Some advice please

SylvanHuntress

SylvanHuntress

Member
Hello,

I have an Acer Aspire 5613ZWLMi laptop with a Intel Pentium dual core processor T2080 1.73 GHz and 120GB harddrive. The drive is partitioned.

On my D drive I noticed a file named erData and in my infinite stupidity I thought, what is this doing here? I moved it to my recycle bin. On the next start up, I noticed that most of my programs were not functioning. Photoshop had to be reinstalled, Java I've reinstalled but it still shows in my control panel as a non-functiong program. Flashplayer was also gone, one or two games I had installed won't work without a reinstall and my iTunes program will also need to be reinstalled as its now using my recent reinstall of Realplayer instead of displaying as it did before...

Adobe reader had to be reinstalled, though some .pdf files will not open in Photoshop. Program updates in the start menu also shows as a broken file, or as one the computer does not recognise. I am utterly at a loss for how to correct this problem. I moved the erData file back to its original location, but to no avail. I have tried to do a system restore, but the laptop informs me that it cannot do this.

Do I have to format the laptop or is there a way to correct whatever mischief I have done? I am not sure what other information you might need to help me figure out my conundrum. I can't believe I did something so stupid!

Thanking you for any assistance,

SylvanHuntress
 

My Computer

System One

Sylvan,
It may be as easy and just using system retore. If this does not work it will be more of a problem. Use a SR point from about two days before you started to mess with the system

Edit Re System Restore: Helps to read the question
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS420
    Memory
    6 gig
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD3650 256 MB
    Sound Card
    Intergrated 7.1 Channel Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell SP2009W 20 inch Flat Panel w Webcam
    Hard Drives
    640 gb
    Cooling
    Fan
    Keyboard
    Dell USB
    Mouse
    Dell USB 4 button optical
    Other Info
    DSL provided by ATT
When the laptop said it could not do a System Restore (as you posted), what reason did it give (the exact message word-for-word)? Is System Restore not functioning or do you have no restore points or what? What besides the message happens when you try it? If you do have restore points but it isn't working, try booting into safe mode and deactivate your security software and try restoring from there to see if that helps - sometimes it does and sometimes it doesn't but it's worth a try especially since it is by far the best solution to your situation (if we can get it to work).

What is on D: drive besides this erData file (and what filetype is it)? Is it your Recovery Partition or, if not, what does it contain (data, programs, pictures, backups,...)? If it is your Recovery Drive, have you added anything else to it at all besides this mysterious erData file?

I hope this helps or that your reply with answers helps us narrow down the problem. I've never heard of an erData file before and have no idea what it does, why it exists, how it was created or why it was on that partition. If System Restore continues not to work, then we'll try to further research the file based on the additional information you provide and hopefully come up with some answers.

Thanks and good luck!
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inc. MP061 Inspiron E1705
    CPU
    2.00 gigahertz Intel Core 2 Duo 64 kilobyte primary memory
    Motherboard
    Board: Dell Inc. 0YD479 Bus Clock: 166 megahertz
    Memory
    2046 Megabytes Usable Installed Memory
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Mobility Radeon X1400 (Microsoft Corporation - WDDM) [Di
    Sound Card
    SigmaTel High Definition Audio CODEC
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Generic PnP Monitor (17.2"vis)
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1200 pixels
    Hard Drives
    Hitachi HTS541616J9SA00 [Hard drive] (160.04 GB) -- drive 0, s/n SB2411SJGLLRMB, rev SB4OC74P, SMART Status: Healthy
    Case
    Chassis Serial Number: 5YK95C1
    Keyboard
    Standard PS/2 Keyboard
    Mouse
    Logitech HID-compliant Cordless Mouse
    Internet Speed
    1958 Kbps download ; 754.8 Kbps upload
    Other Info
    Optiarc DVD+-RW AD-5540A ATA Device [CD-ROM drive]

    Dell AIO Printer A940

    Conexant HDA D110 MDC V.92 Modem

    6TO4 Adapter
    Broadcom 440x 10/100 Integrated Controller
    Broadcom 802.11n Network Adapter
    Microsoft ISATAP Adapter
    Teredo Tunneling Pseudo-Interface

    Router Linksys / WRT54G -01
erData is the Acer backup file. It has nothing to do with System Restore, which is located in C:\System Volume Information

I see absolutely no reason whatsoever for moving this backup file to affect the workings of your computer in any way. We could call it a coincidence, but it does seem an awefully big coincidence.

