Didn't see this solution in while doing a google search, anandtech forum search, Microsoft knowledgebase search, Dell Knowledgebase search, or a Dell forum search. This is what worked for me to fix this error.
Re-boot computer
Enter setup - Set computer to boot off cd
Put XP cd in drive and boot off it
get into recovery mode
At c:\windows\ prompt enter "chkdsk /r"
This will check harddrive for errors and repair any found
After re-booting windows came up with my icons, identified a problem, and repaired itself.
Note that this was a last ditch effort by a desperate man. The knowledge base articles and tech support require you to create a tmp directory copy, back up a bunch of files to it, then copy over the files with files from a recovery directory. I was unable to copy the system file to the tmp folder, getting an error in the process. That clued me that I might have a hard drive problem.
Remember though that free advice is worth the price you paid for it. This is just a quick note to help anyone going through the same process. I just hope this helps someone from spending 4-5 hours pulling their hair out.
Now I have to decide if I need a new hard drive or if this was one of Micro$oft's many hiccups.
Re-boot computer
Enter setup - Set computer to boot off cd
Put XP cd in drive and boot off it
get into recovery mode
At c:\windows\ prompt enter "chkdsk /r"
This will check harddrive for errors and repair any found
After re-booting windows came up with my icons, identified a problem, and repaired itself.
Note that this was a last ditch effort by a desperate man. The knowledge base articles and tech support require you to create a tmp directory copy, back up a bunch of files to it, then copy over the files with files from a recovery directory. I was unable to copy the system file to the tmp folder, getting an error in the process. That clued me that I might have a hard drive problem.
Remember though that free advice is worth the price you paid for it. This is just a quick note to help anyone going through the same process. I just hope this helps someone from spending 4-5 hours pulling their hair out.
Now I have to decide if I need a new hard drive or if this was one of Micro$oft's many hiccups.
