[momma0203]

I tried to install a new Norton anti-virus and now nothing works except internet explorer. I ran an Ad-Aware SE Personal scan before i tried to install anti-virus. I deleted all it found. Did i delete something important or do i have a virus? None of my programs will open. The icons on my desktop have all changed and most of the names now have ".ink" as an extension. I took it off line since i now have no working anti-virus program. I am posting from a different computer.

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.ink is the normal extension for shortcuts.

Let's try a system restore right off the bat (this will restore it before the problem occured. It will not erase your personal files such as pictures, music, documents, etc. But it will remove any program or driver that was installed after the date you pick to restore to):

To do it in Windows
Go to Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore

Restore to a point in time before the problem occured.

If you cannot do this in Windows, move on to my next instructions.


To do it from Recovery Console
Insert your XP Installation CD and restart the computer. If prompted, select any options required to boot from the CD.

When the text-based part of Setup begins, follow the prompts; choose the repair or recover option by pressing R. If you have a dual-boot or multiple-boot system, choose the installation that you need to access from the Recovery Console. When prompted, type the Administrator password (if you have not set this, press "Enter"). At the system prompt, type %systemroot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe and press "Enter".

This should start the System Restore feature. Restore to a date before the problem began.

Note: %systemroot% is a variable, it may work, or you may have to type in what it should be. For some computers, it is Windows, for others, it is WINNT.

[computerwiz12890]

.ink is the normal extension for shortcuts.

Let's try a system restore right off the bat (this will restore it before the problem occured. It will not erase your personal files such as pictures, music, documents, etc. But it will remove any program or driver that was installed after the date you pick to restore to):

To do it in Windows
Go to Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore

Restore to a point in time before the problem occured.

If you cannot do this in Windows, move on to my next instructions.


To do it from Recovery Console
Insert your XP Installation CD and restart the computer. If prompted, select any options required to boot from the CD.

When the text-based part of Setup begins, follow the prompts; choose the repair or recover option by pressing R. If you have a dual-boot or multiple-boot system, choose the installation that you need to access from the Recovery Console. When prompted, type the Administrator password (if you have not set this, press "Enter"). At the system prompt, type %systemroot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe and press "Enter".

This should start the System Restore feature. Restore to a date before the problem began.

Note: %systemroot% is a variable, it may work, or you may have to type in what it should be. For some computers, it is Windows, for others, it is WINNT.

[momma0203]

XP installation CD? I have the system recovery discs(8), is that what you mean?

[computerwiz12890]

Not exactly...

So you're not able to get into Windows? How about using Safe Mode to get into Windows?

How to boot into Safe Mode


Once you get into Safe Mode, the first thing you'll see is a box that bascially asks you "do you want to continue in safe mode, or use system restore?" (It actually says a lot more, but that's basically what it is asking.) Choose "No", that way System Restore will pop up.

Now you should be able to restore to a point in time before the problem occured.

[momma0203]

in safe mode i get:
safe mode
safe mode with networking
safe mode with command prompt

enable boot legging
enable vga mode
last known good configuration (your most recent settings that worked)
directory servies restore mode(windows domain controllers only)
debugging mode

start windows normally
reboot
return to os choices menu

do i want last known good configuration?

sorry so computer illiterate.

[computerwiz12890]

No, choose Safe Mode. Nothing extra.

[momma0203]

started in safe mode. clicked no but system restore did not pop up. went to start, accessories, system tools, system restore, and nothing. nothing opens in safe mode either.

[computerwiz12890]

hmm...very strange

Download the Norton Removal tool

Use it from Safe Mode to completely remove Norton.

Reboot, and let the computer boot up normally. See if it works.

[momma0203]

i'll have to download it to a disc from this computer and try putting it on that computer. thanks for your help. i'll be back tomorrow.

[computerwiz12890]

Alrighty then. Goodnight.

[momma0203]

it won't let me download it.

[computerwiz12890]

Must be an issue with that site's server...

Try downloading if from here:

http://www.majorgeek...mNRT_d4749.html

[momma0203]

sorry. i downloaded it to a jump drive but the computer won't let me open it to put it on the computer. it's frustrating because i can see all my programs and files, i just can't open any of them.

[computerwiz12890]

When you say you can't open any of your programs...what happens when you double click on them? Describe it for me please...

If it is what I think it is, I may have a quick and easy solution.

Edited by computerwiz12890, 26 April 2006 - 06:31 PM.

[momma0203]

Nothing at all happens. It's as if i never clicked on it.