[suave_finesse]

While attempting to clean a multitude of trojans and spyware, I may have screwed up some registry / other files which enable start-up.

When I start the PC, I can see the Windows "Welcome" Screen after which the screen stays blue forever.
I tried F8 after logging on and attempted "Last Known Good Configuration" but that didnt work - I have the re-installation CD but am not sure if that will destroy all data and existing programs on the computer. Please help, thanks.

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Use last in list, Windows Installation CD to repair the current installation

http://www.theelderg..._windows_xp.htm

[Retired Tech]

Use last in list, Windows Installation CD to repair the current installation

http://www.theelderg..._windows_xp.htm

[suave_finesse]

Thanks Keith - I could get to the Screen which says "Repair: - after selecting "r", it takes me to a DOS Prompt, asks for administrator password (blank) after which I am at C:\Windows. Any thoughts on where to go from here - appreciate your kindness and help. Peace.

[Retired Tech]

Do you have C:\Windows

or

C:\Windows " Microsoft Windows XP " in a box underneath To repair / To continue installing

If it is the latter, in a blue box on Windows XP set up then press R to repair

[suave_finesse]

Its just c:\Windows (like DOS prompt) on a black screen. No Blue Screen - thanks much.

[Retired Tech]

Try here

http://support.micro...kb;en-us;307545

[suave_finesse]

OK, this was VERY helpful - looks like I am back to some level of sanity. The desktop gets to the point where I can see the various shortcuts but when I try to fire up Word it says "This action is valid only for products that are currently installed"
Also, IE does not access the web .

Appreciate your help - muchas gracias, danke schoen

[Retired Tech]

Check Internet options, connection to see it is set to dial default connection

For Word, if you have the Office CD, go to add remove, click Office, click change, remove Word, reboot, go to add remove, click Office, click change, click customize, add word

Office installs seem to run better if you chose complete install, run from my computer

[suave_finesse]

Thanks - looks like I am all set for now. Turns out that the network adapter card driver had to be re-installed. I will get the Office Cd and take care of word et al. Besides all Office application, the rest of the machine works like a dream - thanks for helping me to bring it back from a brink of disaster. Cheers for Geeks to Go!!!