Can I Replace a A whole system 32 folder instead of files?

thnkbg

New Member
Lets say Im Repairing a computer remotely & reinstall is not a option. malware & viruses have screwed up everything like missing control panels, explorer & almost everything... Is there a way to just replace a whole windows system folder instead of individual files?

whats my best chance of setting everything back to default settings? anybody know software like this?

http://www.winvistaclub.com/uwtf.html

http://www.speedyvista.com/registry.php


I want to restore everything back to default as if it was a new installation without reinstall.. sort of like this.. Reimage - PC Repair Online


would someone be willing to skype me to talk about this for just 5 min? my skype is thinkbg.
 
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My Computer

If the system is/was that badly infected, then you are better off doing a clean install (or restoring to factory conditions) than trying to replace files and folders - the chances of missing something are simply too high and you could never really trust the machine again no matter what the malware and virus scans said. And how would you propose to repair the registry which is probably also infected or damaged and cannot simply be copied from the disk or another computer? Even a system repair/upgrade isn't safe enough if you were infected that badly. I also don't think you can replace entire folders from the disk - just individual files (and some may be obsolete as they may have been updated with Windows Update and Service Packs). It's one thing to do one or two (there the risk is minimal) - something entirely different to be doing so many you're considering how to do entire folders.

Restoring a backed up image is a totally different thing and in this case may not be the right answer either because the infection may be in the backup as well and restoring the backup may accomplish nothing as the infection may then still exist and cause the problem again or do some other damage. Unless you know PRECISELY when it was infected (not when it first showed symptoms but when the infection started) and are completely certain the image backup predates that, then it is not safe to use. In any event, I assume you don't have an image backup anyway, so this is a bit moot.

In short, you can't do entire folders at once and this is NOT the way to solve the problem (even if you do it with files). This system can never again be trusted no matter how many files you replace. You really need to backup the data (if you can) and do a clean install (with a full format) or a restore to factory conditions (with a full format). You need to start over fresh. You cannot do this remotely - it must be done in person or by the person whose computer you are trying to repair.

I hope this helps.

Good luck!
 
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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
Lorien has given excellent advice. If there is extensive virus damage, reinstall.
It would be a shame to take a short cut and find out the virus causes more problems
 

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
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