corrupted OS file, shortcut link (s?) after xp security update 1

[jlockley]

I have multiple weirdnesses going on after a security update. (manual). An apparently corrupted Outlook profile* took a day to figure out and replace. Messages to compact Outlook express to save disk space began appearing on boot (Never used Outlook, and there are 9GB free on drive). Icons or at least the Mozilla icon in the quick launch bar, although the information in properties is correct, cannot be located by windows. Deleting and replacing the shortcut fixes this.

I have a feeling there are more surprises lurking. Does anyone have any insights here?

I have no proof that the update caused the problem, but it's pretty probable, as they began happening immediately post update. Some kind of registry mess up?

*corrupted Outlook profile: Immediately following the update outlook began storing all sent mail in the outbox. Messages would not send and once outlook was connected could not be opened. rebuilding fresh installation and profile rebuild (deleting corrupt profile) most annoying.

 

[linney]

Try running ChkDsk to check your drive for errors. Right-click your Drive icon/ Properties/ Tools/ Error Checking. Try it first by not checking either box (this will run it in a Read-only mode) to see if it flags any hard drive or file problems. If it does, restart it by ticking both boxes, and rerun it to allow it to attempt to fix any found problems.

Run the System File Checker program from the Run Box by typing.....Sfc /Scannow in it and have your XP CD handy.

 

[jlockley]

Excellent ideas. Thanks Linney. Will report if anythiing comes. It might at least explain the shortcut error.

 

[jlockley]

Hardware issues hadn't even crossed my mind..It's time to defrag, too. Tonight, then.

 

[jlockley]

Disk errors were found, but I don't know if the were bad segments, as it could not be completed from the XP interface and the console closed before I could read them. Wz reinstalled the Outlook updates and restart took forever, but things seem to be functioning normally.

Time for a massive backup, I think. (rather than the usual weekly triage backup)

 

[linney]

For the results of ChkDsk -

Use the view / filter option and search for Winlogon in the Event Viewer (Application Folder).

http://www.computing.net/windowsxp/wwwboard/forum/58895.html

 

[goombawaho]

The manufacturer's diagnostic test will be a much better indicator of drive health and possibly "fixer of problems" than a check disk.

 

[jlockley]

used the /f switch and everything seems to be working all right. I'm still thinking the real culprit was an update.