Reinstall of Win 2K

[Vanman]

The computer I use at work run on win 2k professional and has been completed hosed due to some spyware / malware and my misguided attempts to remove said spyware. Right now I can't access the Uninstall options, IE Explorer locks up whenever I try to use it, on reboot it says I'm missing files and need to put the Win 2K CD in the drive..but it won't tell me what files are missing. The list of problems goes on and on.

My question is could I reinstall Win 2K over existing installation and keep all the rest of the files on the drive, and would it be able to detect installed software. It's an ancient Dell PII 400 optiplex gx1 so I'm hesitant to even try to install XP on it. Currently I am able to function on it since main use is excel & email but it's getting extremely irritating. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

I curse whoever came up with VX2, Coolwebsearch and a couple other malware variants that self installed when I clicked on a misleading link.

Thanks,

Dirk

 

[Ryan42]

I would probably suggest a complete reformat and reinstall of Windows. If you wanna back up your data either borrow a friend's Mac/Linux PC and use it to copy the data files that you need or be prepared for another hosed windows install.

 

[ghidu]

before trying anything else run sfc from a command prompt; it will probably ask for the CD. sfc will check your system files and will copy the files missing. if service pack is not slipstreamed on your cd you'll have to install SP again. good luck

 

[Ryan42]

correct use IIRC is sfc /scannow