Whenever I re-boot, I get the standard Microsoft "Check File System" for errors - but every time it finds errors - unreadable files, from files that used to be fine. Windows automatically repairs them by deleting the folders.

In addition, on the last re-boot, the file extension associations were removed - so that Word documents no longer have the Word icon next to them (though I can open up Word documents with a double click).

I ran a McAfee's Virus Scan and it came back negative (it took forever to run - often pausing while the computer made weird noises in a rhythmic pattern). I uninstalled HP printer software (because it was not functioning) and AOL (because some kids were playing on AOL), but it did not seem to help.

I am running a Kaspersky scan and will run a Hijack This scan as well (I am typing on a different computer).

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

i guess the best you can do is run Hijack This program, put the log created there, in appropriate topic and wait till some expert will look through.

sounds to me like u need to run a (start, run, type chkdsk) if it comes back with erros put ur windows cd in and restart let it run when it comes up hit r for repair, then type chkdsk /p it will look and then hi tchkdks /r for repairs, this should fix the problem if its just ths system

Kitty

The chkdsk showed up more errors - more folders being deleted for being unreadable.

I cannot get to the r for repair option.

My Windows XP is an upgrade (paid for) from WinME, and the CD does not allow the r for repair option.

Any other ideas?

New computer needed?????????????????

try this maybe, do u have the CD even?

To install the Recovery Console as a startup option: 1. While Windows is running, insert the Windows Server 2003 CD in the computer's CD or DVD drive.
2. Click Start, and then click Run.
3. In the Open box, type the following line, where drive is the drive letter of the computer's CD drive or DVD drive that contains the Windows Server 2003 CD, and then click OK:
drive:\i386\winnt32.exe /cmdcons
4. Click Yes when the message appears, to install the Recovery Console.
5. When you receive the message that states that the Recovery Console is successfully installed, click OK.
6. To use the Recovery Console, restart the computer, and then use the ARROW keys to select Microsoft Windows Recovery Console in the Please select the operating system to start list.

Kitty

Article ID : 307654 is a good place to look for info on it too on http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307654

Kitty

what windows version are u running?

Kitty

can also try hitting f8 on boot and going to last good configuration i suppose im still looking for the cd issue with no access to recovery console i just read it not too long ago so i know its there... its in help n support from ur start menu, sometimes u just have to try typing different phrases for different articles

Kitty

Kitty - Thanks for your suggestions. It took me awhile, but I tracked down my WinXP disk. In the meantime, however, the computer crashed to the point where I cannot reboot at all. It freezes at the Safe Mode/Safe Mode With Networking/Last Known Configuration/Regular screen. So, I now am unable to get into Windows at all. I do not have a Windows Server 2003 disk, but I am not sure it would matter. I cannot find anything on the Microsoft site that shows me how to boot up when everything freezes at the Safe Mode screen.

Clarification: when I say freeze, I mean that it goes in an endless loop - the Safe Mode, etc. screen appears, then when one of the options is selected, the computer attempts to boot up Windows, but eventually goes back to the Safe Mode, etc. This happens no matter which of the 5 options is selected.

I am running WinXP Home Svc Pk 2, upgraded from WinME.