Windows XP 64-Bit Edition
Microsoft Windows XP Professional
Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server
Microsoft Windows 2000 Profession
The Windows File Checker Utility Cannot Restore Protected Operating System Files
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;pl;291594
SYMPTOMS
When the Windows File Checker utility (also known as Sfc.exe) tries to restore protected operating system files on the computer, you may experience one or both of the following symptoms:
You receive the following message:
Files that are required for Windows to run properly must be copied to the DLL Cache.
The network location from which the files should be copied, \\server\volume, is not available.
Contact your system administrator or insert the Windows 2000 Professional CD now.
You are prompted for your credentials. After you enter your credentials, you are prompted for them again.
The information in this article applies to:
Microsoft Windows XP 64-Bit Edition
Microsoft Windows XP Professional
Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server
Microsoft Windows 2000 Profession
Resources fro Troubleshooting Startup Problems in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=308041
SUMMARY
You Receive an Error Message When You Start Your Computer
Try to Configure Windows So That It Does Not Load the File or Service That Is Mentioned in the Error Message
See Whether a New Program Has Recently Been Installed on Your Computer
Your Computer Stops Responding When You Try to Start Windows XP
Try to Start Your Computer in Safe Mode
Determine Whether the Problem Is Related to a Device Driver by Using Device Manager
Try to Restore Typical Operation of Windows XP by Using the System Restore Tool
Try to Restore Typical Operation of Windows XP by Using the Last Known Good Configuration
Try to Repair Your Installation of Windows XP Performing an In-Place Upgrade
Confirm That Your CMOS/BIOS Settings Are Correct
Confirm That Your Hard Disk or File System Is Not Damaged
After Upgrade, Programs That Previously Loaded During Startup No Longer Start
REFERENCES
Recommended Knowledge Base Articles
How to Use the Microsoft Product Support Services Web Site
SUMMARY
This article shows you how to troubleshoot startup problems in Windows XP. After you follow the articles or steps in each section, try to start your computer to determine if the problem is resolved. If you still cannot start your computer, continue to the next section of the article.
The information in this article applies to:
Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
Microsoft Windows XP Professional
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=308041
SUMMARY
You Receive an Error Message When You Start Your Computer
Try to Configure Windows So That It Does Not Load the File or Service That Is Mentioned in the Error Message
See Whether a New Program Has Recently Been Installed on Your Computer
Your Computer Stops Responding When You Try to Start Windows XP
Try to Start Your Computer in Safe Mode
Determine Whether the Problem Is Related to a Device Driver by Using Device Manager
Try to Restore Typical Operation of Windows XP by Using the System Restore Tool
Try to Restore Typical Operation of Windows XP by Using the Last Known Good Configuration
Try to Repair Your Installation of Windows XP Performing an In-Place Upgrade
Confirm That Your CMOS/BIOS Settings Are Correct
Confirm That Your Hard Disk or File System Is Not Damaged
After Upgrade, Programs That Previously Loaded During Startup No Longer Start
REFERENCES
Recommended Knowledge Base Articles
How to Use the Microsoft Product Support Services Web Site
SUMMARY
This article shows you how to troubleshoot startup problems in Windows XP. After you follow the articles or steps in each section, try to start your computer to determine if the problem is resolved. If you still cannot start your computer, continue to the next section of the article.
The information in this article applies to:
Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
Microsoft Windows XP Professional
ASKER
thanks for the fast replies
shivsa:
i also am assuming the system is virus free, it's not my computer and there are TONS upon TONS of programs running. he seems to be a blind yes clicker.
you know in xp how it hides the unused systray icons, i never actually saw it scrolling when i unhid them. there had to be 25 icons in there at least. i was helping with that as well. but back to the problem.
i know of the repair option for xp problem is i didnt htink it was possible cause he has no XP cd. he bought the computer and everything is installed already. only came with restore cd's to completely erase and restore everyhting. im not used to this cause i make my own systems and have a copy of XP handy for these things. i dont have the computer here but i know that it "sees" the cd drives during boot time, it lists them as it boots up. windows doesnt show them in my computer though. can i still boot from a cd?? sorry to ask but i cant see for myself until tomarrow and if you know offhand it would help.
also, to repair not totally install can i use my XP cd??
thanks again
shivsa:
i also am assuming the system is virus free, it's not my computer and there are TONS upon TONS of programs running. he seems to be a blind yes clicker.
you know in xp how it hides the unused systray icons, i never actually saw it scrolling when i unhid them. there had to be 25 icons in there at least. i was helping with that as well. but back to the problem.
i know of the repair option for xp problem is i didnt htink it was possible cause he has no XP cd. he bought the computer and everything is installed already. only came with restore cd's to completely erase and restore everyhting. im not used to this cause i make my own systems and have a copy of XP handy for these things. i dont have the computer here but i know that it "sees" the cd drives during boot time, it lists them as it boots up. windows doesnt show them in my computer though. can i still boot from a cd?? sorry to ask but i cant see for myself until tomarrow and if you know offhand it would help.
also, to repair not totally install can i use my XP cd??
thanks again
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
ASKER
yea they helped i actually just had to use the Last good configuration option. it brought back the drivers and cd drives but dumped the video drivers for whatever reason. had the cd for that and its all back to normal thanks
>>i actually just had to use the Last good configuration option
I'm going to ask a moderator to look at this. I posted the suggestion to use the last good configuration information.
Comment from gemarti
Date: 01/18/2004 08:28PM EST
ID: 10143005
I'm going to ask a moderator to look at this. I posted the suggestion to use the last good configuration information.
Comment from gemarti
Date: 01/18/2004 08:28PM EST
ID: 10143005
ASKER
sorry if you did. the posts all came at once. it was shivas' link that made me try that though. it was one of the links that had a visual aid, which is how i remember.
i answer alot more questions then i ask on this site and the general way i get graded for my answers is if i happen to say the same answer but a few minutes after someone else has the other person usually gets it, if they both have link but one has better info then that one will usually get the points.
i know how you feel though i've written alot of code only to realize that some else wrote the solution a minute or two before me and they get the points.
i answer alot more questions then i ask on this site and the general way i get graded for my answers is if i happen to say the same answer but a few minutes after someone else has the other person usually gets it, if they both have link but one has better info then that one will usually get the points.
i know how you feel though i've written alot of code only to realize that some else wrote the solution a minute or two before me and they get the points.
I've posted a request in CS. If they feel that you were right in selecting shivsa's accepted answer then so be it, but the fact is I suggested using the system restore tool and that is what you used to resolve your problem.
Another fact is the questions are PAQ'd. Since you are a contributing Expert you should understand that the PAQ'd answers are made available only to other qualifying experts and paying customers. This question, as accepted, really doesn't give a paying customer the answer needed to solve the problem.
I would be perfectly willing to let this go, but the quality of the information you accepted is not worth the 500 pts you awarded.
Another fact is the questions are PAQ'd. Since you are a contributing Expert you should understand that the PAQ'd answers are made available only to other qualifying experts and paying customers. This question, as accepted, really doesn't give a paying customer the answer needed to solve the problem.
I would be perfectly willing to let this go, but the quality of the information you accepted is not worth the 500 pts you awarded.
How Do I Do a "Repair Installation"?
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/tips/xp_repair_install.htm
Repair
How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade (Reinstallation) of Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;315341
Visual aid to the above procedure
http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/repair_xp.htm
Click on How To Run a Repair Install