Computer crashes and loses most items

We got hit with a storm and I lost most of the items on my Windows XP Pro. I was able to download Firefox to get some internet usage, but most other items are gone, especially Media Player. I have a CD-ROM that is a backup for such an event. Should I use it to get IE, Media Player, etc. back? If so, how do I do it since this is a first for me? I'll write down the intstructions and report back with an appropriate response on how it worked.

 

I forgot to mention that other houses around that have Windows had the same problem after the storm.

My computer is a Dell.

 

Is anyone going to help me out here? I really need the help.

 

which version of IE are you Using .... if it is IE 6 .. then

Try repairing and reinstalling IE

Repair IE :
-----------

Start > Run rundll32 setupwbv.dll,IE6Maintenance "C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\Setup\SETUP.EXE" /g

or

Start > Run rundll32.exe setupapi,InstallHinfSection DefaultInstall 132 C:\windows\inf\ie.inf

Reinstall IE:
-------------

Description of the Internet Explorer Repair Tool
http://support.microsoft.com/defaul...port/kb/articles/Q194/1/77.asp&NoWebContent=1

How to Reinstall or Repair Internet Explorer and Outlook Express in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=318378

or

Repair Internet Explorer 6
http://www.theeldergeek.com/repair_ie6.htm

How to Uninstall Internet Explorer 6
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=293907

 

What about the other items lost? I have a the original disc used in case my computer crashes so should I use it? If so, how do I use it since I've never had this happen before? What are the steps to the backup disc?

 

Try a system Restore

 

How do I do that? Is that what the disc is for?

 

Windows XP System Restore Is Easy to Use
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/getstarted/ballew_03may19.mspx

 

I just tried a System Restore and nothing happened. Everything stayed as it was, even though I used a date before the storm hit. What did I do wrong? Should I use the CD-ROM I got with me computer to restart the whole thing?

 

DO A repair install
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

 

Where in the world do I find an Admin Password for the Repair Install?

 

I only have the CD-ROM. I never got anything about a password for such an event.

 

You should ask the person who sold you the pirated copy of XP: http://forums.techguy.org/windows-nt-2000-xp/591784-error-message-i-want-get.html

 

It seems the problem isn't with the Windows, but the CD drive. Because of that, I can not do a Repair Install. So I have to ship it back to the person who sold me the computer to see if it can be fixed at all. Until then, I'm stuck.