PC Problems...Computer geniuses help!

So, this ties into skiing in that I need my computer to upload my photos to and stitch panoramas. Thought I'd clarify that first...

The problem is as follows:

My computer was full of a bunch of crap I didn't need, so after saving all important programs and files to an external hard drive, I proceeded to reinstall Windows XP, deleting everything off my computer.

However, now I can't run anything...Windows Media Player, Internet Explorer, but more importantly my video programs and Adobe CS2. It's telling me that my drivers aren't installed. Anyone got the know how or patience to walk me through this dilemma?

I'm running out of time as my gf is getting PO'd at the number of pics I'm saving to her computer and her PC is running out of space. Any help (besides "get a Mac") is appreciated.

Did you install Service Pack 3 too

Well, if you don't want "Get a Mac" advice, how about "Get Linux"?

Seriously, if you saved all your files and completely pooched your OS, the best thing to do is probably to reformat and reinstall on a slick drive, rather than deleting stuff and re-installing over an existing installation.

If you already did that, then I'm afraid we'll need to know what drivers specifically you're missing. Can you copy the error messages verbatim?

To see exactly what is missing, go to Sart, Run, and type devmgmt.msc That will bring up the device manager. Look for Yellow exclamation points. I'm going to guess that you are missing a network card driver, hence IE not working. To get these drivers you'll have to go to the web pages of the devices that aren't working, download the drivers to a memory stick and then install them on your computer. This presumes your USB driver is there and usb services are working, and you have access to a computer that connects to the internet.
If its totally hosed, I'd look for the restore disks provided by the manufacturer, restore everything, then uninstall the crap with the Add/Remove program in the Control Panel.
G'luck and I'll keep monitoring this thread if you run into difficulty.
Jim

Hey Stugie,

How exactly did re-install Windows and erase everything? Did you completely wipe the hard drive (meaning reformat it) begore you reinstalled or did just try install over the existing install?

First of all, thanks so much for be willing to help me out with this.  It's time spent not reading about skiing, so thank you.

How exactly did re-install Windows and erase everything? Did you completely wipe the hard drive (meaning reformat it) before you reinstalled or did just try install over the existing install?

I went in through the setup (F12 or F2, whichever one that is) and reformatted.  Then I installed.  -Skiing!-

If its totally hosed, I'd look for the restore disks provided by the manufacturer, restore everything, then uninstall the crap with the Add/Remove program in the Control Panel.

Did you install Service Pack 3 too

There is no service pack that I'm aware of...or after going through all the manufacturer's CD's I don't have one.  I installed the main OS disk - maroon and white lettering.  There were no other service pack disks or driver disks that I saw.

Well, if you don't want "Get a Mac" advice, how about "Get Linux"?

I'm really not computer savvy at all.  It would probably take me forever to learn a new system. ~Skiing~

Seriously, if you saved all your files and completely pooched your OS, the best thing to do is probably to reformat and reinstall on a slick drive, rather than deleting stuff and re-installing over an existing installation.

I don't know what a slick drive is.  I should also clarify and state that I have nothing to lose by just starting the process over and doing it a different way...I don't speak computer lingo either - if you were a college professor, it's going to be like explaining math to a third grader.   :-[

To see exactly what is missing, go to Sart, Run, and type devmgmt.msc  That will bring up the device manager.  Look for Yellow exclamation points.  I'm going to guess that you are missing a network card driver, hence IE not working.  To get these drivers you'll have to go to the web pages of the devices that aren't working, download the drivers to a memory stick and then install them on your computer.  This presumes your USB driver is there and usb services are working, and you have access to a computer that connects to the internet.

Done, and there were a few yellow QUESTION marks.  Not sure if this helps, but after clicking on the items listed, it told me drivers for these were not installed.  This list includes: Ethernet Controller, Network Controller, PCI Device, PCI Modem, SM Bus Controller, Video Controller, Video Controller (VGA Compatible). {Ski Ski Ski!}

Can you copy the error messages verbatim?

i.e.- when I try opening Windows Media Player, it just tells me that I need to connect to the internet to retrieve updates.  But I can't get connected.