Disk Space

Yes, you said careful, but then in the same breath indicated to reload from the Windows CD.

If DLLs are missing (and I wouldn't trust SFC to tell me), I would refer to the MS DLL Help DB to try and determine what software contains the latest version. And also, confirmation of what the various versions are.

SFC is useful, only if you run it before and after all installs and uninstalls. Running it adhoc generally serves no useful purpose since the results are very difficult to interpret.

For example, it may indicated missing files, but that means nothing if an actual uninstall has legitimately deleted them.

 

I have found the best way is to have a backup plan already in place. I use the MS Backup included with 98SE. I set it to backup the entire windows folder and the Program Files\Common Files folder. If any install ends up rolling back a version of a file to a previous version, I can set Backup to Restore only if the existing file is older, and report which one(s). Or if an uninstall removed files, it is easily restored.
Like SFC, the backup would need to be regular, such as after a visit to the windows update page.
MCHAAK
Just come and visit, no need to post. Read a few threads that peak your interest, you can choose to subscribe to a thread or two so you can keep abreast of what is happening, and learn something to your benefit. The knowledge could come in handy, and there is a chance you could help someone.

 

MCHAAK
Can't help you with getting Windows Help going again, but just to say that that's where I started learning about Windows. Read every topic...great reading just before bed .

Don't forget you can do searches here at the forum and the Microsoft Knowledge Base (for large quantities of geekspeak )
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;EN-AU;KBHOWTO

Matt