[mahoopes]

I am running XP on a Sony Vaio. Recently, every time we boot it up and try to start ANY program, we get the"Windows Explorer has encountered a problem and needs to close" message. I would like to back up some docs, but have started it in safe mode with and without networking, and have been unable even to open Backup or My Computer to copy docs. Does anyone have an idea?

I should add that we have also restored the system to several restore points, with no change. Thanks for any thoughts.

[GTechWiz]

You just need a boot disc to do back up, UBUNTU, is the best way to back up and then Re-Partition Your Hard Drive, if your going to reinstall windows, this way your ensured to get a fresh install of Windows on your computer without the fear of lurking viruses, because repartitioning a hard drive rewrites ALL of the bits on the disc.
(You will have to delete the partition first.)

You can access the partition manager (under adminstrative)

You can get Ubuntu FOR FREE here:
www.ubuntu.com

(make sure you get it for a laptop or desktop & 32 Bit or 64Bit, which ever applies to you, but make sure it's the correct edition)

Make SURE you have the Windows XP Disc BEFORE you start!

[Saga Lout]

I quite agree, GTech - although my personal preference is PCLinuxOS for that purpose. I suppose it might be worth trying Windows again, hitting Control, Shift and Escape all together to bring up the Task manager and then click Processes. Go File menu and New Process then type explorer.exe and hit Enter. If it works then, the cause o fits earlier failure must be a startup issue.

[mahoopes]

Originally Posted by GTechWiz

You just need a boot disc to do back up, UBUNTU, is the best way to back up and then Re-Partition Your Hard Drive, if your going to reinstall windows, this way your ensured to get a fresh install of Windows on your computer without the fear of lurking viruses, because repartitioning a hard drive rewrites ALL of the bits on the disc.
(You will have to delete the partition first.)

You can access the partition manager (under adminstrative)

You can get Ubuntu FOR FREE here:
www.ubuntu.com

(make sure you get it for a laptop or desktop & 32 Bit or 64Bit, which ever applies to you, but make sure it's the correct edition)

Make SURE you have the Windows XP Disc BEFORE you start!

Thanks so much, GTech. So, I am properly imaging the Ubuntu disk now (had an error the first time), and I have system restore disks that will restore my Vaio to factory condition and install Windows. Is the following the right order of steps?
1. Put the Ubuntu disk in the CD drive and boot up, hopefully to Ubuntu.
2. Backup files
3. Partition the HD in the Vaio, using Partition Manager (I've not done that before); and
4. Load the first of the system restore disks.

I appreciate your help!

[mahoopes]

Update: Ubuntu installed with no problems and is copying my files now.

[mahoopes]

Many thanks to GTechWiz and Saga Lout. Ubuntu worked perfectly and I was able to save all my files.
MAHoopes