Missing So Many DLLs XP Won't Start

[sjaguar13]

I had some problems with a few programs like IE and eBay's TurboLister. I started killing all the programs I had running getting ready to restart my computer, and IE and TurboLister started to work. I figured it had to be something that starts when my computer starts that keeps them from working, so I went to msconfig and got rid of everything I don't need, including some services.

Now my computer cries because it's missing some Win something dot dll. I did an XP repair install and it started my computer, but when I restarted it again, the same errors come up. I though I could remember the name of the files, but I did a repair install again, which took too long, and I forgot. My computer is working now, but I know it will not work when I restart. I have already added back everything that I unchecked, and that didn't fix the errors (I did that after the first repair install). Now I have no idea what to do to get the files back. I haven't restarted my computer is about a month, so I am not even positive that the unchecking startup stuff was the cause, but I can't remember doing anything else.

Is there a way to do a repair that actually fixes the problem, a way to replace missing DLL files, or do I have to get the names of the file and do another repair install to get online and download the missing ones?

[glc]

You may have to reinstall your programs.

[sjaguar13]

I never uninstalled anything. I just kept them from starting when XP starts.

[Chris_Rootes_Wizard]

Errr, System Restore?


Chris

[sjaguar13]

I have no restore points...

[glc]

You may have to reinstall your programs to reinstall/reregister the .dll's.

[GaryRouth]

Hi sjaguar13

For particular programs that aren't starting, reinstall them, just as glc has already mentioned.

To see if you have disabled any services that either a program or part of Windows needs to function, double-check the Services you have running with the XP Services Guide - http://www.theeldergeek.com/services_guide.htm

I recommend that you research the processes that you've kept from starting. For any that you need more information about (such as: what program they belong to, whether they are related to malware, how necessary they are to run, and known conflicts, etc.) - try checking those with the list at sysinfo.org http://www.sysinfo.org/startuplist.php -- also, if some of the startup processes have what appear to be randomly-generated names (nonsense syllables) - read the notes on this page as well http://www.sysinfo.org/startupinfo.html Another advanced tool for looking at your startup programs is SysInternals AutoRuns http://www.sysinternals.com/Utilities/Autoruns.html

Be aware that msconfig was really designed as a troubleshooting tool, not as a permanent solution. Processes that you have kept from starting in there that you wish to keep from ever starting again should either be uninstalled, have the autostart "preference" removed from the program's setup menus, or have their autorun entry removed from the Registry, .ini file, Startup folder that they are being called from. When they aren't blocked by msconfig, that information is available in System Information, under the "Software Environment" - "Startup" section. The "called from" column appears in the window to the right - on a smaller screen you may have to scroll horizontally to view it. [Start/All Programs/Accessories/System Tools/System Information].

Depending on which .dll files were being asked for, your system may have a malware infection (or two). If you don't already, you should have a firewall, antivirus, and antispyware programs installed, up-to-date, and active. Scan on as "thorough" settings as possible, scan in both Normal and Safe Mode, and if infected, consider the scour-it-clean procedures in this 5-step list --- http://www.techsupportforum.com/showthread.php?t=15968

And, since rootkit infections are on the rise, check for these as well --- http://www.sysinternals.com/Utilitie...tRevealer.html

Best of luck
. . . Gary