[steve20491]

Win XP Home SP2
System restore has disappeared from system tools, however, using Advanced Windows Care I am able to create restore points. This is what I have attempted so far to find SR:
I have tried to locate the sr.inf file to install. The system restore file is there but not sr.inf. I am unabe to use my XP installation disc because my CD Rom drive is not working. I have also tried the command to restore the file: %systemroot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe, both from the command prompt and also the Run box. I am told the path can not be found. I have run a complete virus and ad-ware scan and they show no problems. I am unable to buy a new CD Rom drive right now, so if anyone can think of a way to fix this problem other than using my CD Disc, I would appreciate it.

[BeeCeeBee]

Hello Steve,

Have you tried the same command prompt in the command box while opening windows in Safe Mode with Command prompt.

%systemroot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe should work for you in safe mode if it still has viable restore points.

If that does not work for you, you may find some answers here. Otherwise it may be time to borrow a CD/DVD drive.
http://support.micro....com/kb/302796/

You may also try installing SP3 but it may be a case of the horse already leaving the barn on that one.

[steve20491]

Thanks for the quick reply. I tried the command while in safe mode, to no avail. Re: SP3, I actually noticed the problem after installing SP3, so I uninstalled it. Maybe I should try to re-install Sp3 again.

[BeeCeeBee]

It can't make things worse although I doubt it eliminated your restore points. It may, however "restore"them.

I also recognize that you did various scans but the removal of restore points is a common trait of malware.

[allheart55]

Steve,

Just to be on the safe side, why don't you post a HJT log in the General Malware room and let us have a look?

At the very least we can rule out whether this is malware related.

[Match]

Hi steve as Allheart as already said try posting a HJT Log in general malware, and I must admit this sounds like a virus problem!!

can you also tell us what Antivirus you currently have installed and what you have installed/opened prior to this problem?

As its 1:30 Am in the UK I'm off to bed and will look in in the next 6 hrs or so but we do have people round the world in different time zones that will advise you as needed :)

[allheart55]

Quote

As its 1:30 Am in the UK I'm off to bed and will look in in the next 6 hrs or so but we do have people round the world in different time zones that will advise you as needed :)

Match, That is what I call dedication! :D

[Match]

allheart55 said:

Match, That is what I call dedication! :D

dedication or addiction?

OK what I am thinking is that you have had or still may have a trojan that has messed up your registry when it was removed, I'll post instructions for an Eset scan under your HJT log,

But I think that we are going to end up needing to re-install which will mean you ether need a working CD-Rom or a 2G USB flash drive and a nice friend with a PC to put a copy of your XP CD onto it.