Can you please tell me what exactly happens to these programs that don't work? Also, can you please tell me if the C:\Windows\Installer folder is empty or not.

Exactly these symptons can be reproduced by emptying this folder. It will break the majority of programs, but not quite all - they will run Windows Installer, search for a file, and then ask where it is, and many shortcuts will have broken.

This is what I think has happened. This is an absolute disaster, no jokes, and what I think has happened. Quite a few Vista users have reported this happening, but it is not an official bug. It happened to me once, that folder just emptied itself overnight, and disaster reigned. I had to reformat.

Hopefully this is not what has happened.

Richard
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS 420
    CPU
    Intel Core 2 Quad Q9300 2.50GHz
    Motherboard
    Stock Dell 0TP406
    Memory
    4 gb (DDR2 800) 400MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD 3870 (512 MBytes)
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1 x Dell 2007FP and 1 x (old) Sonic flat screen
    Screen Resolution
    1600 x 1200 and 1280 x 1204
    Hard Drives
    1 x 640Gb (SATA 300)
    Western Digital: WDC WD6400AAKS-75A7B0

    1 x 1Tb (SATA 600)
    Western Digital: Caviar Black, SATA 6GB/S, 64Mb cache, 8ms
    Western Digital: WDC WD1002FAEX-00Z3A0 ATA Device
    PSU
    Stock PSU - 375W
    Case
    Dell XPS 420
    Cooling
    Stock Fan
    Keyboard
    Dell Bluetooth
    Mouse
    Advent Optical ADE-WG01 (colour change light up)
    Internet Speed
    120 kb/s
    Other Info
    ASUS USB 3.0 5Gbps/SATA 6Gbps - PCI-Express Combo Controller Card (U3S6)
I'm chuckling as I write this because the symptoms you describe, Richard, are exactly it... broken files, but some work... my Windows Mail had to be completely re-done - had to input all the pop and smtp information and I lost everything in the mailbox. On searching the C drive for a folder named Installer, I find none.

The system restore error message simply says "an unknown error occured" - so no help there. There are restore points, but the feature simply doesn't work. It does look like I will have to re-format.

The D drive is not used for anything important regarding the running of the computer. It is a space to store music and other data, but nothing crucial to the OS... I have a basic knowledge of computers, but I'm not as avidly tech-savvy as some. Still...

Oh, not sure if this is of any import? I had downloaed MSN Messenger Plus and it created a toolbar in Firefox, which I didn't like, so I deleted the program which led to me thinking, is there anything else unnecessary floating around on my PC, which led to the deletion of the erData file as well.

I will try to boot from safe mode and see if I cannot do a system restore once I have deactivated my security software, thank you Lorien, will let you know. Thank you both for your kind advice and assistance, have a wonderful day.
 

My Computer

System One

Right, I don't have time to go into full details until this evening, but things are bad. Very bad. Please navigate to C:\Windows\Installer directly, rather than searching for it. It will now not be quite empty. Almost every program stores some files there, under CLSIDs (apparently random numbers and letters) For every program you reinstall, those files will be recreated. Therefore, if you have between 20-40 files and folders in this directory, then the worst has happened. If you have between 500-1000 files and folders in that directory, then your case has confused me!
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS 420
    CPU
    Intel Core 2 Quad Q9300 2.50GHz
    Motherboard
    Stock Dell 0TP406
    Memory
    4 gb (DDR2 800) 400MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD 3870 (512 MBytes)
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1 x Dell 2007FP and 1 x (old) Sonic flat screen
    Screen Resolution
    1600 x 1200 and 1280 x 1204
    Hard Drives
    1 x 640Gb (SATA 300)
    Western Digital: WDC WD6400AAKS-75A7B0

