I have a Dell Dimension 4500S Series - I’ve had it since about 2000 or so. It came standard with Windows XP-Home, but after I had some virus problems an acquaintance of mine installed Windows XP-Pro/Office version.
Not sure when things headed south, but now I can’t open my control panel. Every time I try to click it I get a system error message, and then it closes out. Then that box comes up asking if I’d like to send Microsoft a copy of the error message. My computer has even frozen on a few occasions. Unfortunately, I don’t have the exact error message at this time (sorry), but I’m wondering if anyone else has had an experience like this.
Right now, to make system changes, I’m essentially getting to where I need to through back-door entrances. Since I can’t open control panel, I simply go to the “help topics” button in my start menu and type what I’m looking for…with some searching I’m usually able to find a link to the exact application I’m looking for. I can get in using that method, but that’s only because I’m bypassing the whole need to go through the control panel.
Any advice?
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2 responses so far ↓
1 ELfaGeek // Oct 1, 2008
“It came standard with Windows XP-Home, but after I had some virus problems an acquaintance of mine installed Windows XP-Pro/Office version.”
Follow the instructions in the Dell User Manual to backup all your personal data and then use your Dell Recovery Disks to re-install HP Home.
That will fix all your problems with the “pirated” version of XP Pro.
2 LEROY H // Oct 1, 2008
Although your sys came w/ WinXP-Home, if you have the Pro CD, use it in the following manner. If Not, then you will have to use the Home CD.>>>>> Click the START button in the bottom left of screen. Select the RUN option. In the text box, type this: sfc /scannow You WILL NEED THE CD IN THE DRIVE, as this command pulls files from the cd, to refresh any broken, irregular or false system files, in the original OS installation. Another task to do, would be to boot the sys, and select “Install Windows” with the “Repair Windows Installation” option (not the exact wording, but the idea is the same). This repair option is trickier and longer. >>>>>> sfc /scannow <<<<<<
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