locked out after running utility to clear disk space

[Goakland]

I got a message that my hard drive was full and a popup asking if I wanted to
run a utility to clear space. I ran the utility and immediately couldn't
get into any MS programs. If I selected a program, e.g. Word, I got a
message like unable to access word.inl (not sure about extension). Also, the
icons for the MS programs looked like document rather than program icons.

I restarted my computer and the system now wants me to reinstall Windows98.
I have no idea where the disks are, and it seems like I may have just deleted
one key module. Can anyone recommend a way to see if it is still on my
computer (I assume I can start up in DOS, although the Windows 98 install
wizard starts automatically) or download it ?

Thanks

 

[philo]

"Goakland" <Goakland@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:13829080-6A1B-4877-A552-26FFADA5F054@microsoft.com...
> I got a message that my hard drive was full and a popup asking if I wanted
to
> run a utility to clear space. I ran the utility and immediately couldn't
> get into any MS programs. If I selected a program, e.g. Word, I got a
> message like unable to access word.inl (not sure about extension). Also,
the
> icons for the MS programs looked like document rather than program icons.
>
> I restarted my computer and the system now wants me to reinstall
Windows98.
> I have no idea where the disks are, and it seems like I may have just
deleted
> one key module. Can anyone recommend a way to see if it is still on my
> computer (I assume I can start up in DOS, although the Windows 98 install
> wizard starts automatically) or download it ?
>
> Thanks


Boot to dos and try scanreg /restore

then go back to a previous registry

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

Unexplained computer behavior may be caused by deceptive software
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/827315

Run a /thorough/ check for hijackware, including posting your hijackthis log
to an appropriate forum.

Checking for/Help with Hijackware
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?t=5878
http://wiki.castlecops.com/Malware_Removal_and_Prevention:_Introduction
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/data/prevention.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/tshoot.html
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
http://defendingyourmachine2.blogspot.com/
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware

When all else fails, HijackThis v2.0.2
(http://aumha.org/downloads/hijackthis.exe) is the preferred tool to use.
It will help you to both identify and remove any hijackware/spyware with
assistance from an expert. **Post your log to
http://forums.spybot.info/forumdisplay.php?f=22,
http://castlecops.com/forum67.html,
http://forums.subratam.org/index.php?showforum=7,
http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30, or other appropriate forums for review
by an expert in such matters, not here.**

If the procedures look too complex - and there is no shame in admitting this
isn't your cup of tea - take the machine to a local, reputable and
independent (i.e., not BigBoxStoreUSA) computer repair shop.
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
DTS-L http://dts-l.net/

Goakland wrote:
> I got a message that my hard drive was full and a popup asking if I wanted
> to run a utility to clear space. I ran the utility and immediately
> couldn't get into any MS programs. If I selected a program, e.g. Word, I
> got a message like unable to access word.inl (not sure about extension).
> Also, the icons for the MS programs looked like document rather than
> program icons.
>
> I restarted my computer and the system now wants me to reinstall
> Windows98.
> I have no idea where the disks are, and it seems like I may have just
> deleted one key module. Can anyone recommend a way to see if it is still
> on my computer (I assume I can start up in DOS, although the Windows 98
> install wizard starts automatically) or download it ?
>
> Thanks

 

[Tawny Port]

"PA Bear [MS MVP]" <PABearMVP@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:OYq4CRViIHA.4844@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...


> When all else fails, HijackThis v2.0.2
> (http://aumha.org/downloads/hijackthis.exe) is the preferred tool to use.
> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)


> MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
> AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
> DTS-L http://dts-l.net/
>
> Goakland wrote:

i believe you will find that hijack this v2.0.2 is focused on vista users.

::NOTE: Merijn sold HijackThis to TrendMicro. They’ve released HijackThis V2 (version 2), and the
quick start guide for it can be found here. Unless you’re using Windows Vista, HJT v2 is not
required.::

http://www.whatthetech.com/hijackthis/#Top