[tampabelle]

Hi Kate,

I was busy on som personal matter and hence the delay.

Didnt want to give you wrong advice


Insert the Windows XP disk in the CD drive. Click on Start ----> Run. Type

sfc /scannow (notice the space between sfc and /scannow)

and hit enter.

First try with the CD #1/2.

Repeat the process with the other CD.

sfc restores damaged / altered windows system files from the CD. I have another card up my sleeve if this doesnt work.

Let me know how it goes.

[Advertisements]

Hi Tampabelle,

I just saw your prior note, and no, I have not tried RESTORE WINDOWS XP.

Today I made a new CD with updated defs and the latest Ewido files.

In Safe mode, I removed the old Ewido per your instructions. I had to restart after the Remove to get the Ewido directory to delete; some file was in use.

Then, from Tina's login, I ran

CleanUp!

Ad_Aware w/new defs found/fixed:
»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»
Adintelligence.AproposToolbar(TAC index:5):4 total references
Elitum.ElitebarBHO(TAC index:5):1 total references
MRU List(TAC index:0):7 total references
RSSToolbar(TAC index:5):1 total references
»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»

SpyBot w/new defs found/fixed:
ShopAtHome:
Data C:\windows\system32\kdlmjh8r.dat
c:\windows\system32\tm97pj39.dat

F-Prot Win w/new defs: clean

The latest version of Ewido & its definitions installed and opens OK. I am waiting for your instructions on its use. Should I run a complete system scan?

Also, I ran SFC /scannow with each of the CDs in D: (a CD/DVD reader? CDRW is E:). Each seemed to complete w/no comments and disappear when it was done.

Thanks, Kate

[KGHN]

Hi Tampabelle,

I just saw your prior note, and no, I have not tried RESTORE WINDOWS XP.

Today I made a new CD with updated defs and the latest Ewido files.

In Safe mode, I removed the old Ewido per your instructions. I had to restart after the Remove to get the Ewido directory to delete; some file was in use.

Then, from Tina's login, I ran

CleanUp!

Ad_Aware w/new defs found/fixed:
»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»
Adintelligence.AproposToolbar(TAC index:5):4 total references
Elitum.ElitebarBHO(TAC index:5):1 total references
MRU List(TAC index:0):7 total references
RSSToolbar(TAC index:5):1 total references
»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»

SpyBot w/new defs found/fixed:
ShopAtHome:
Data C:\windows\system32\kdlmjh8r.dat
c:\windows\system32\tm97pj39.dat

F-Prot Win w/new defs: clean

The latest version of Ewido & its definitions installed and opens OK. I am waiting for your instructions on its use. Should I run a complete system scan?

Also, I ran SFC /scannow with each of the CDs in D: (a CD/DVD reader? CDRW is E:). Each seemed to complete w/no comments and disappear when it was done.

Thanks, Kate

[tampabelle]

yeah,

you can run Ewido scan anytime you want

Let me know if you still have the same issues with Help / Search functions !!!

[KGHN]

Hey ho,

Ewido is finding a lot of stuff. (Some of it is in other programs' quarantine backups.)

The Search and Help problems are still there are this point. I'll try again after Ewido finishes.

Kate

[tampabelle]

Post the Ewido scan report here. I will have a look at it.

BTW, can you interrupt the scan and run it after booting in the Safe Mode as administrator ??? That will be more effective. Let it fix anything it finds

[KGHN]

Hi Tampabelle,
The re-run in Safe mode didn't pick up anything. Here's the original report:
---------------------------------------------------------
ewido security suite - Scan report
---------------------------------------------------------

+ Created on: 8:27:05 PM, 7/7/2005
+ Report-Checksum: B22F7AD7

+ Scan result:

HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\Bho8.adlog -> Spyware.Adlogix : Cleaned with
backup
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\Bho8.adlog\CLSID -> Spyware.Adlogix : Cleaned
with backup
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\Bho8.adlog\CurVer -> Spyware.Adlogix : Cleaned
with backup
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{22B9A67D-E689-44B6-B775-0E8FE84B4F9B} ->
Spyware.Hijacker.Generic : Cleaned with backup
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{5483427F-93B8-1470-5A89-E6B56484CDB2} ->
Spyware.CoolWebSearch : Cleaned with backup
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{9A9C9B69-F908-4AAB-8D0C-10EA8997F37E} ->
Spyware.NetNucleus : Cleaned with backup
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{B5AB638F-D76C-415B-A8F2-F3CEAC502212} ->
Spyware.AproposMedia : Cleaned with backup
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{BC333116-6EA1-40A1-9D07-ECB192DB8CEA} ->
Spyware.AproposMedia : Cleaned with backup
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{FB45C451-B0E9-4407-BB6A-9361013F3E9A} ->
Spyware.WebSearch : Cleaned with backup
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\Interface\{21194DBC-E80C-4B83-8C82-74CBF52C8AAD}
-> Spyware.Adlogix : Cleaned with backup
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\Interface\{BC333116-6EA1-40A1-9D07-ECB192DB8CEA}
-> Spyware.AproposMedia : Cleaned with backup
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\PROTOCOLS\Name-Space Handler\res ->
Spyware.WebSearch : Cleaned with backup
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\TypeLib\{E2C6E243-5F01-4031-9218-6178426985B1} -
> Spyware.Adlogix : Cleaned with backup
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\HTASSstp ->
Spyware.CoolWebSearch : Cleaned with backup
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\WTLBAstp ->
Spyware.CoolWebSearch : Cleaned with backup
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\DisplayUtility ->
Spyware.Delfin : Cleaned with backup
HKLM\SOFTWARE\motoin -> Spyware.Delfin : Cleaned with backup
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Mvu -> Spyware.Delfin : Cleaned with backup
HKU\S-1-5-21-74348050-3559772894-2167010964-1006\Software\Mvu ->
Spyware.Delfin : Cleaned with backup
HKU\S-1-5-21-74348050-3559772894-2167010964-1006\Software\WinUpdt ->
Spyware.SecondThought : Cleaned with backup
HKU\S-1-5-21-74348050-3559772894-2167010964-1006\Software\{12EE7A5E-
0674-42f9-A76B-000000004D00} -> Spyware.BrowserAid : Cleaned with backup
C:\HJT\ilqxgf.exe -> Adware.BetterInternet : Cleaned with backup
C:\KateTool\l2mfix\backup.zip/ancups.dll -> Spyware.Look2Me : Cleaned
with backup
C:\KateTool\l2mfix\backup.zip/auptif.dll -> Spyware.Look2Me : Cleaned
with backup
C:\KateTool\l2mfix\backup.zip/axvapi32.dll -> Spyware.Look2Me :
Cleaned with backup
C:\KateTool\l2mfix\backup.zip/cnl3dv2.dll -> Spyware.Look2Me : Cleaned
with backup
