Good morning, I am using a Compaq Presario AMD Athlon(tm) 64 Processor 3300+, 2411 MHz/960 RAM, Windows Xp Home, Sp#2. While surfing various help forums I have noted several times that people experiencing problems are asked to run the 'system file checker' by utilizing 'sfc /scannow'. They are always told to have their WinXP Installation Disk handy in case it is needed. My problem is I don't have an Installation Disk since my WinXP Home came preinstalled on my store bought computer. I did have Microsoft send me a set of 'restore' disks in case my 'restore partition' lets me down at some point down the road. Would the I386 directory be on one of these restore disks? I have also noted that sometimes the person seeking help is told that if they don't have an Installation Disk they can direct 'sfc /scannow' to the 'I386' directory on their hard drive for the needed files to fix a corrupted one. I also note in reading an excellent article on 'sfc /scannow' at this site: sfc /scannow article that the author states the I386 directory should be on the root drive which in my case is C:\. However, when I go to:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Setup and go to the SourcePath as the author suggests I find my I386 is located at: C:\windows\ Is this correct or should it be detached from 'windows'? I am experiencing no problems at this time but I am just trying to plan ahead in case of file problems down the road. Thanks and regards, Phil " ... Nuff Said. Keep Smiling Because I'm Smiling Too."

the i386 folder is the windos nt (or higher) equivalent to the win95/win98/win9x folders on the windows 9x installation discs. it doesn't really matter where it is, wether in the root dir or inside the windows directory or on a cd rom. if i were you i would not thange the setup path, just leave it as it is. the i386 is NOT one of these 'restore discs' and it is NOT a windows installation cd. but you should, however, burn it on to a blank cd in case something goes wrong. if you are a bit computer savvy you can also use this folder with 'nLite' and some xp cd boot image that you can download (i.e. www.bootdisk.com)to create your own windows xp installation CD, including service pack, updates and slipstreamed drivers (which you may find on your hard disc as well). Today's subliminal thought is: 'Calm down ... it's only ones and zeros.' icq 10183575

sry, forgot to link nLite ... here goes: http://www.nliteos.com/nlite.html Today's subliminal thought is: 'Calm down ... it's only ones and zeros.' icq 10183575

Speaking of trying to run SFC /SCANNOW on preinstalled XP Machines - I never had success with it even after I redirected it to the i386 folder. The SFC /SCANNOW works only when you have native XP CD. For OEM PCS forget it and use your Recovery CD. i_XpUser

Because you have a OEM system (Compaq), some of the suggestions for people with Generic systems. Will not be applicable. You probably cannot use SFC or do a winXP 'Repair' install. I'm afraid that you have to depend on the Compaq software to fix your system. One option that you do have is the 'image' save programs like Ghost or Acronis. With them you can save an image occasionally. If you have a problem, they can restore your system to the way it was at the time you created the image. This is much better than Compaq's restore, which takes it back to the way it came from the factory. Do yourself a favor BACKUP!

Hi mattie, XpUser, ham30 and all, I appreciate all your responses, links and information. Have a great week! Thanks and regards, Phil " ... Nuff Said. Keep Smiling Because I'm Smiling Too."