Solved: Windows xp can't load programs

[attilathepun]

I have Win xp sp2 running on an old custom build (1400 Athlon w/ 512 Mb RAM on a Shuttle mobo). It's been incredibly stable, except for the occasions when I completely botch something up by attempting something stupid (although this time I didn't do anything, I swear).

Now, though, it won't load any except a few simple (think notepad or abiword) programs; when I try I always get an error message (I don't remember ad verbatim, I'll copy it and repost tomorrow, but it's something about Windows program manager not being able to load the program).

I thought a defrag and a scan of the boot disk might help, but they won't run, either. My kid brother has been using the computer (I've been at work, haven't used that machine in a couple of weeks), and insists he hasn't done anything, either, that it randomly started and he rebooted and it quit, but rebooting doesn't help -- I suspect a corrupt system file. Does anyone know what's wrong and how to fix it?

Oh, btw, data recovery isn't a concern. I have a couple fully functioning Linux distros installed. My goal is to fix the Windows install instead of having to reinstall everything.

 

[Blink182]

Howdy attilathepun!

You definitely have some sort of corrupt file. We dont know what though

Anyway...

it could be either, all or none of these:

• Explorer
• Winlogon
• Encrypted Files
• Bad disk
• Viral Infection.

Hope that helps.

 

[attilathepun]

Well, that particular machine isn't online -- we have dial-up, and the phone line to that room shorted out and we haven't fixed it yet , so while it's possible I have an infected flash drive or something, I doubt it's a virus.
Since some of the components are somewhat old, it could be my hard drive is going bad, I hadn't really thought of that. Denial works wonders, I guess, lol.

I used the WinXP disk to run a repair, replacing all the system files. Now the only thing that doesn't work right is Photoshop, and that I can reinstall. Now that you mention it, I should probably back up the disk, though.
I'll monitor the hd, and unless something more happens I'll say solved.

Thanks!

 

[unbidden]

Is the error to do with 'Windows Installer"?

For the update click here.

 

[attilathepun]

No. It's the Windows Command Center, if I remember right. Some programs gave that error, some gave a 'failed to initialize' error.
The more I think about it, the more I think Blink182 hit it on the head with 'bad disk'. It's working again for now, but I'll have to monitor it.

 

[Blink182]

OK glad its solved.