NEW TOYS no driver :(

January 23, 2010 11:43 PM

Oh no! In the aftermath of a wicked virus I went in and manually deleted the corrupted files, one of which happened to include the driver I need to install new software.... I think....

Now I can't install my new harddrive, ipod and cd burner that I got for Christmas! It's so sad :( I'd be glad to download the driver I need, but I don't know where to start. Every time I plug something in it runs through the installation process and then says there's a problem with the software and it couldn't complete. I really don't want to have to reinstall Windows XP because I have so many files on my computer, but is there anything I can do?

Thanks!!

posted by wild like kudzu to Technology (4 answers total)

What you need to do is use the XP install disk and tell it to do a "repair". What that means is that it restores all the files that are missing or have the wrong hash, but otherwise doesn't do anything.

Then you'll need to visit Windows Update and get yourself up-to-date on patches.
posted by Chocolate Pickle at 12:03 AM on January 24, 2010

I'd insert the windows xp disk and then open a command prompt. Enter sfc/scannow and click ok.
That makes xp restore critical system files.

After that, go online and download the driver.
posted by disclaimer at 1:04 AM on January 24, 2010 [1 favorite]

If you had a really bad virus you really should be formating and re-installing anyways.
Once something bad has run on your computer it can leave undetectable components behind that will later download the virulent parts.
posted by Iax at 2:04 AM on January 24, 2010

Instead of repair, you can simply reinstall your Windows. You will have to spend time reinstalling programs after that, but in general, it's a good idea since it helps you get rid of the clutter on your computer anyways. You can do it without using your data, if you select not to format your hard drive during the installation process. If you have an external hard drive you can also back up your data (not programs, though) and do a clean install, including the format.
posted by albatross84 at 9:50 AM on January 24, 2010