Well, it finally happened. We had some of those awfull storms that went thru here last week, while I was out of town. Router was turned off, active surge protector didn't shut down. I started having trouble with my logon password; had to enter it over and over. Then, changed the password and still couldn't get in. So, put the XP disc in and did a full reinstall. Of course, I lost a lot of stuff on my C: partition. I'm still finding weird things, some keys don't work on the keyboard. (???) But the biggest thing so far is that on the D: and E: partitions there are folders that I can't open or delete! I would like to delete them and reinstall the application, but how can I? Any help is appreciated.

Thanks everyone.

Bob

A positive attitude won't solve all your problems, but it will annoy just enough people to be worth the effort.

sugggest you remove the hdd and install it as a slave in another machine and recover the data before going any further. The cpu/mobo may be fried and any further messing with it may destroy the data.

http://computervitals.com/

Well, maybe, but I haven't conceded defeat, yet. Once in it seems to be working, cross my fingers. Besides I only have one HD. The keyboard thing is weird. If I keep punching the @ sign long enough, it will print, and seems to be getting better. If I can just figure out how delete those non-accessible folders, I can reinstall my apps.

Thanks, tho. :)

A positive attitude won't solve all your problems, but it will annoy just enough people to be worth the effort.

Go to Start > Run and type CMD <OK>.

Type chkdsk D: /f <Enter>
Then repeat for E:

Do yourself a favor BACKUP!

You need to take ownership of the files/folders:

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=308421

Many thanks to all, especially GX1MAN and ham30. I will do the CHKDSK if all else fails, but I am currently running the 'how to take ownership of a folder' from MS. It's a slow process, folder by folder, and a lot of them say they are empty, but at least I can then delete them. I had a lot of JUNK out there. Whew! Yeah, a good back up would be ideal. I tried making an image when i finished reinstalling, but the Imagemaker I used said drive C: was full (Duh) and I was never able to restart it to make the image on drive E: Now, when I have all the updates back on would be the ideal time to make an image. I have yet to find a good, easy to use (and free) image-maker. You would think the new Nero would have it included.

Thanks guys. I always know I can count on Computing.net, as long as I can get online! ;)

Bob

A positive attitude won't solve all your problems, but it will annoy just enough people to be worth the effort.

" I have yet to find a good, easy to use (and free) image-maker."

I have found that these are mutually exclusive with this type of software. I use Acronis True Image, have for years, and recommend it highly. Usually it is about $30 delivered at newegg.com (more on the Acronis site) and is the best money I have spent on software in some time!

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16832200204

Thanks GX1 MAN. I had about decided that was the case. Not a high-demand program, huh? I will take your recommendation and check into it. With all the viruses and crap out there it's even more important to keep a good backup. I am still working on the 'taking ownership of a folder' etc and probably will be for awhile yet. But, at least it works. Thanks for tip!

Bob

A positive attitude won't solve all your problems, but it will annoy just enough people to be worth the effort.

You're welcome and I am sure you will be pleased with True Image. No one I have refferd there has been less than ecstatic.