Error loading c:\Windows\system32\inetcpl.cpl running Windows XP SvcPack 3, IE 8
This is an example of knowing just enough to be dangerous...I've been trying to speed up my laptop (Toshiba Satellite M65 S809) and am now trying to correct the several errors made in the process.
So, one at a time...I'm getting the error shown in the title. Have searched the internet, found solutions ranging from "search my hard drive for the missing file and copy it into the system32 folder" (no can do, search function in Windows Explorer no longer works)...to uploading the file off the internet from a site that no longer has the file. But everywhere I've looked the solutions offered are for older versions of Windows and IE.
Just for background:
My intention is to get past the errors so that I can do a clean full system back up, then reinstall Windows. But in the process, after uninstalling CA security suite that comes with Time Warner Cable, I seem to have contracted a virus. My son-in-law tried to install Norton but something is keeping it from being able to update the virus file.
So that gives you a bigger picture of what I'm dealing with. Any expert advice that leads to a solution, or at least points the way out of this self-created maze...would be more than welcome.
So, one at a time...I'm getting the error shown in the title. Have searched the internet, found solutions ranging from "search my hard drive for the missing file and copy it into the system32 folder" (no can do, search function in Windows Explorer no longer works)...to uploading the file off the internet from a site that no longer has the file. But everywhere I've looked the solutions offered are for older versions of Windows and IE.
Just for background:
My intention is to get past the errors so that I can do a clean full system back up, then reinstall Windows. But in the process, after uninstalling CA security suite that comes with Time Warner Cable, I seem to have contracted a virus. My son-in-law tried to install Norton but something is keeping it from being able to update the virus file.
So that gives you a bigger picture of what I'm dealing with. Any expert advice that leads to a solution, or at least points the way out of this self-created maze...would be more than welcome.
SOLUTION
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LWK, i haven't had any experience with JV16 power tools. But i would go with the ones i recommend. they are very good and should clean you up. And they are free! :-)
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
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SOLUTION
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ASKER
LWK update:
First, thank you to each contributor to my question. I'll come back to accept solutions and give feedback after I'm out of the woods here.
Accomplished so far:
* Ran ccleaner last night and then was unable to open a browser.
* Bought a larger back up drive so that I could preserve my last back up just in case. Did a complete system back up last night; it took over five hours. It completed "with errors". I use Novastor and could not find where the specific errors were detailed.
* When I reboot I still get 1) Runs ChkDsk, then 2) the System Configuration Utility screen comes up when Windows opens even though I've checked and re-checked the "don't show this message..." box.
* I'm also getting an "old Virus definition file" message, even though we could not update the virus definition file and are still unable to uninstall Norton that my son-in-law installed two nights ago while trying to fix the problem.
* I discovered I could open a Mozilla Firefox browser in Safe Mode by going through Start/All Programs; Internet Explorer does not have that option and I know from prior experience that Microsoft won't let me download updates from Firefox, so re-installing SP3 is not an option just yet, (Roads Roads)
* I think my next step is to follow JCimarron's suggestion. I'm a bit leary of running malware, but have tried to go directly to repair Windows and ended up losing mouse control and having to do a hard reboot.
So here I go, will attempt to download malwarebytes from Firefox in safe mode, then proceed with running a repair install of XP.
fingers crossed everyone
First, thank you to each contributor to my question. I'll come back to accept solutions and give feedback after I'm out of the woods here.
Accomplished so far:
* Ran ccleaner last night and then was unable to open a browser.
* Bought a larger back up drive so that I could preserve my last back up just in case. Did a complete system back up last night; it took over five hours. It completed "with errors". I use Novastor and could not find where the specific errors were detailed.
* When I reboot I still get 1) Runs ChkDsk, then 2) the System Configuration Utility screen comes up when Windows opens even though I've checked and re-checked the "don't show this message..." box.
* I'm also getting an "old Virus definition file" message, even though we could not update the virus definition file and are still unable to uninstall Norton that my son-in-law installed two nights ago while trying to fix the problem.
* I discovered I could open a Mozilla Firefox browser in Safe Mode by going through Start/All Programs; Internet Explorer does not have that option and I know from prior experience that Microsoft won't let me download updates from Firefox, so re-installing SP3 is not an option just yet, (Roads Roads)
* I think my next step is to follow JCimarron's suggestion. I'm a bit leary of running malware, but have tried to go directly to repair Windows and ended up losing mouse control and having to do a hard reboot.
So here I go, will attempt to download malwarebytes from Firefox in safe mode, then proceed with running a repair install of XP.
fingers crossed everyone
Definitely run malwarebytes and superantispyware a few times. they should do a good job at cleaning the malware.
ASKER
The solutions offered gave me excellent direction on how to work through the problem. As I've been stepping through the solutions and studying the links and information provided, different issues have emerged, giving rise to more questions. So I'll close out this question, award points with enormous gratitude to each expert who contributed and open a new question.
ASKER
To reply to njxbean...I have ccleaner installed, but had forgotten what it was. Earlier in the week I downloaded JV16 Power Tools on a trial. Do you have an opinion about that tool? After the scan is finished I'll look for malwarebytes and superantispyware and see if I can down load them.
Ah, there my wireless just came back up. This is just too weird.
But this service is awesome! I hope these comments are viewable by everyone in the conversation.