System File Replace-Transfer problem

Hello,

Problem: Unable to perform file recovery transfer of COMCTL32.DLL

Unable to copy COMCTL32.DLL file from System CD to computer to replace corrupt version of same file.

Computer: Dell Demensions XPS T500, Windows 98 SE operating system.

Computer was infected with the W95.MTX virus. Removed virus with tool provided by Symantec. I followed Symantec's detailed instructions on how to restore the damaged system files that were affected by the virus but have not had any luck to date.

When I reboot system from emergency floppy disk and enter command prompt, I am unable to successfully transfer new system files from CD to replace those on the computer damaged by the virus.

Question: Can someone provide me with the correct Commands to complete the transfer or tell me what I am doing wrong.

At present, I am unable to start computer in Safe Mode. A message window appears that says COMCTL32.dll cannot be found or is damaged.

Many thanks,

macpez

 

You can get full instructions here. If you have further ??? post back.

I use the command:

D:\Win98\Extract /A D:\Win98\Win98_22.CAB /L <destination path> <filename to extract>

That assumes you have the EXTRACT command in place. If not, MS link will tell you where/how to get it.

That also assumes your cd-rom drive is the D: drive, change if needed to match yours.

Change the .cab file to reflect the one the comctl32.dll file is in. If you don't know that, you can determine it by easy means. Post back if you need that.

Substitute the full path where you want the file to be copied to and substitute the full file name and extention.

 

Thanks for the reply and link. I will attempt the transfer this weekend and let you know the outcome.

Question: Based on the command you listed, would my command appear as follows (my CD is drive D and the .cab file on the CD is 27)

D:\Win98\Extract /A D:\Win98\Win98_27.CAB /L C:\Windows/System/comctl32.dll

This is based on the fact that I am copying the comctl32.dll file from the CD (drive D) and putting the new file on the hard drive to replace the damaged file (which is in C:\Windows\System)

I will also check if the Extract command is available.

Again, many thanks

 

Your command is correct. I must caution you that there have been some changes in versions of files since Win98 was first released. I advise you to first search the destination of your command (windows\system) to see if the file is there. If so, rename it to comctl32.old so as not to write over it and lose the version information that may be needed later.

I must also add, if your msconfig still works, you can use it to extract this file much easier. Type msconfig in the Run window and see if it comes up. If so, look for the extract option.

EDIT: OOPS, just noticed that your command has improper slashes. The last two are backward. Change it to this:

D:\Win98\Extract /A D:\Win98\Win98_27.CAB /L C:\Windows\System\comctl32.dll

You probably just typoed that and would have caught it anyway. DOS command.com for sure would have caught it.

 

You could use the System File Checker, it will backup the old file, and replace it with a file from your Win CD.
Start\Run type in SFC and press Enter. Select the Extract option, and click on Start in the SFC window, and follow through the prompts.

 

Also, if this is a windows 98 boot disk, you're cdrom drive will be drive E instead of D because of the ram drive that's loaded. Thought I'd mention this, just in case...

 

Replaced files successfully

Thanks for all the help.

I used the above procedures and replaced the file successfully. Unfortunately, once I got the system operating I discovered a number of other problems and decided to reinstall the operating system from scratch. By the way, the file replacement procedure worked on the first go around.

Thanks again for all the help and sorry for the delay in responding back.

macpez

 

A good many times that is an un-necessary procedure.

A LOT of time and work can be illiminated with an overtop/repair install.

Just boot to the 98Startup disk.

Type d:/win98/setup D: bieing the CDROM lettter.

This will replace/overwrite missing/corrupt files with the correct ones. But at the same time RETAIN just about all of existing software, drivers etc.

But to do it correctly YOU MUST BOOT DIRECTLY from a power off state and to the floppy. Just need to make sure that it gets installed to the existing Windows folder.

Of course if you have something such as a Dell ( OEM ) machine this may not work properly.

BillyBob