| I tend to keep my important data on an external backup drive so that when the unsolvable problem comes, I format and start new. It makes for a lot more secure computer (granted you reinstall your virus protection, etc.) with a lot less crap on it. Befor formatting, make sure to save the registry folder...... just as a backup. Also, if you do choose to reformat, once you have everything fresh and all of your previous programs up and working, create an image. This will make for a much quicker starting point next time. Symmantic ghost is pretty good software for creating an image.
I know this is not the answer you were looking for though. Do you have the original XP install disk? If so, I would try the "repair" feature that it offers. Otherwise, see above. Back up the important data on an external (I got a 320GB for 79.00 at Walmart 3 Mo. ago), wipe the computer and start fresh. |