Computer needs a kick in the

[Chicklady]

I can't download stuff, and even at opening, my computer is missing stuff (javadll??)

Anyway, I would like to do a system restore. The process for that includes backing up all my files, which I can't do cause that drive isn't working either

My question is, if I get one of those online backup services, can I also back up my program files (Living Cookbook, Fitday, Scrabble and other good stuff) or only document and picture files?

[Janvier]

Re: Computer needs a kick in the

How far back are you planning on going? At most I only go back a few weeks. I believe it's only recommended that you back up your files. I don't have an external so I never bother. The files you accumulated after the date that you're setting it back to will just appear on your desktop ready to be put back in place. Good luck, computer problems are a pain.

[Chicklady]

Re: Computer needs a kick in the

System restore goes back to the way your computer was when you got it

[jimmie 48]

Re: Computer needs a kick in the

System restore goes back to the way your computer was when you got it

i'm not the techiest, chicklady, but system restore can go back one day, two weeks, whatever, like Janvier said. when i've had to do this, i've been asked if i wanted to back up files, not told that i had to . the last restore i did was about 2 months ago. we had something popping up on our start screen ALL the time so i restored to when i knew it wasn't there. it's gone and my files were fine.

[Chicklady]

Re: Computer needs a kick in the

My instruction thingie says windows XP has a mirror image of the computer on the day it was born, and using "restore" will wipe the slate clean, so to speak. There is also a system "recovery", which I've already tried to use, that presumably gonna fix some of my problems, but I can't get the CD drive to run to use it(now there's a catch 22)

[determined2shrink]

Re: Computer needs a kick in the

You can check your system restore to see how far back it resets it. The system recovery disc resets it back to when you got it.

[determined2shrink]

Re: Computer needs a kick in the

"You can use System Restore to undo harmfull changes to your computer and restore its settings and performance. System Restore returns your computer to an earlier time (called a restore point) without causing you to lose recent work, such as saved documents, e-mail, or history and favorites lists.

Any changes that the System Restore makes to your computer are completely reversible.

Your computer automatically creates restore points (called system checkpoints), but you can also use System Restore to create your own restore points. This is useful if you about to make a major change to your system, such as installing a new program or changing your registry."

That is what it says when you go to System Restore on Windows XP SP2

[Chicklady]

Re: Computer needs a kick in the

When you restart your computre, hit CTRL and F11....that's the system restore I'm taking about...no disc needed.

[sharbur2002]

Re: Computer needs a kick in the

Hey Chicklady,

What you are talking about doing is the Quick Restore or System Recovery from your Restore partition on your hard drive.

Yes! You definately want to back up everything that you possibly can as the Restore will wipe out all of your data on your computer. It will put you back to a brand new operating system as it came from the factory. You will lose all programs that you have installed. You will lose all email addresses, bookmarks, music and photos that you have installed since you have owned the computer.

You can back up anything you want to on the online backup sites not just files and documents. Hope this helps.

Sharon

[Chicklady]

Re: Computer needs a kick in the

thanks Sharon. how do i know if I'm backing up the entire program or just the data entered?

[sharbur2002]

Re: Computer needs a kick in the

You can not save a program that has been installed and then expect to re-install it on your computer again. You must have the original executable file...ie: the original downloaded program or a disk with the program on it.

You should be able to download the programs again from the same site that you originally got them from. Just make sure you back up the data...I read that you have Living Cookbook? You will want to save all your receipes.

I never install anything straight from the internet. I always SAVE the program to my hard drive and then install from my hard drive. That way I always have a copy of the original program on my hard drive. I also burn a cd or DVD when i have a lot of programs and files to back up. (just for future reference)

I also have a note book that I write down all my serial numbers for all my software. This way if I have to re-install all I have to do is look up the serial number in my book...not pull my hair out trying to find it.

Good luck with your System Recovery. Your computer will run much better after you have finished (if there are no other problems).

Sharon

[determined2shrink]

Re: Computer needs a kick in the

Sorry i put system recovery, it was under system restore

start
all programs
accessories
system tools
system restore

[Chicklady]

Re: Computer needs a kick in the

Ok, I tried that. I got a "fatal execution engine error 0x7927f26e"
Sounds fatal!!

[mizjewels]

Re: Computer needs a kick in the

Hi chicklady,

Although I just joined this site and don't have much to contribute in the way of recipes or diet tips , computers are one place I do have a little bit of knowledge. First you asked about online backup sites. I recommend Adrive.com as it provides an unprecedented 50gig of storage space for free. That should hold all your files.

You really want to try system restore first before trying a system recovery, as system restore will only remove installed programs you added after the restore date you chose. Recovery will wipe out everything. I see you had a problem with utilizing the restore feature, which is kind of common in a messed up pc. I would suggest you try doing the system restore in safe mode. Restart the computer and while booting continue to press the f8 key until you get a black screen which allows you to chose how you want to boot the pc. Choose safe mode. Once the pc has fully loaded do your system restore. If you suspect something funky has gotten in and is causing the problems there are a few great free antivirus/antispyware programs. AVGfree, avast, threatfire, adaware, spybot, super antispy. If things are still a little funky get yourself some of those and run the scans in safe mode also. All can be found easily via google. Good luck to you.

[Chicklady]

Re: Computer needs a kick in the

Ok Just tried it that way. Got the same error message. It said it went back to July 30....the farthest point it would let me go, went thru the whole thing, and then gave me the engine error. I think I have BIG problems, and they all started when I downloaded McAfee.