C:\KateTool\l2mfix\backup.zip/cslbact.dll -> Spyware.Look2Me : Cleaned
with backup
C:\KateTool\l2mfix\backup.zip/danwsock.dll -> Spyware.Look2Me :
Cleaned with backup
C:\KateTool\l2mfix\backup.zip/dcmstor.dll -> Spyware.Look2Me : Cleaned
with backup
C:\KateTool\l2mfix\backup.zip/dpmstor.dll -> Spyware.Look2Me : Cleaned
with backup
C:\KateTool\l2mfix\backup.zip/dvcpcsvc.dll -> Spyware.Look2Me :
Cleaned with backup
C:\KateTool\l2mfix\backup.zip/eHf1873b.dll -> Spyware.Look2Me :
Cleaned with backup
C:\KateTool\l2mfix\backup.zip/ETBTEG.DLL -> Spyware.Look2Me : Cleaned
with backup
C:\KateTool\l2mfix\backup.zip/ezent.dll -> Spyware.Look2Me : Cleaned
with backup
C:\KateTool\l2mfix\backup.zip/gwmf32.dll -> Spyware.Look2Me : Cleaned
with backup
C:\KateTool\l2mfix\backup.zip/heetcfg.dll -> Spyware.Look2Me : Cleaned
with backup
C:\KateTool\l2mfix\backup.zip/hmui.dll -> Spyware.Look2Me : Cleaned
with backup
C:\KateTool\l2mfix\backup.zip/kodlt1.dll -> Spyware.Look2Me : Cleaned
with backup
C:\KateTool\l2mfix\backup.zip/ksdtuq.dll -> Spyware.Look2Me : Cleaned
with backup
C:\KateTool\l2mfix\backup.zip/kwdtuq.dll -> Spyware.Look2Me : Cleaned
with backup
C:\KateTool\l2mfix\backup.zip/kzduk.dll -> Spyware.Look2Me : Cleaned
with backup
C:\KateTool\l2mfix\backup.zip/lhcalui.dll -> Spyware.Look2Me : Cleaned
with backup
C:\KateTool\l2mfix\backup.zip/lkeps11n.dll -> Spyware.Look2Me :
Cleaned with backup
C:\KateTool\l2mfix\backup.zip/lvrmonui.dll -> Spyware.Look2Me :
Cleaned with backup
C:\KateTool\l2mfix\backup.zip/mbimg32.dll -> Spyware.Look2Me : Cleaned
with backup
C:\KateTool\l2mfix\backup.zip/mcg4dmod.dll -> Spyware.Look2Me :
Cleaned with backup
C:\KateTool\l2mfix\backup.zip/mfnsspc.dll -> Spyware.Look2Me : Cleaned
with backup
C:\KateTool\l2mfix\backup.zip/mfports.dll -> Spyware.Look2Me : Cleaned
with backup
C:\KateTool\l2mfix\backup.zip/mfrd3x40.dll -> Spyware.Look2Me :
Cleaned with backup
C:\KateTool\l2mfix\backup.zip/misystem.dll -> Spyware.Look2Me :
Cleaned with backup
C:\KateTool\l2mfix\backup.zip/moi.dll -> Spyware.Look2Me : Cleaned
with backup
C:\KateTool\l2mfix\backup.zip/mpvcr70.dll -> Spyware.Look2Me : Cleaned
with backup
C:\KateTool\l2mfix\backup.zip/mpvfw32.dll -> Spyware.Look2Me : Cleaned
with backup
C:\KateTool\l2mfix\backup.zip/mrrapi.dll -> Spyware.Look2Me : Cleaned
with backup
C:\KateTool\l2mfix\backup.zip/msicda.dll -> Spyware.Look2Me : Cleaned
with backup C:\KateTool\l2mfix\backup.zip/mtvidctl.dll -> Spyware.Look2Me :
Cleaned with backup
C:\KateTool\l2mfix\backup.zip/mtwdat10.dll -> Spyware.Look2Me :
Cleaned with backup
C:\KateTool\l2mfix\backup.zip/nstevent.dll -> Spyware.Look2Me :
Cleaned with backup
C:\KateTool\l2mfix\backup.zip/ohjsel.dll -> Spyware.Look2Me : Cleaned
with backup
C:\KateTool\l2mfix\backup.zip/rgcss.dll -> Spyware.Look2Me : Cleaned
with backup
C:\KateTool\l2mfix\backup.zip/riipxmib.dll -> Spyware.Look2Me :
Cleaned with backup
C:\KateTool\l2mfix\backup.zip/rzvpmsg.dll -> Spyware.Look2Me : Cleaned
with backup
C:\KateTool\l2mfix\backup.zip/sabcsp.dll -> Spyware.Look2Me : Cleaned
