[Booda]

My nephew is spending the weekend with me. He downloaded some software from the internet and now when Windows reboots all the words show up as symbols. Same with all the programs listed in my start menu. I tried doing a systems restore several times but it always shows me that is can not complete the restore to the date selected and to pic another date. I don't care what point in time you choose to restore the system it always come up incomplete. I'm assuming that he has picked up some nasty virus or trojan file that is causing the problem. I have Symantec Antivirus program Corporate editon. I have ran a full scan several times also and it it never shows up any promlems......Is there any hope of fixing this problem or am I screwed?

[Advertisements]

For starters, don't depend on Norton Antivirus, recent tests have shown it to be little more than a "rip off", beaten by a well-known free antivirus called AVG (and beaten by a very wide margin). Of 20 viruses, norton found only half, AVG found them all.

Anyway, your problem may not even be virus related, but I thought you should be aware of that all the same.

I imagine a full re-install of Windows is your best option, as it's going to be near impossible to run any diagnostic or correction programs if you can't read their dialog boxes.

[pip22]

For starters, don't depend on Norton Antivirus, recent tests have shown it to be little more than a "rip off", beaten by a well-known free antivirus called AVG (and beaten by a very wide margin). Of 20 viruses, norton found only half, AVG found them all.

Anyway, your problem may not even be virus related, but I thought you should be aware of that all the same.

I imagine a full re-install of Windows is your best option, as it's going to be near impossible to run any diagnostic or correction programs if you can't read their dialog boxes.

[dsenette]

to clarify...i believe pip is suggesting a repair intsll of windows...not a full format reinstall...correct pip? i don't have the instructions handy...but pip can probably post them in the next reply

[The Skeptic]

Have you tried booting in safe mode? Tap f8 repeatedly after starting the computer and follow the instructions. Is there any difference?

[Booda]

Thanks guys for responding. I will uninstall Norton and use AVG. I did try to reboot in safe mode...no difference. I went ahead and cleared all back-ups in system restore.....so far seems to have corrected the issue. But I will let you know if AVG finds any viruses. Also would appreciate the instructions for a windows installation repair. Again, thanks for helping....much appreciated.

Take Care,
Bow Dow!!!!!!!!Booda

[Retired Tech]

Items in blue which are underlined are clickable to give more information about the process

Click start then run, type prefetch then press enter, click edit then select all, right click any file then click delete, confirm delete

Click start, all programmes, accessories, system tools to run disc clean up, click more options, clean up restore points, watch the processor light and only click OK when it has stopped flickering

Click start, all programmes, accessories, system tools to run disc defragmenter

Click start then run, type sfc /scannow then press enter, you need the XP CD

You can also start this with task manager, file, new task, type sfc /scannow then press enter

Windows File Protection will show a blue onscreen progress bar, when the bar goes, reboot

The next bit is optional, though it will repair any errors in system restore

1. Click Start, click Run, type %windir%\inf and press enter

2. Locate the Sr.inf file, (listed as Sr), right-click the file, and then click Install.

3. In the Files Needed dialog box, click Browse. Locate the Sr.sy_ file in the i386 folder of the Windows XP CD, click the file, and then click Open.

4. When the installation is completed, restart your computer.

You can use this guide to repair XP

Possibly, you will need to press the power button and keep tapping the delete key, (possibly F2) until the PC enters set up. Change the boot order to CD ROM Drive then hard drive, press F10 then press enter, load the XP CD then type Y then press enter, as it reboots, look for press any key to load from CD, press enter

You will need your XP product key to complete this

The XP Product Key is a 25 character alpha numerical code, which does not include the sequence OEM

If you have audio / video files which are subject to DRM you should check with the provider for known issues with performing an XP repair install

Click this to view the XP Repair Install Guide

Windows XP repair feature won't delete your data, installed programs, personal information, or settings. It just repairs the operating system

The XP repair install will look and run as a normal install, however, you must not see a request to format the drive

After running XP Repair you will need to install all Windows Updates

Microsoft Update

[Booda]

Thanks. I will let you know of the results of your suggestions. Take Care.