    1 x 1Tb (SATA 600)
    Western Digital: Caviar Black, SATA 6GB/S, 64Mb cache, 8ms
    Western Digital: WDC WD1002FAEX-00Z3A0 ATA Device
    PSU
    Stock PSU - 375W
    Case
    Dell XPS 420
    Cooling
    Stock Fan
    Keyboard
    Dell Bluetooth
    Mouse
    Advent Optical ADE-WG01 (colour change light up)
    Internet Speed
    120 kb/s
    Other Info
    ASUS USB 3.0 5Gbps/SATA 6Gbps - PCI-Express Combo Controller Card (U3S6)
Hi niemiro,

I did navigate there directly. There is no file called Installer in my C drive under the Windows tab... looks like its the old format an re-do everything option or bust. Up until now I have had no issues with Vista... I guess I saved it all up for one big doozie? Ah well, what to do?
 

My Computer

System One

Hello!

Please don't reformat quite yet. There are a few things that need dealing with first.

1: Please create the C:\Windows\Installer folder

2: Please confirm that one of the major problems with the shortcuts is missing icons.

3: Please confirm whether shortcuts of programs that you have re-installed show their icons properly.

Thanks!
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS 420
    CPU
    Intel Core 2 Quad Q9300 2.50GHz
    Motherboard
    Stock Dell 0TP406
    Memory
    4 gb (DDR2 800) 400MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD 3870 (512 MBytes)
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1 x Dell 2007FP and 1 x (old) Sonic flat screen
    Screen Resolution
    1600 x 1200 and 1280 x 1204
    Hard Drives
    1 x 640Gb (SATA 300)
    Western Digital: WDC WD6400AAKS-75A7B0

    1 x 1Tb (SATA 600)
    Western Digital: Caviar Black, SATA 6GB/S, 64Mb cache, 8ms
    Western Digital: WDC WD1002FAEX-00Z3A0 ATA Device
    PSU
    Stock PSU - 375W
    Case
    Dell XPS 420
    Cooling
    Stock Fan
    Keyboard
    Dell Bluetooth
    Mouse
    Advent Optical ADE-WG01 (colour change light up)
    Internet Speed
    120 kb/s
    Other Info
    ASUS USB 3.0 5Gbps/SATA 6Gbps - PCI-Express Combo Controller Card (U3S6)
Hi niemiro,

strange... on trying to create the folder C:windows/Installer it tells me that this file already exists and do I want to merge the new folder... but on searching for it I don't see it... yes, when I click on an icon it tells me that this program has either been moved or deleted and would I like to delete the shortcut. Re-installing does seem to correct the problem, though Photoshop only opens files selectively, saying that others are corrupted. The Java icon in my control panel shows as a broken file. I re-installed, but it still shows the icon as being broken. Do I go ahead and create a new Installer file in C drive and merge it with the invisible one? I cancelled the operation, in case I worsen matters...

Thank you for your kind assistance :)
 

My Computer

System One

I knew that it should be there. This is all my fault. I have made a classic mistake, and not picked up on it even after you said that you could not see this folder. I then realised just after going offline, but your last post properly confirmed it. The thing I forgot to mention is that this folder is hidden, so you need to turn on viewing of hidden files before you will be able to see it: http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/86163-hidden-files-folders.html

However, since we kind of know that this is the problem, I am going to give you the next step now:

We need to test your hard disk drive. I really don't think that this is the problem, but better to be safe than sorry, and this will take less than 20 minutes anyway. Download SeaTools for Windows. Run both short scans. Hopefully both will pass: | Seagate

Sorry,

Richard
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS 420
    CPU
    Intel Core 2 Quad Q9300 2.50GHz
    Motherboard
    Stock Dell 0TP406
    Memory
    4 gb (DDR2 800) 400MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD 3870 (512 MBytes)
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1 x Dell 2007FP and 1 x (old) Sonic flat screen
    Screen Resolution
    1600 x 1200 and 1280 x 1204
    Hard Drives
    1 x 640Gb (SATA 300)
    Western Digital: WDC WD6400AAKS-75A7B0

    1 x 1Tb (SATA 600)
    Western Digital: Caviar Black, SATA 6GB/S, 64Mb cache, 8ms
    Western Digital: WDC WD1002FAEX-00Z3A0 ATA Device
    PSU
    Stock PSU - 375W
    Case
    Dell XPS 420
    Cooling
    Stock Fan
    Keyboard
    Dell Bluetooth
    Mouse
    Advent Optical ADE-WG01 (colour change light up)
    Internet Speed
    120 kb/s
    Other Info
    ASUS USB 3.0 5Gbps/SATA 6Gbps - PCI-Express Combo Controller Card (U3S6)
Hello again, helpful people :)

Okay, selecting "show hidden folders" did not work, I had to select "show protected operating files". There are a total of 137 items in the C:Windows/Installer folder. Its supposed to be far more, isn't it? Any advice as to what to do next?