with backup
C:\KateTool\l2mfix\backup.zip/sblwoa.dll -> Spyware.Look2Me : Cleaned
with backup
C:\KateTool\l2mfix\backup.zip/sdsinv.dll -> Spyware.Look2Me : Cleaned
with backup
C:\KateTool\l2mfix\backup.zip/sgftpub.dll -> Spyware.Look2Me : Cleaned
with backup
C:\KateTool\l2mfix\backup.zip/sllwoa.dll -> Spyware.Look2Me : Cleaned
with backup
C:\KateTool\l2mfix\backup.zip/spgtab.dll -> Spyware.Look2Me : Cleaned
with backup
C:\KateTool\l2mfix\backup.zip/spmapi.dll -> Spyware.Look2Me : Cleaned
with backup
C:\KateTool\l2mfix\backup.zip/srsvcs.dll -> Spyware.Look2Me : Cleaned
with backup
C:\KateTool\l2mfix\backup.zip/ssftpub.dll -> Spyware.Look2Me : Cleaned
with backup
C:\KateTool\l2mfix\backup.zip/stsinv.dll -> Spyware.Look2Me : Cleaned
with backup
C:\KateTool\l2mfix\backup.zip/suayerxp.dll -> Spyware.Look2Me :
Cleaned with backup
C:\KateTool\l2mfix\backup.zip/sUmsrv.dll -> Spyware.Look2Me : Cleaned
with backup
C:\KateTool\l2mfix\backup.zip/sycpack.dll -> Spyware.Look2Me : Cleaned
with backup
C:\KateTool\l2mfix\backup.zip/uhandlg.dll -> Spyware.Look2Me : Cleaned
with backup
C:\KateTool\l2mfix\backup.zip/vbpubapi.dll -> Spyware.Look2Me :
Cleaned with backup
C:\KateTool\l2mfix\backup.zip/vxrsion.dll -> Spyware.Look2Me : Cleaned
with backup
C:\KateTool\l2mfix\backup.zip/wanfax.dll -> Spyware.Look2Me : Cleaned
with backup
C:\KateTool\l2mfix\backup.zip/wtfeman.dll -> Spyware.Look2Me : Cleaned
with backup
C:\KateTool\l2mfix\backup.zip/wyploc.dll -> Spyware.Look2Me : Cleaned
with backup
C:\KateTool\l2mfix\backup.zip/wznsock.dll -> Spyware.Look2Me : Cleaned
with backup
C:\KateTool\l2mfix\backup.zip/guard.tmp -> Spyware.Look2Me : Cleaned
with backup
C:\Program Files\Aprps\CxtPls.dll -> TrojanDownloader.Apropo.ad :
Cleaned with backup
C:\Program Files\Common Files\csshare\plugins0942\npzango.dll ->
Spyware.WinAD : Cleaned with backup
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Uninstall
Information\RemoveDisplayUtility.exe -> Spyware.Delfin : Cleaned with backup
C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Free\avgemc.exe -> Heuristic.Win32.Dialer
: Cleaned with backup
C:\Program Files\Netscape\Netscape 6\Plugins\npzango.dll ->
Spyware.WinAD : Cleaned with backup
C:\WINDOWS\cfgmgr52\EECH1.bsx -> Spyware.BookedSpace : Cleaned with
backup
C:\WINDOWS\cfgmgr52\SPZ3.bsx -> Spyware.BookedSpace : Cleaned with
backup
C:\WINDOWS\Helper101.dll -> Spyware.Hijacker.Generic : Cleaned with
backup
C:\WINDOWS\pxemgnxe.exe -> Spyware.BookedSpace : Cleaned with backup
C:\WINDOWS\system32\adstartup.exe -> Spyware.Adstart : Cleaned with
backup
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ca2.dll -> Spyware.SearchIt : Cleaned with backup
C:\WINDOWS\system32\EDow_AS2.exe -> TrojanDownloader.QDown.x : Cleaned
with backup
C:\WINDOWS\system32\hbifybj.exe -> Trojan.Painwin.a : Cleaned with
backup
C:\WINDOWS\system32\hkisycl.exe -> Trojan.Painwin.a : Cleaned with
backup
C:\WINDOWS\system32\oleadm.dll -> Heuristic.Win32.Hijacker1 : Cleaned
with backup

