Could It Be A Registry Problem. . .And How Do I Fix It?
copy of XP Pro, the unit would not network. He said that the networking card needed to be updated and changed it out to a new one. The installation of the driver would not work. Can't remember what the error msg. was. . .something maybe about a missing file. He left and said he'd be back the next day. That was a month ago. So now I'm trying to get this mess cleaned up, and today it seems like my only option is to remove the hard drive, destroy it, and put in a new one along with a fresh, out of the box purchased copy of Windows. But trying hard to avoid that expense. ("Expert relative" took his copy of WinXP Pro with him.)The basic problem is that the OS is installed and opens up fine - no error msgs. BUT, it won't take the software for the new network card, thus I can't get online or network with the other computers here. So in essence, it's pretty useless.
Here's what I've tried:
1) Using my copy of Windows XP Home, (From one of our other computers),to get to the recovery area to reformat. When I use the Run command for setup, the msg is: "D:\setup.exe is not a valid win32 application". Have also tried to boot from CD but get the error msg.: "Cannot boot from CD. Code: 5". What might this mean?
2) Uninstalled the new network card drivers and the actual physical hardware. Attempt to reinstall the driver was unsuccessful.
3) Tried to uninstall windows via the add/remove tool, but windows xp does not appear on the list, so. . .
4) Searched online for "uninstall windows xp" and found a page which described the "manual" uninstall of the OS by booting in safe mode and using the command prompt. Another msg. saying something about missing registry information.
I've seen some things on various sites/forums regarding registry fixing, but of course, I can't get online because the driver for the new card won't install due to "registry issues". Would it be appropriate or even possible to download a registry repair program and burn to a cd from another computer, then somehow use it on this problem computer?
Basically, unless I can get this installation of WinXP repaired, I don't know what else to do except throw out this hd and start with a new one and a new fresh WinXP disk.
I am an experienced user but absolutely NOT a technogeek. I can probably do a great deal of damage in my relentless need to fix this mess, but would love to save the time and aggravation by having the help of true experts. Any ideas would be so welcome. . .and if I've left out any pertinent info, pls. ask whatever questions to help you all help me find a way out of this mess! Many thanks in advance!
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