[DrkMachine]

If i choose advanced options it gives me either distructive recovery or windows system restore for choices

[Advertisements]

OK the destructive recovery will give you in effect a brand new system

Could you initially run system restore please

[Essexboy]

OK the destructive recovery will give you in effect a brand new system

Could you initially run system restore please

[DrkMachine]

It asks for a restart. And black screen with cursor again.

[Essexboy]

Looks like it may have to be a full recovery. You can use OTLPE to back up all your data to USB/CD

[DrkMachine]

sorry for the delay, working on getting all of the files backed up. Will post again as soon as that is done and I am ready to proceed.

[Essexboy]

OK the problem is that XP MCE is totally different to the other two flavours of XP and you can only use an MCE disc to repair

[DrkMachine]

I see, well backups are done. Now to do the distructive restore, correct?

[Essexboy]

That is correct. That will install windows as it was on the day you first used it ..

I will look for MCE update links for you

[Essexboy]

Links for SP2 and SP3 both are applicable for MCE

http://www.microsoft...ails.aspx?id=28
http://www.microsoft...s.aspx?id=10767

[DrkMachine]

After the reinstall everything was good until installing SP2. Then it gets stuck in a reboot cycle again. I can however bit into safe mode now tho.

[Essexboy]

OK at what stage does it loop after installation of SP2, does it do a full reboot to finalise the installation or stop halfway

[DrkMachine]

I finally got everything to go in, had to install a couple of service packs, force the automatic updates client to update itself, manually install a couple versions of .Net and now it is all current including sp2,and 3.

[Essexboy]

Well that was a saga and a half, how is the computer behaving now ?

I would recommend that you image the disc monthly as MS may well pull the service packs for your system shortly. There are several free imaging programmes available

http://www.geekstogo...t-imaging-tool/

[DrkMachine]

It is good now, no issues that I have noticed.

[Essexboy]

OK I will give some tips that may help keep the system clean

: Keep Java Updated :

WARNING: Java is the #1 exploited program at this time. The Department of Homeland Security recommends that computer users disable Java
See this article

I would recommend that you completely uninstall Java unless you need it to run an important software.
In that instance I would recommend that you disable Java in your browsers until you need it for that software and then enable it. (See How to diasble Java in your web browser and How to unplug Java from the browser)

If you do need to keep Java then download JavaRa
Run the programme and select Remove Java Runtime. Uninstall all versions of Java present
Once done then run it again and select Update Java runtime > Download and install Latest version



Now that you are clean, to help protect your computer in the future I recommend that you get the following free programmes:

CryptoPrevent install this programme to lock down and prevent crypto ransome ware



Malwarebytes.

Update and run weekly to keep your system clean

Unchecky

Click on the link above to be taken to Unchecky.com
click the very large Download button.
click Save
Click Open folder
Right click on the Unchecky_setup and choose to Run as Administrator
Once open click the Install button.
Then click on Finish
Unchecky is now installed and will help you keep unwanted check boxes unchecked, this is a fire and forget programme

It is critical to have both a firewall and anti virus to protect your system and to keep them updated.

To learn more about how to protect yourself while on the internet read this little guide Best security practices Keep safe