::Report End

Kate

[tampabelle]

Hi Kate,

Please disconnect the PC from internet by switching off the modem.

Please reboot the PC in Safe Mode.

To enable the viewing of Hidden files follow these steps:

• Close all programs so that you are at your desktop.
• Double-click on the My Computer icon.
• Select the Tools menu and click Folder Options.
• After the new window appears select the View tab.
• Put a checkmark in the checkbox labeled Display the contents of system folders.
• Under the Hidden files and folders section select the radio button labeled Show hidden files and folders.
• Remove the checkmark from the checkbox labeled Hide file extensions for known file types.
• Remove the checkmark from the checkbox labeled Hide protected operating system files.
• Press the Apply button and then the OK button and shutdown My Computer.
• Now your computer is configured to show all hidden files.

Locate and delete the following files -

C:\Program Files\Aprps\CxtPls.dll
C:\Program Files\Common Files\csshare\plugins0942\npzango.dll
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Uninstall Information\RemoveDisplayUtility.exe
C:\Program Files\Netscape\Netscape 6\Plugins\npzango.dll
C:\WINDOWS\cfgmgr52\EECH1.bsx
C:\WINDOWS\cfgmgr52\SPZ3.bsx
C:\WINDOWS\Helper101.dll
C:\WINDOWS\pxemgnxe.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\adstartup.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ca2.dll
C:\WINDOWS\system32\EDow_AS2.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\hbifybj.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\hkisycl.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\oleadm.dll
C:\HJT\ilqxgf.exe


Reboot the PC in Normal Mode and log in as administrator.



Go to Start/Run and type in ---- helpctr -regserver ---- and hit enter.

Go to Start/Run and type in ---- cmd ---- and hit enter.

Type the following commands and hit enter after each command-

regsvr32 /u hhctrl.ocx
c:\windows\system32\xmlinst –u
regsvr32 devmgr.dll
regsvr32 msxml3.dll


Close the command window.


Click Start, click Run, type %systemroot%\inf, and then click OK.


1. Locate the Srchasst.inf file. Right-click the Srchasst.inf file, and then click Install.

2. Locate the pchealth.inf file. Right-click the Srchasst.inf file, and then click Install.

(you would need the CDs for doing the above two steps).

You can now connect back to the internet.

Reboot the PC.

Download this file and save it in C:\Windows\system32 (overwrite the exisitng file) -
http://www.kellys-ko...ts/winhlp32.exe


Let me know how the PC is behaving now !!!!!!

[KGHN]

Hi Tampabelle,

XP is not connected to internet.
Rebooted Safe/Administrator.
Checked that hidden/system files are still viewable.
Made a batch file to delete the following files, with a pause after each one so I could see the result:
C:\Program Files\Aprps\CxtPls.dll - can't find path
C:\Program Files\Common Files\csshare\plugins0942\npzango.dll - can't find file
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Uninstall Information\RemoveDisplayUtility.exe - can't find file
C:\Program Files\Netscape\Netscape 6\Plugins\npzango.dll - can't find path
C:\WINDOWS\cfgmgr52\EECH1.bsx - could not find
C:\WINDOWS\cfgmgr52\SPZ3.bsx - could not find
C:\WINDOWS\Helper101.dll - could not find
C:\WINDOWS\pxemgnxe.exe - could not find
C:\WINDOWS\system32\adstartup.exe - could not find
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ca2.dll - could not find
C:\WINDOWS\system32\EDow_AS2.exe - could not find
C:\WINDOWS\system32\hbifybj.exe - could not find
C:\WINDOWS\system32\hkisycl.exe - could not find
C:\WINDOWS\system32\oleadm.dll - could not find
C:\HJT\ilqxgf.exe - could not find

Restarted Normal Mode/logged in John (Administrator not available normal mode XP home?). In safe mode, Tina not available, John is.

Go to Start/Run and type in ---- helpctr -regserver ---- and hit enter. - no response, desktop reappeared

Go to Start/Run and type in ---- cmd ---- and hit enter.
Command Prompt window appeared.

Type the following commands and hit enter after each command-

regsvr32 /u hhctrl.ocx ..."DllUnregisterServer in hhctrl.ocx succeeded."

c:\windows\system32\xmlinst –u ..."xmlinst not recognised" - no file of that name found on disk DIR /S

regsvr32 devmgr.dll ..."DllRegisterServer in devmgr.dll succeeded."

regsvr32 msxml3.dll ..."LoadLibrary ("msxml3.dll") failed - the specified module could not be found"

Close the command window.

Click Start, click Run, type %systemroot%\inf, and then click OK.

1. Locate the Srchasst.inf file. Right-click the Srchasst.inf file, and then click Install. - two Srchasst files present, one with no extension, one .PNF, no .inf.

