Missing/corrupted fonts, display problems

[cjules13]

So I dl'ed a windows update because I havn't in awhile, I uninstalled my stupid Dell Hot Touch Keyboard driver and software, and now my fonts and display are genreally very messed up after a restart that hanged, meaning the screen was just black and was doing anything so I had to power cycle from there. Windows XP, been installed for awhile, religiously run AdAware, Spybots, and AVG.


See attachments... Anybody ever had this happen to them... out of the blue?

[Carrie]

well, yes and no.

When I had a compaq, I uninstalled the drivers for my compaq keyboard umong other things that I didn't use. I had BIG problems after and called compaq. I was told by the tech I had to reinstall all of the compaq stuff. After I did that, it all worked fine. never really got to the bottom of what exactly happened.


Oh and after looking at you att....have you checked you display properties?

[Krell]

I dont have XP in front of me, but right click the Desktop, and then Properties. Look under Appearance to see if there a place to select the Font to use in the Windows menus, while you check your Display settings.

And thank you for reading my post, you absolutely adorable fine specimen of humanity you! ; )



Hi feenies-wife, did you bring the you know what for the you know who? Syncronize your watches . .


.

[cjules13]

Originally Posted by Krell

I dont have XP in front of me, but right click the Desktop, and then Properties. Look under Appearance to see if there a place to select the Font to use in the Windows menus, while you check your Display settings.

There is, but only three fonts show up as selectable...Sydnie, Fixedsys, and System... And that crazy cyrillic font or whatever in the 1st pic still shows up all the time...

[baghdad_steve15]

Easiest solution would be to repair XP.

Just found this that might help you:
http://support.microsoft.com/default...;EN-US;q234749 or not, its for Win 98 but it might work.

[cjules13]

Originally Posted by baghdad_steve15

Easiest solution would be to repair XP.

Just found this that might help you:
http://support.microsoft.com/default...;EN-US;q234749 or not, its for Win 98 but it might work.

Hmm... that looks probable. Much thanks for finding that. I'll try it tonight when I get off work, anybody else seen anything like this? and/or agree with this procedure...? I'm getting mentally prepared for a OS reinstall and HDD wipe, I hope I don't have to!

Totally unexplainable, I didn't do anything related to fonts prior to this mini-fiasco, and now they're gone...

I suppose I've had this computer running damn near 24/7 for 3 years and over 500GB have passed through it, something's bound to come loose I guess...

[phalkon30]

Originally Posted by cjules13

... Anybody ever had this happen to them... out of the blue?

No...but I've seen it happen. And from what you've told us, this didn't happen out of the blue.

You said yourself, you did a windows hotfix, and uninstalled something, then your fonts broke. So whats the next logical step? Undo what you did. Try reinstalling the software from the computers website, or restore disk (or just use that restore disk to help fix the problem, if you have one). Or uninstall the xp hotfix, you can do it through the windows uninstaller program if you know the hotfix number.

You also might want to check your cleartype settings. Is it on? Does it work better off?

Through control panel you should be able to view what fonts you have installed. If you only see a few of them, try finding some fonts you like online, or copy some off of your windows CD. Then try selecting some in display properties.

[begoodbebad]

Here's what I found out:

The following fonts are included with Windows XP and are installed on every computer:

Courier New (TrueType, including Bold, Italic, and Bold Italic variations)
Arial (TrueType, including Bold, Italic, and Bold Italic variations)
Times New Roman (TrueType, including Bold, Italic, and Bold Italic variations)
Symbol (TrueType)
Wingdings (TrueType)
MS Serif
MS Sans Serif
If any of the standard fonts that are included with Windows XP are missing, you can run Windows XP Setup again. Setup replaces missing or changed files. If these standard fonts are missing, other Windows XP files may also be missing, and Setup corrects these problems.

source:http://www.topdownloads.net/cgi-bin/...um=69&topic=35

So you won't have to do a format and reinstall, but if you've been running XP for 3 years maybe it would be a good idea anyway.

If you have system restore activated, use it. This will be the easiest way to fix the problem.

Next try booting into the Last Known Good configuration, you should find that XP will restore those system fonts and you justy have to go back to Update and start again where you left off.

Next try making a repair using the Recovery Console. Here is a very good article outlining how it is used. http://www.wown.com/j_helmig/wxprcons.htm You may need to copy the fonts from XP CD to a floppy first, I'm not sure. Also you'll need to work out where you have to install them to before you begin.

As long as you have an XP install CD you can fix it. But I think if you run setup in its entirety you will end up going back to Windows Update afterwards as setup will replace all those hotfixes etc that you already downloaded as it attempts to restore your OS's system files to it's original pristine state. If you have an installation CD with SP1 slipstreamed into it then thats a bonus. If you just have a Dell restore CD I don't know what facilities it offers, never used one.


I noticed that there is very little information about this problem as hardly anyone ever manages to delete their system fonts even by mistake.:upside

[cjules13]

Originally Posted by phalkon30

No...but I've seen it happen. And from what you've told us, this didn't happen out of the blue.

You said yourself, you did a windows hotfix, and uninstalled something, then your fonts broke. So whats the next logical step? Undo what you did. Try reinstalling the software from the computers website, or restore disk (or just use that restore disk to help fix the problem, if you have one). Or uninstall the xp hotfix, you can do it through the windows uninstaller program if you know the hotfix number.

You also might want to check your cleartype settings. Is it on? Does it work better off?

Through control panel you should be able to view what fonts you have installed. If you only see a few of them, try finding some fonts you like online, or copy some off of your windows CD. Then try selecting some in display properties.

