pwayte
asked on
Can I reinstall Windows Server 2003 SP2 to resolve corrupted system files
I have a Windows Server 2003 R2 with SP 2 which was infected with viruses. After removal of viruses, several system functions are not working properly. I am unable to browse to the network, connect to this server from other servers and workstations, open Windows Firewall, open Network Connections, or install certain programs. It also disabled several services that I have since enabled manually, but am still unable to do many functions. Can I just reinstall SP2 to correct these errors? I tried the reset TCP/IP by using NetShell and also the rundll32 setupapi... netrass.inf commands without success. Thanks.
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
Also note that if you have System Restore Point enabled then why don't you just revert to a state prior to the infection.
Both give good advice. I've had success doing both.
Afterwards, you should plan for reloading/replacing that install of the server. Since the system has been seriously traumatized, you'll never be able to 100% trust it again. It may have started working again, and thats a great short-term goal, but far more often than not as the weeks months and years roll on you'll have anomalous behavior from it.
There are a couple ways you could do this: You can transfer the workload, virtualize the server and run it somewhere else while you reload the physical box its on, etc. but the point is it's never going to be 100% right again and it's untrustworthy.
Just my $0.02 from experience.
Thx
Afterwards, you should plan for reloading/replacing that install of the server. Since the system has been seriously traumatized, you'll never be able to 100% trust it again. It may have started working again, and thats a great short-term goal, but far more often than not as the weeks months and years roll on you'll have anomalous behavior from it.
There are a couple ways you could do this: You can transfer the workload, virtualize the server and run it somewhere else while you reload the physical box its on, etc. but the point is it's never going to be 100% right again and it's untrustworthy.
Just my $0.02 from experience.
Thx
Have you tried SFC /scannow?
http://pcsupport.about.com/od/toolsofthetrade/ht/sfc-scannow.htm
http://pcsupport.about.com/od/toolsofthetrade/ht/sfc-scannow.htm
i would not even try to repair it, since the OS seems heavily corrupted
best go for backup + freh instalml here - it will save you time in the end
if you fear the same thing happening later - make an image of the disk after everything is installed + updated
best go for backup + freh instalml here - it will save you time in the end
if you fear the same thing happening later - make an image of the disk after everything is installed + updated
ASKER
Thank you all for help. I awarded the solution to McKnife because he gave me the answer to my question and also told me to not trust reinstall and do fresh install which I was trying to avoid at all costs and because he answered first. All comments were excellent - thanks again. I ended up doing complete re-install after all which will end up being best course of action as the system was really corrupted.
ASKER