Major problem

Andy Pandy · 27 Jul 2006 at 20:05

I think that this is where i should put this so im sorry if it isnt. Today after restarting my computer i came across a major problem. 2 windows come up saying that my profile has an error and in that same window had something saying registry problem. In the next window it said windows would open with a temporary profile. All my settings have gone. Documents, pics,songs, passwords everything gone. I now only have 7 gig of hdd space left when i had 70 yesterday. I reallllly want this fixed but dont know what to do. Can anyone help me please?

lee87 · 27 Jul 2006 at 20:28

Have you tried a virus/spyware scan?

Sounds like your user account has been deleted/corrupt. All the files (my documents and desktop etc) should still be there but you will have to find the folder.
It should be in 'C:\Documents and Settings\user name'

I would back up all your files to disk and reformat.

Andy Pandy · 27 Jul 2006 at 20:31

wow thanks i found the files, is there anyway at all to fix the user account? because i really dont know to format, been looking at guides to reformat but it just goes over my head. If i messed up reformatting im stuffed.

lee87 · 27 Jul 2006 at 20:35

You could try a system restore or create a new user account and copy all the files back over, but I doubt this would fix the files which are using up 63gb of your hard disk. Not sure whats going on there. :confused:

Andy Pandy · 27 Jul 2006 at 20:38

i think i was hacked, i did replace a anti virus today so in the gap of having just windows firewall on a hacker got in?

SiriusB · 27 Jul 2006 at 20:59

Andy Pandy said:
i think i was hacked, i did replace a anti virus today so in the gap of having just windows firewall on a hacker got in?

It is really unlikely you were hacked! Hackers prefer breaking into porno sites etc.

It was more likely a virus or just a random glitch that subsequently totalled your registry.

If you don't want to do a reformat, you could try a repair installation.

Basically pop your XP disc in, and restart your PC. Keep going through the setup screens and you should get to a point where it asks if you want to do a nice fresh install or a repair install. Choose repair install then just follow the instructions.

The repair install should leave all your software and data intact and only repair what needs fixing. When its all done you should have your installation back to where it was.*

*There may be some changes such as certain profile settings [Wallpaper, icons etc].

EDIT: Just like to remind you to BACKUP EVERYTHING! If you don't and something happens and all your data goes bye-bye it aint my fault!

SiriusB

Andy Pandy · 27 Jul 2006 at 21:06

the xp disk i have is a few years old with sp1 on it, can this be used to repair? and how easy is repairing to do. i dont need to reinstall bios drivers etc the cmos and all that tricky stuff do i?

CFC-420 · 28 Jul 2006 at 04:15

Actually, Being hacked or scanned is quite common.

Iv'e had to format my dad's pc, my nephew's pc and my sisters pc loads of times because of this.

After looking into it, rootkits found in the c:\windows\system32\* structure.
they where connecting to a chat protocol called "mIRC" and sending files via; (twice ServUDaemon, ioFTPD and once with one called RaidenFTPD)
They even had a DameWare NT Utilities? rebooting/shutting the computer down as they wish.
They where sharing files THEY had uploaded. Scum bags.

It was then time to aquire major F-Secure Licenses.

Now I don't get the "My computer is missing space" phonecalls every other day off work.

Last thing they should have done is leave logs though. I'll leave it at that.

And Yes you can still repair with that, You'll lose all your updates but sp1, But can easily redownload them.