HELP! Can I save my hard drive(and an anti-liberal library)?

I made a big computer mistake ^ | 3/30/02 | Myself

[Diddle E. Squat]

Can't fire up my computer, says "error loading explorer.exe, you must reinstall windows". But the restore CD disk brings up a message that I will lose all data on my hard drive. Am seeking a fix that saves the data(I have over 500 articles saved in favorites or as text docs, would hate to lose all that). Running Windows ME on a home desktop PC(e-machine), but my only current internet access now is here at the library. If anyone has advice that I can take home to work on a fix, I'd be greatly indebted to them.

Here's what happened. Went to a website this morning looking for Eagles lyrics, and the dang thing tried to install that cursed Comet Curser. I've got Zone Alarm and Adsubtract SE, so I blocked it from recontacting the internet to finish installation. Then tried to get rid of it, searched my computer for files with the word 'comet'(computer froze, which sometimes happens when I do a file search, and the only way to restart was a power shutoff. When it came back up it did the usual scan disk for errors, but since the 'cluster' check can take hours, I cancelled it). Came back with comet.dll(which the PC would not allow me to delete, since it said it was a systems file that windows was using) and another folder icon with a cometdt TMP file. I disconnected my internet connection and several times I would delete this last file and then clear the trash bin, restart and do a new search, and the file would reappear again. I got the idea that the comet.dll was regenerating a new file for each one removed.

Reconnected the internet connection(high-speed cable), and restarted several times, each time a request would be made to contact the internet and finish installation of the comet curser. Each request had a different file name, so blocking didn't work, and every new window opened would launch a request. Went to ZoneAlarm page and it showed CMDNINST.EXE as a file trying to do an install. So I went to my files, located it, and deleted it to trash, then emptied the trash. Each restart would start a 'improper shutdown scan disk for errors', which I would quit(takes too long), but the last time after I quit I got a e-machine screen saying 'error loading explorer.exe', 'you must reinstall windows'. So I shutdown, put in the first of two restore CD's, and restarted. I get two options, 1) reinstall windows millenium edition(which soon brings up the message that I'll loose all information on the hard drive if I continue) or 2) boot reinstall manual?(I forgot the exact wording, but it brings me to an A>, and since I obviously know very little about computers, that puts me at the end of my rope).

So what should I do?

[Buckeroo]

Consider Linux as your dependable OS. Also, consider using Netscape Navigator. You have no alternatives for a home computer.

[genxer]

ME has a restore feature, Try that, it will return you pre this problem

Also I've fixed similar problems by copying the file that is corrupt off a nother computer, let say at the library in your case, and overwriting it to repair it.

Lastly, if you can get to the internet and "upgrade" internet explorer, it will correct the problem. If you can't download the upgrade, you can install AOL (even if you aren't going to use it) it contains a bastardized version of MSIE and will replair the file.

[Tree of Liberty]

That 1.7GB drive probably is used (refurbished), so that might be why you're getting problems with it. Now-a-days, new drives start around 20GB since there's no economic incentive to make them smaller for desktops.

I'd recommend an IBM hard drive that spins at 7200RPM (on an IDE chain, everything slows down to the speed of the slowest device, so with a new ATA100, 7200RPM drive, you shouldn't see a performance drop). IBM's quality control, IMO, is superior to other hard drive makers, although I've read some anecdotal comments to the contrary the past few months.

I've found some really good deals on hardware at Pricewatch and Yahoo! Stores.

[Focault's Pendulum]

Now-a-days, new drives start around 20GB

There are still some Maxtor 15 gigs floating around for $70.......with a $40 rebate attached. Office Max had a few, and will ship store to store if a local one isn't available

[texas booster]

You have FReepmail.

Ditto on Focault's suggestion. The drive from Office Max sounds very good.

If you are in Dallas, next weekend the big sidewalk sale is under Central Expwy, downtown Dallas. You won't get any rebate $$, but you can get the drive and be FReeping by sunrise.

Don't forget the high-density IDE cables if you do buy a new drive. Those cables do make a difference.

[Pagey]

"People who install stuff on your computer without your permission should be shot".

W/out a doubt-AND "Don't even think about using/sitting at my computer either,cause it isn't going to happen.No! Nope!Isn't going to happen because it's tweaked to MY specs!Now,out,get out!LOL!

[Quix]

AM not a cracker jack at this sort of thing but been through several crises of this sort.

This is the route I'd take. The poster may need to get some recover software if the current disk has too many problems or has to be reformatted to run again or some such???

Downloaded . . . what was it . . . checking . . . "File Scavanger" from the net for a price. Been doing fine with reformatted backup I mindlessly reformatted thinking it was the OTHER 80 Gig. Only glitch is now, can't get it to open it's window back up from being minimized. . . . don't know why that is. . . . best get to class.

[Diddle E. Squat]

Am not sure I understand why I need IDE cables(not sure what they are, either!). The current computer setup I have works just fine for what it is used for, I don't really ever use video or play games. Thanks for the tip on the sidewalk sale, might go down and chat to see what I can learn.