attrib -s -h -r system.dat attrib -s -h -r user.dat copy system.dat c: copy user.dat c: attrib +s +h +r system.dat attrib +s +h +r user.dat

Note: if your system is Windows Me, also back up classes.dat

Then remove startup disk and restart your system.

Why did I put you through such a laborious method just to make a copy of two files? Could you just use Window’s Explorer to copy files? Could you use Registry Editor (Regedit) to back up registry (or Windows Me System Restore)?

Yes, you could. But what if your system crashed so that it can’t even start in Safe Mode? Then you can’t use any of those Windows programs to restore registry. I put you through DOS method to make sure:

1. The boot sequence in your BIOS is setup to boot from A: drive. 2. You have minimum proficiency with DOS to restore registry if required. 3. To make sure that you have a copy of attrib.exe on your startup disk.

To restore registry, start your system with your startup disk. Use DOS to change to c:windows directory. Then type in following commands.

attrib -s -h -r system.dat attrib -s -h -r user.dat del system.dat del user.dat cd copy system.dat c:windows copy user.dat c:windows cd windows attrib +s +h +r system.dat attrib +s +h +r user.dat

Then remove startup disk and restart your system.

My advice is to frequently use Windows Explorer to make copies of registry files. Make copies of registry files before you install any hardware or software or make any changes to registry. Make sure you are prepared to use your startup disk and DOS to restore registry. ---------------------------------------------------------- Resource Box: Copyright(C)2002 Bucaro TecHelp. To learn how to maintain your computer and use it more effectively to design a Web site and make money on Web visit http://bucarotechelp.com To subscribe to Bucaro TecHelp Newsletter Send a blank email to bucarotechelp-subscribe@topica.com

If you want to take a chance on keeping your errors, then install over first operating system. It won't fix errors, but it won't in all likelihood destroy all your data, either. The only way to get all errors off is to format your hard drive and reinstall. By formatting, you WILL lose ALL your files on that drive. Neither choice is very appealing, to tell truth.

I opt for a clean slate - back everything up and reinstall full operating system plus all your drivers and software. I have been working on a SICK laptop for 2 weeks - because of a dirty upgrade. I had to format and reinstall everything. Once I did that, we didn't have a driver, so my partner upgraded Windows 98 - but there was NO WAY to get it to work correctly again. So I re-formatted and reinstalled everything again. Now that I won't let him touch it anymore, it works like a charm, and we turn it back to its owner repaired. (Oh yes - and still able to get support from company because it has its original operating system in it - they will not support it if we upgrade!)