I give up...is reformatiang my hard drive my last answer?

Question

I have a fairly new Gateway laptop, XP system, Verizion wireless. My computer is at a crawl. I lost all access to internet options, I can't do system reinstall with my computer disk because I am missing "1386\DRV\DTA\DTA.LST", I have done system recovery to no avail, I can't download any programs from the internet, I can't install the program "Windows Live 'OneCare'" I can access the internet put only get my Yahoo email and Yahoo news. Every thing I do is slow, slow, & slow. I tried reinstalling XP but I can't. I looked in my Reg file for IE7 as suggested (I made no changes) and could not find anything. I can't download any Norton security or other antivirus programs. So, do I wipe out my hard drive? How? What are my risks? Will I be able to reinstall with my Gateway reinstall disk? Thanks.

Answer 1

Lesson of the day! You download from file sharing sites, freeware sites, porn sites, THEY WILL COME! (viruses, hijackers, worms, adware, spyware, and other assorted malware). Now that you know, you are probably lookin at a reformat and you will no doubt lose software you didnt get disks for, be wondering why after the reformat your sound, video, usb devices, and other hardware doesnt work until you find out the drivers arent installed. You will then spend a month trying to figure out where to find this stuff......etc

Answer 2

Try copying the file on to your hard disk from a CD - if you don't have it, try downloading it (obviously from another computer) - if you manage to copy it on, restart and you may be okay.



Other than that, check if you have a system restore point (get there through the help and support facility) then roll back.



Or, try using your Windows CD to repair Windows and/or install a virus programme by CD. Also defragment your disk.



If you can access the internet, try a search for tips to speed up XP - this can make a big difference.



Hope this helps.

Answer 3

WOW, things are really discombobulated here. If you had listed your model number, this would be a lot easier.



First, are you still covered by free support from Gateway, if so, that is the place to start.



Second, use another computer to view their HELP files on reinstalling XP for your model, if you can't use your laptop.



Do you have recovery disks, or is your recovery system loaded in a hidden partition, if in hidden partition, learn how to use them at Gateway or your user manual? If you have recovery disks, use them to reinstall Windows, if not, you may have to buy their recovery disks, usually less then $50.00.



If you can, as you say, go online, then try doing an online virus and spyware scan, such as trend Micro; http://www.trendmicro.com/cwshredder/



Can try this, boot up, disconnect form the Internet totally. Then run System File Checker; http://www.updatexp.com/scannow-sfc.html . You will need an XP installation disk, or your recovery disk, as you will be copying the Windows files from the I386 file to correct corrupted files. If your recovery disks are in a hidden partition, you will need to direct sfc to them, when it ask you to insert the disk, click on browse. You can open the physical disk by right clicking on the CD icon and clicking open or explore. Then look for the I386 file, that is the CD you need.



Start your research here; http://www.google.com/search?q=install%20laptop%20operating%20system&sourceid=groowe&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8



http://www.google.com/search?q=install%20laptop%20operating%20system&sourceid=groowe&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8



Gateway support; http://support.gateway.com/support/default.asp



Gateway parts; http://www.mundocorp.com/index.html



Make it a great day!

Answer 4

Your computer is as good as dead. you have to format and re install windows if you have windows disk I am not sure about the gateway disk it might has all the programs you need , and it might not.

you are going to lose every thing on the computer, and after installing windows you have to activate it. let some one help you.

Answer 5

try upgrading your system...more RAM and higher HDD capacity will surely help your computer to function according to your needs...