Windows won't let me download anything, update, or use system restore. When I go to download I get the message C:\docume~1\my name\locals~1\temp\ whatever.exe.part could not be saved because the source file could not be read. To system restore it goes through the motions then at restart it says it could not resotre to whaever date I use. I just got rid of sonic update manager and still no change. I've run every scan I could think of.

It sounds very much like either you or someone (or even something) has been having a good clean-up and removed some important files.

System re-store is unable to complete because it cant find the last restore point or the one you selected, have you any other points you can try?

You could try running (System File Checker) " sfc /scannow " (without the quotes and there is also a space between sfc and /scannow.

Hopefully this will restore any missing system files.
But you may also need to insert your original XP disc if asked for.

I am assuming also that you do not have a image backup of your system that you could re-store from.

Also, do not remove any other files or programs until you get it sorted.
You could also try a "File restore" program, but it all depends on how long the problem has been there, as to how successful a restore program can work.
It's not a free program but the one I would use amd recommend is "ZAR" (Zero Assumption Recovery)

I wonder if it's a lack of disc space?

Try removing any temp files (.tmp) and also clear your internet cache.

cleaned up temp files, junk files, ran ccleaner, and defragmented a few times. Have run all kinds of scans like spybot.........I have plenty of disk space. Just did it again and nothings changed. I can't get system file checker to work. I thought about a recovery program but I can't download anything and the nearest city to buy anything of this sort is 63 miles away. Guess I'm sol until I figure this out. I'm sure it will be something that happens by accident when I do figure it out. Thanks guys!

A file re-store program is probably of no use to you now with the amount of cleaning and de-fragging.

What "actually happens" when you try to run system file checker?

Quote:

When I go to download I get the message C:\docume~1\my name\locals~1\temp\ whatever.exe.part

\ whatever.exe.part

The more detailed and precise information you can supply the better it will be to hopefully find what's wrong or recommend a course of action.

_________________
If it ain't broke.
Don't fix it.

It seems like no matter how I type it into the run box, I get a message windows can't find the file sfs. So, I tried variations of it and also did a search. I came up empty.

I should also tell you, I am using Firefox 3. 1b2. I had been using Firefox 3 with the download manager. The manager won't work with this new beta. I can't get back to my old Firefox. I can install updates for Firefox and my anti-virus. Also Spybot. Thats about it.

I took a chance and tried to download Firefox 3.0 again. IT WORKED!! I just downloaded a recovery program.......no sweat!! All this hassle had to be from the Firefox beta. I thank you for all you help!

Well done - I hadn't realised you were using FF beta. A word to the wise - avoid beta software, it's not worth it.

Nice one.
Glad to hear it back working.

However, I noticed in your post you said you could not get System File Checker sfc /scannow to run.

Unfortunately I had miss-spelt one of the phrases, (which has now been corrected in my post) it should have been sfc /scannow and not sfs /scannow.
there is also a space between sfc and /scannow.

****************************

Quote:

I should also tell you, I am using Firefox 3. 1b2

I had that upgrade flash-up yesterday but fortunately did not click to install it.

I also hate Beta versions, but have on the occasion installed them not knowingly, like some of the FF add-ons.

_________________
If it ain't broke.
Don't fix it.