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unable to reinstall Windows XP

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by computab

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I was unable to reinstall Windows XP after infected with trojans. The option to format is not a solution as some valuable emails have not been backed up. I attempted to reinstall windows in a separate folder, but got an error message, 'the file ASMS on Windows XP Home SP1 CD is needed. Type the path where the file is located.' Where can I find this file please? This is a Dell Dimension 2400 PC, the file is not on any Dell disk. Please help.

5 replies

by softcorp.us

Hello...

You should have a current backup at all times. In particular, you really should have a backup before you start trying to reinstall your operating system or otherwise recover from where you are now. It could get worse. The "recovery" process could easily make your situatin worse.

Recommendations:

1. Install a new HDD in your PC. Install Windows XP to that HDD.

2. Install your current HDD as a second HDD.

3. Copy the files off of it to the new HDD. When you do this, you must ensure you do not copy any files that are infected.

4. Going forward, keep at least one, and preferably more than one, current backup of your files at all times.

-----Steve Jackson

CEO/CSA
Software Corporation (Softcorp)
http://www.softcorp.us/probono
Advanced pro bono tools and utilities free for personal use

by computab

I already copied most of the data, but you can't force users to backup data. I was hoping someone would have come across this error message before.

by computab

Very strange, when I did a search for the error message on Microsoft's site, it did not find this which might have helped, I even did a search for: The file 'Asms' on Windows XP, - Microsoft's search software is rather poor.

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