Backup files before Clean/Repair Install

I'm having issues with various programs on my 32 bit Home Premium Vista OS. It seems like a virus to me. When I try and open EXPLORER the infamous CLASS NOT REGISTERED error shows up. For many other applications I get the "WININET.dll NOT FOUND" error. I have tried REGISTRY MECHANIC and also tried to do a STARTUP REPAIR using the VISTA DVD. The Startup Repair utility does not seem to find any problems when I run it at startup.

I wanted to get opinions if all this was leading to a clean install or a repair install of Vista. I'm not sure if I have SP1 or SP2. I can't seem to get to any program that would give me that info because of aforementioned errors.

Also if it is a clean install that I need to do, can I save my documents and music somehow first? Any ideas? Is it possible to use DOS Command Shell and try the COPY command to copy these folders to my portable hard drive, which is L: drive on my computer.

I do have a few programs that run without the errors. One is Mozilla Firefox. I can see all my important files by typing "C:" in the Firefox browser (for eg. "//c:/Users/admin/Music"). Any way to copy them to "L:"? Or any way to back them up before OS installation? Thanks. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Repair install you will keep all your files, programs etc.

http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/88236-repair-install-vista.html

This is what I would do before a clean install.

malhithearnaz:

In answer to your question, in the event that you are unable for some reason
to do a Repair Installation as suggested by mansrm81, there are ways to
back up your personal files before doing a full reinstall.


Ardneh

Thanks for your replies.

Ardneh - Can you provide a couple of ways that I can use to back-up my files prior to trying repair install?

malhithearnaz:

A couple of weeks ago I saw a tutorial on using Notepad from BIOS to transfer files, but I couldn't find it again.
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I suggest using a Ubuntu Live CD as a Vista Rescue Utility.
Getting started is a simple and easy process.

Just Download > Burn image to CD/DVD > Boot Up.

Download site:

Download Ubuntu | Ubuntu

Choose Ubuntu 8.04 LTS Desktop
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After downloading the file,burn it as an image to a CD or DVD.

I use Imgburn for this.

Download ImgBurn 2.5.0.0 - FileHippo.com

In Imgburn use the top-left option --- Write Image File To a Disc
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Ubuntu is a graphical interface similar to Windows but with some differences.
Within 10 or 15 minutes of exploring the new OS you will be roaming through
your file system and copying files to USB stick.
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Ubuntu will load into memory before Windows MBR is activated.

It doesn't install to disc at all so long as you leave it at its default
Try Ubuntu without any change to your computer on its initial boot screen.
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You'll need to boot into BIOS and set it to boot from your CD/DVD drive.
Then with the Live CD in that drive, key Enter.


Ardneh