Thank you all for your helpful advice :)
 

My Computer

System One

Please try the hard drive test Richard recommended earlier next.

And to answer your question directly, no that doesn't seem like enough files and folders (I have 496 items myself and that doesn't include what's inside the folders and there are quite a few folders), but I'm not quite sure what to do to resolve that.

I don't suppose you have installed Shadow Explorer ShadowExplorer.com - About on your system (it does for your version of Vista (which doesn't have it included) what the included Shadow Copies does for the more advanced versions and could possibly help here if you have had it installed and running before all this started).

Anyway, try the hard drive test next and then Richard should be back and can assist you further as he seems to know about this problem whereas I've never actually seen it occur before.

I hope this helps.

Good luck!
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inc. MP061 Inspiron E1705
    CPU
    2.00 gigahertz Intel Core 2 Duo 64 kilobyte primary memory
    Motherboard
    Board: Dell Inc. 0YD479 Bus Clock: 166 megahertz
    Memory
    2046 Megabytes Usable Installed Memory
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Mobility Radeon X1400 (Microsoft Corporation - WDDM) [Di
    Sound Card
    SigmaTel High Definition Audio CODEC
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Generic PnP Monitor (17.2"vis)
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1200 pixels
    Hard Drives
    Hitachi HTS541616J9SA00 [Hard drive] (160.04 GB) -- drive 0, s/n SB2411SJGLLRMB, rev SB4OC74P, SMART Status: Healthy
    Case
    Chassis Serial Number: 5YK95C1
    Keyboard
    Standard PS/2 Keyboard
    Mouse
    Logitech HID-compliant Cordless Mouse
    Internet Speed
    1958 Kbps download ; 754.8 Kbps upload
    Other Info
    Optiarc DVD+-RW AD-5540A ATA Device [CD-ROM drive]

    Dell AIO Printer A940

    Conexant HDA D110 MDC V.92 Modem

    6TO4 Adapter
    Broadcom 440x 10/100 Integrated Controller
    Broadcom 802.11n Network Adapter
    Microsoft ISATAP Adapter
    Teredo Tunneling Pseudo-Interface

    Router Linksys / WRT54G -01
SylvanHuntress said:
Hello again, helpful people :)

Okay, selecting "show hidden folders" did not work, I had to select "show protected operating files". There are a total of 137 items in the C:Windows/Installer folder. Its supposed to be far more, isn't it? Any advice as to what to do next?

Thank you all for your helpful advice :)
Click to expand...

Yeah, that is bad. Please try the hard disk test :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS 420
    CPU
    Intel Core 2 Quad Q9300 2.50GHz
    Motherboard
    Stock Dell 0TP406
    Memory
    4 gb (DDR2 800) 400MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD 3870 (512 MBytes)
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1 x Dell 2007FP and 1 x (old) Sonic flat screen
    Screen Resolution
    1600 x 1200 and 1280 x 1204
    Hard Drives
    1 x 640Gb (SATA 300)
    Western Digital: WDC WD6400AAKS-75A7B0

    1 x 1Tb (SATA 600)
    Western Digital: Caviar Black, SATA 6GB/S, 64Mb cache, 8ms
    Western Digital: WDC WD1002FAEX-00Z3A0 ATA Device
    PSU
    Stock PSU - 375W
    Case
    Dell XPS 420
    Cooling
    Stock Fan
    Keyboard
    Dell Bluetooth
    Mouse
    Advent Optical ADE-WG01 (colour change light up)
    Internet Speed
    120 kb/s
    Other Info
    ASUS USB 3.0 5Gbps/SATA 6Gbps - PCI-Express Combo Controller Card (U3S6)
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