2. Locate the pchealth.inf file. Right-click the Srchasst.inf(did you mean pchealth.inf?) file, and then click Install. - two pchealth files present, one with no extension, one .PNF, no .inf.

(you would need the CDs for doing the above two steps).

You can now connect back to the internet. - nope, no DSL.

Download this file and save it in C:\Windows\system32 (overwrite the exisitng file) -
http://www.kellys-ko...ts/winhlp32.exe
...this file is bigger than the old one in C:\Windows\system32. I copied the old one to A:\*.bad and replaced it with the new one I downloaded.

Restarted.

Search same error. Device Manager same error. Help in John's account doesn't do *anything*, the desktop just reappears. Help in Tina's account still the same.

Kate

[tampabelle]

Hi Kate,

there seem to be some basic issues with Windows XP on this PC.

We will have to rebuild the XP installation. You will need the XP CD for this.

There are 2 options -

1. build from scratch - involves formatting the hard disk and then installation of windows XP. You lose all info on the hard disk.

2. repair the installation of windows - all settings and info remain intact. Windows files are replaced.

Option 2 is the preferred option.

Please visit this page - http://www.windowsreinstall.com/

Scroll down right to the bottom of the page and choose the appropriate version of Windows - XP Home or XP Pro version. Each of these optiosn will give you further option of Upgrade / parallel install / repair install etc.

Read the instructions on Repair Install. It will give you detailed instruction on how to repair the installation of the Windows XP already on your PC.

Let me know if you understand the instructions and want to go ahead with the fix.

(Please note that when the PC is booting up the second time i.e. in Part 3 , do not press any key for the PC to boot from the CD. Windows will run automatically for installation).

[KGHN]

Hi Tampabelle,
I agree that a Repair is preferable - there are personal files and software like Quick Books on this machine that my friend would like to have preserved. (I have backed up the most vital files to CDRW.)
I've just printed out the windowsreinstall.com instructions for XP Home repair install. Pretty step-by-step, and I'm a careful direction follower.
I hope emachine's CDs will be reasonably similar to the normal XP Home CD. This beast does seem to boot from D: if it can.

I think I will wait until tomorrow AM to try this in case I have questions for you during the repair. It may storm tonight and I'd hate to have to shut the machine off in mid-process while waiting for a reply.
Thanks, see you tomorrow.
Kate

[tampabelle]

Hi Kate,

Please do the repair install and let me know how it goes

[KGHN]

Hi Tampabelle,

Aak! When I boot off the emachines CD, I get 2 choices:
1) RESTORE WINDOWS XP
2) BOOT TO COMMAND PROMPT.

When I choose 2, I get an A:\> prompt and no access to C:.
When I choose 1, it says "Warning! You will lose everything on C:"

No repair install option.

I think I will call some friends who might have a genuine MS XP CD, and maybe drive into town (70 mi round trip) to pick it up.

Perhaps I should also contact emachines?

Advice, my dear, is welcome.

Kate

[KGHN]

A google of "emachines xp repair" found this...

At http://forums.techguy.org/t377183.html
Elvandil (Moderator) asks
"Do you have an installation made by eMachines or by a full version XP CD? If the original OS was installed from the XP CD that you now have, you can run a repair installation."

He says also that after the repair "But all your Windows Updates are gone and you will need to get those again." I do have the SP1a update I downloaded on CD.

I am concerned that a repair from an MS XP CD may not work with the emachines XP OS.

I'm going to see if I can find this computer's Product Key in the registry... I might need it...

Kate

[tampabelle]

Hi kate,

The problem with the pre-installed softwares is that the manufacturers dont give the entire stuff including the Keys for the software !!!!!!!

You can get the MS XP CD and use it. For repair installation you wont need the Windows XP key. You only need that for upgrade install or a clean install (i.e. installating the software on a new hard disk or on a hard disk after reformating it).

[KGHN]

Pfui, one friend has her XP computer in the shop (infected), including all its CDs. Another has an emachine and a Dell, OEM CDs only. I haven't been able to locate a genuine XP CD anywhere around. "Curses, foiled again."

I'll keep thinking.

Kate