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glenmac

glenmac

Technical User
Jul 3, 2002
947
CA
Got a big problem with my Vista LT. I installed what was supposed to be a MS update but it was a virus I think. After installing and rebooting I lost my desktop. I tried using a restore point and it brought back my desktop but I lost my networking applet, use of media player and my sound. I booted to safe mode and dl highjack this and MBamm. Rebooted and tried to run HJT but it wouldn't run, the same with MBamm. I ran them in safe mode. Mbamm didn't find anythng and HJT worked but after checking it online there were no errors. Rebooted and the DT is gone again. Tried to install XP (lost my restore disks) and it says there is no hard disk so install won't work. all help will be appreciated.

Glen
 
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Out of curiousity, what makes you say:
I installed what was supposed to be a MS update but it was a virus I think
Click to expand...
?

Did you get the update from a reputable source and perhaps you are having a compatibility issue rather than a malware issue?





 
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If the bad guys have found a way of hacking M$ automatic updates, then we are in big trouble I would say.
But I have heard about problems after a recent Vista update on some systems (sorry to be so vauge).

Steve: N.M.N.F.
If something is popular, it must be wrong: Mark Twain
 
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It's a known issue. Look in the Vista Forum for the same problem.


James P. Cottingham
[sup]I'm number 1,229!
I'm number 1,229![/sup]
 
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Thanks guys. I checked the vista forum with no luck. Yes I tried system restore as stated in my opening post. I've even tried to install XP from cd but it says no HD present (appaerently XP can't find Vista drives). I'm at a loss what to do now. Does anyone know of an applet to format my drive so I can install XP from CD?

Glen
 
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glenmac said:
I've even tried to install XP from cd but it says no HD present (appaerently XP can't find Vista drives).
Click to expand...
Actually, that should be a driver issue. You'll need to use F6 and a floppy drive to get the correct SATA chipset drivers installed... or else you'll need to slipstream those drivers into a Windows XP install ISO image, then re-burn, and install.

--

"If to err is human, then I must be some kind of human!" -Me
 
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Well, if you wanted to TRY slipstreaming the drivers, you can use the program called nlite, It's a simple way of doing things, actually - so long as you don't get too crazy with adding other stuff in you should be fine:

You CAN just use it to integrate the drivers as well as Windows Service Packs if you like. I've tried it before, and it does work really well. You just get in trouble if you try to add this and that and that and this... like I did. [blush]

--

"If to err is human, then I must be some kind of human!" -Me
 
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No big deal. Basically, it's just a fancy word for adding stuff into your Windows XP install disk.

So, you've got an old XP SP1 or maybe even SP2 disk, but you need those drivers included to avoid the whole F6 routine, and you might as well have SP3 added from the get go.

You download this program, follow instructions, click here and there, (make sure to have your Windows install disk in the disk drive), then finish the process. At the end, it'll spit out a new ISO image that you can burn to a new CD.

If you don't have a good CD program for burning images, this is my personal favorite image burning program:

ImgBurn

And CDBurnerXP also works well, but ImgBurn is my favorite for image files.

--

"If to err is human, then I must be some kind of human!" -Me
 
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Oh, for your drivers, you'll need to go to the computer MFG or motherboard MFG website, and download the SATA drivers - you'll need the ones that would normally be put on a floppy. Then on the drivers tab of the nlite program, you'd add the drivers from there.

An alternative option would be to add in a driver pack that may include the drivers you need. There are several out there.

Here's a forum where some folks were discussing using the RyanVM or RVM driver packs and other such stuff. Take a look if you want:

The guy who started those specific packs has a site dedicated just to those add-ins, packs, etc:

I actually didn't have any troubles with the Ryan packs, or other things. I ran into some issue, but I forget what it was - but I seem to recall it was with one of the applications. I tried several different setups. I just didn't set it up the way I really wanted... then I changed my hardware, anyway - just newer stuff. [wink]

Post back if ya got anymore questions.

--

"If to err is human, then I must be some kind of human!" -Me
 
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Also most mainboards allow the SATA drives to be set as IDE (sometimes also called LEGACY), which would allow you to install XP without having to use those drivers...

so check the BIOS SETUP for such a setting...

you could also post which mainboard you have, or the OEM computer etc. and most likely we'd be able to tell you if such a setting exists...


Ben
"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."
How to ask a question, when posting them to a professional forum.
Only ask questions with yes/no answers if you want "yes" or "no"
 
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Toshiba Satellites come in many flavors... ;) and some do have that setting, others do not...

but I am glad that you have taken the plunge into the W7 ocean of joy...

you will be satisfied as I am, I've no major problems, in case you do, there is a W7 Forum here where you can find answers to your questions...

forum1726

Ben
"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."
How to ask a question, when posting them to a professional forum.
Only ask questions with yes/no answers if you want "yes" or "no"
 
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