Hi, I am a windows 98 user. I was trying to delete some internet popup programs, using the 'add/remove program' thing. I selected remove on a program called 'sidebar' or something. I was then warned that all sidebar programs would be deleted. Now i cant get onto windows!Am i the stupidest guy ever!?!?! Do any geniuses out their know if its likely I have deleted all the contents of my computer or not!?! When i restarted the computer, it asked me to register my copy of windows. when i skip the logon screen, explorer has an error and I notice no programs are running when i press ctrl,alt,del. I am hoping that there is a way I can retrieve my data, if its still on the computer. I've tryed fixing the registry in dos. it completed doing that, but then returned to dos. I couldn't do anything in safemode either because nothing is running when I exit the log on screen. I was thinking though, if I could access my windows cd through dos, I could do a smart restore and just reinstall all the vital programs, then i could retrieve my data. Is this possible? I really don't wanna red disc my computer until i'm certain i can't get my data back. Bearing in mind I am level crap, so I may require some step by step to achieve this. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time. Geo

First thing to try is to restore the registry. Boot into DOS mode, and at the prompt, type SCANREG /RESTORE and choose a date prior to you uninstalling the "sidebar somethings" ! Krystyna

OMG! You are a genius, thanks so much!!!! Fixed, data back!!!!! Best thing eva. Lifesava!!!! Thanks so much. Geo

Geo, you're very welcome ! Ummm, what means OMG ? Krystyna

Krystyna, OMG means Oh My God (or goodness). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_slang

Isn't it "nice" when folks come back with how they got on with offered help/advice (and even say thanks)... If only more of 'em did so...?

trvlr, Yes. I wish more did. Worst part of no closure is the many reading along to learn don't find out what worked. M2