Resolved Windows XP SP3 won't reboot after program uninstall attempt

I downloaded a program called ILivid. I ran it once about three weeks ago. I was about to uninstall it and, when I started the uninstall, I had a number of popup warnings indicating the ILivid had replaced integral files within my OS and that continuing to uninstall the program may render the OS inoperable. I stopped and attempted a system reboot. I can't get past the screen that provides the F2 option to get into the bios.
Windows won't boot up. I don't have a OS disk. I never got one with the computer....just a "recovery disk" from Gateway.
A local computer shop did a full format and windows media center XP sp3 install about a year ago with THEIR OS disk.

I took it back to that shop hoping that they can simply use their OS disk again and do a repair to the OS. I don't even know if that is possible.

Spoke with them this evening. They said that the ten year old HD may need to be replaced. They are still fooling around with it (three days, now). If they call me and say that it needs a complete format, again, I'm going to buy a new HD and buy windows 7 PRO 32 bit and install it on a new hard drive.

MY question is: Should they be able to write what is missing in my onboard OS off a Windows CD if all that is showing on the the black screen is "missing NTFS "? Thanks for any suggestions.

 

Unless the hard disk is damaged, a format should be possible. Without testing the disk itself, its very difficult to judge whether its bad or not. Ask for a test report from the shop.

 

Since the NTSF missing error is showing and the system won't completely boot, is it possible to salvage anything WITHOUT a re-format and re-install? In other words, can the OS disk be used to re-write whatever is missing onto the HD and salvage things without the re-format?

Also contemplating Windows 7 purchase. Is there any way to determine system Hardware compatability with Windows 7 other than the online "determine compatability" web page?

 

If your Gateway is a 2005 release - your Hard Drive should only be 7 years old?
You may need to make the choice of a new HD and the rest of your system should be OK for Win7. Cheers Neil.

 

Another choice would be to have them install a new hard drive with Windows 7, and attach your old drive as a 'slave' so you can attempt to access your stuff, (docs, pics, music, etc.).

 

Thank you for the advice. I'll mark this resolved but, the shop ended up re-formatting the hd. I would like to know what software I need to possess in order to resolve this problem next time it might happen.
I didn't have a system disk but, after this trip to the shop, I now have one in hand in addition to the Gateway Restore CD that I did get when I first picked up this unit.
The computer shop kept telling me that I shouldn't put windows 7 on it. Then, they said that they wanted to keep it for a day or two and test the stability of the hd...it turned out to be "good." So they re-formatted it (which a real pia) and now I'm installing programs and such.
I would like to be able to boot from my dvd drive if it goes down in the future. Is that possible?
I do have an hp external hard drive with all of my c drive info on it but, the software and product code management hasn't been stellar so this is a chore.
I've thought about spending another $120 and installing windows 7. Anyones thoughts.

 

I would go for it now as you will have to install all your software. Cheers Neil.

 

Acronis True Image Home

 

Or if you want a free solution consider Macrium Reflect Free. Works for me.

 

It's been a while since I previously visited here.
I had the computer shop reformat the old hard drive. They installed Windows XP Media Center Edition 2002, SP3 and kissed me goodbye.
I reloaded what I needed, temporarily.
I ordered Windows 7 Ultimate (32bit only) and an New WD 250Gb HD, last night.
It will be a while but, I'll be happy in the end.
Thanks for the advice, all.
I'll consider this resolved.