Windows Scripting Issues

[SharpAdam]

I'm having a few bizzare problems with a computer, and I believe they are related. I'm not in front of the computer, so I don't have specifics...

First, when I boot the computer, a windows installer tries to install Sonic Activation. I searched the web and found that I need to run a Windows Installer cleanup. I downloaded it and went to install it, but it fails do to some vbscript error (I know that doesn't help any).

So I search that error and it tells me to re-register vbscript.dll. I try that with no luck. Still getting errors. I research that error and I find that I can download and reinstall Microsoft Script 5.6. It doesn't install, it threw an error that I can't remember (I know, I know).

So I tabled fixing the problem. Once they hit cancel like six times, it stops so its not a priority...

Then today they tell me that when they log into OWA that it says "loading..." and nothing else. No worries, I do a google search and check out a dozen options. The one thing that sticks in my mind is that "Active Scripting" must be enabled. That leads me to believe that the two are related.

So how do I fix it??
Just kidding, but in all seriousness, where would you go from here?

I'm considering backing up all the data and reloading from scratch. Thats pretty drastic, but I'm not sure what my options are.

For a bit of background, I just finished cleaning a vicious spyware/trojan infection from the machine.

So do I...
A.) waste my time (and yours) trying to determine the fix for these various issues?
or
b.) just reload the system?

Thanks!!!
Adam

BTW, the computer is owned by my company and its about 50 miles away and runs XP Home (yeah, I know...)

 

[linney]

You might get a double hint from the first link?

When you use Remote Assistance in Windows XP, an empty message box is displayed

http://www.jsifaq.com/SF/Tips/Tip.aspx?id=6517

Are these various programs that are crashing during install being run as Administrators?

When you get sick of fixing one error only to be confronted by another, then it may be time to consider a Format and clean install, but you can try these first if you like.

Some general things to try.

See if System Restore will get you back to a restore point before your problem with Windows, (it might however restore your original virus).

Try Safe Mode (Do you have this problem in Safe Mode?). Some installs will not work from Safe Mode due to Services not loading. Have you another username you could try from Normal Mode? Unfortunately the built-in Administrator is not accessible in XP Home whilst in Normal Mode.

Try running ChkDsk to check your drive for errors. Right-click your Drive icon/ Properties/ Tools/ Error Checking. Select both boxes.

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




If they don't work you could try repairing windows by running it over itself. You will lose all your windows updates but your files will be untouched.

How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade (Reinstallation) of Windows XP (Q315341)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q315/3/41.asp

 

[SharpAdam]

Thanks for the info, I tried the active scripting thing.

I tried the system restore but restore points were turned off. Not sure why, but they are. I only recently began supporting this machine.

I'll try loading the apps in safe mode. Windows installer has thrown me errors in the past when I do that and I have to start a few services manually.

I created a second administrative account and tried the installs that way, no luck.

I don't believe it to be a disk error because of the history of spyware infections but I'll give it a try before I reload.

System File Checker is good to know about, I'll try that.

I've considered doing a repair or reinstall of Windows, but I think if I'm going to do that, I'll just format and do XP pro.

Thanks for your help!