How can I restore original system files without reinstalling the OS?

I use Windows XP and have updated it regularly. I have been using Service Pack 2 quite a while with no problems. Recently, I had a problem with my internet connection, and as part of a troubleshooting seesion, I decided to attempt to load an older version of IE from my original XP CD. I was unsuccessful in that attempt, but somehow I did manage to load some of the Optional Windows Utilities from the CD onto my computer. Now some of the utilities like Task Manager and Hardware Device Manager no longer work because they are a different version (older). How can I correct this problem without erasing Windows XP from my computer, reloading it from the CD, and then updating it from the Microsoft website?

thanks,

Gordon

This question was answered on April 15, 2005. Much of the information contained herein may have changed since posting.

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You can use the System File Checker tool to check and replace old system files on your machine

To do this, click Start, select Run and type SFC /scannow You will need your Windows XP SP2 CD to replace the old versions with the newer version

Hope this helps!

About the author

Posted by Charles of Katharine Gibbs School - New York on April 15, 2005

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