Repairing Windows XP Pro without original CD?

August 31, 2009

So here’s the low down… computer started acting up so I did a virus check with Spy Emergency. Software found three viruses which were deemed a high risk. Repaired infections, computer rebooted, then when it restarted I had the following error…

Windows can not start due to corrupted or missing file…

System32/DRIVERS/pci.sys

Please insert windows disk and select ‘R’ to repair.

Well, needless to say I no longer have my Windows disk because my ex decided to steal a good portion of my computer accessories when we split up, so I am wondering how I should go about repairing my system since I do not have the installation disk, without risking the loss of my files on the computer. I need to get my computer repaired ASAP as I need it for work. Many thanks to all who lend their suggestions!

registry patrol = malware?

June 9, 2009

all right – i use spybot s&d to clean my computer, but i also use registry patrol to keep my registry intact, mainly because it saves backups if something goes wrong. i updated and scanned today and spybot identified registry patrol as malware – it said it disguised itself as a registry cleaner and labeled small problems as high risk. it's never been identified before, and other people using it don't seem to have this problem. is it malware? i removed it just in case, but if it's not, i can restore it.