I did a hotfix, and that was the first thing that was a little weird, after going to windowsupdate, they figure out what you need and say "Here's a new update that available, download and install now." So I do, but after that completes, then it goes right back to the same screen... "Here's a new update..." as if it didn't do anything at all. No confirmation or anything, so I ahve doubts it even installed. And I don't know the number even if it was... I suppose I could search by date.

Then I uninstalled the Dell Touch Keyboard software (all the "hot" buttons you can use). I tried reinstalling that last night, and I don't have the error in front of me, but it was some cryptic hex code error like "Error Installing at 000000ff" or something like that. That's when I started getting worried...

Hmmm... what's cleartype? Don't know what this is :|

I'll check the fonts installed and try baghdad_steve15's link for fonts as well...

Even though I have 3 fonts left to choose from from the 1st pic attached, I can't set that font on the side where it's not even legible anyway, so that must be some default that I'm missing... You should see the Welcome screen, it looks like some Borg version of XP with hieroglpyhic passwords...

[cjules13]

Originally Posted by begoodbebad

Here's what I found out: source:http://www.topdownloads.net/cgi-bin/...um=69&topic=35

So you won't have to do a format and reinstall, but if you've been running XP for 3 years maybe it would be a good idea anyway.

If you have system restore activated, use it. This will be the easiest way to fix the problem.

Next try booting into the Last Known Good configuration, you should find that XP will restore those system fonts and you justy have to go back to Update and start again where you left off.

Next try making a repair using the Recovery Console. Here is a very good article outlining how it is used. http://www.wown.com/j_helmig/wxprcons.htm You may need to copy the fonts from XP CD to a floppy first, I'm not sure. Also you'll need to work out where you have to install them to before you begin.

As long as you have an XP install CD you can fix it. But I think if you run setup in its entirety you will end up going back to Windows Update afterwards as setup will replace all those hotfixes etc that you already downloaded as it attempts to restore your OS's system files to it's original pristine state. If you have an installation CD with SP1 slipstreamed into it then thats a bonus. If you just have a Dell restore CD I don't know what facilities it offers, never used one.


I noticed that there is very little information about this problem as hardly anyone ever manages to delete their system fonts even by mistake.:upside

Nice, thanks begoodbebad... Yeah I sure don't know how I did this one... I'm not the most illiterate person, but I can definately use a little more experience. I've never done an OS reinstall, just to give you my level of expertise... well I suppose you could assume as much since I've admitted to my Dell purchase ;)

So here's my dumb question for you. How do I know if I have system restore activated and if so, how do you activate it? Seems like a fairly automated thing, like it's done every month or so? Or year? Or before any install?

I have a big externall HDD, so all my important files are already backed up... At least those are safe...

[begoodbebad]

Originally Posted by Krell

And thank you for reading my post, you absolutely adorable fine specimen of humanity you! ; ).

So how many Krells are there round this place? I'm worried now. Could you swear or something so we know everything is normal here? thx


@ cjules13. Do you have a complete Dell system or was it just a Dell keyboard & mouse or something? If you have a Dell system and a Dell restore disc you might find that "restore" means it restores it as new....that is it formats your HDD and reinstalls, rather than repairing....goodby all ur data. Most OEM installation restore CDs do this and it sucks.....but it's a nice money saver for them on the MS license fees. Make sure you know your product key, if you don't then you can find XP key finder/changer tools on the p2p networks easily enough.

edit: posted out of sync...didn't see ur last post, will get back to you in a minute

[begoodbebad]

System Restore

Start>Programs>Accessories>System Tools>System Restore

If it is switched on (and it probably is as this is the default) you will be offered the option to restore your system to an earlier point and probably a range of different points(dates/times) to choose from. Choose the newest one where everything was working OK and try it. XP will do its stuff and if all is well it will reboot with your system as it was and none of your data lost, just the hotfixes etc since that point will need to be done over again.
It isn't a foolproof device and if there have been too many changes System Restore will fail. This can't do any harm, it will just finish booting and let you know it didn't work and everything will be as it was before you tried it.

OK all your data is on another HDD. I would be inclined to do a clean install at this point anyway, even if you get your system back to a working state. But first get yourself a XP Pro Corporate install CD....you know where they are cheapest! This isn't the place to advise you any further on this subject but pm if you like. Dell PCs are fine but they bundle a lot of junk software with them to make the package more saleable/attractive. You can do without all of it except the OS, and get yourself a defrag tool and security/utilities suite as well as your favoured programs. Have a look here http://www.zeropaid.com/bbs/showthread.php?t=19317 and more importantly Krell just in the last week or 2 did an excellent and comprehensive thread on Installing/reinstalling XP. It is really worth doing, it isn't complex but you just need to be a little methodical and prepared. Probably you might need a little help if you run into some unexpected problem but it's all a learning experience and being familiar with the process will help in your day to day PC stuff too.
Dell PCs I've seen have been well made with very mainstream but quality components (these guys aren't dumb, they don't want returns and repairs, just repeat customers and fat profits) and if you make a nice lean OS you'll see yours perform way better than when it was new.

[dverma75]

Originally Posted by feenies-wife

well, yes and no.

When I had a compaq, I uninstalled the drivers for my compaq keyboard umong other things that I didn't use. I had BIG problems after and called compaq. I was told by the tech I had to reinstall all of the compaq stuff. After I did that, it all worked fine. never really got to the bottom of what exactly happened.


Oh and after looking at you att....have you checked you display properties?

I am sure ur post will immensely help 'cjules13' :gj

[cjules13]

Originally Posted by begoodbebad

System Restore

Start>Programs>Accessories>System Tools>System Restore

...
Krell just in the last week or 2 did an excellent and comprehensive thread on Installing/reinstalling XP.

That was the easiest thing possible. A restore to Sunday any everything's perfect...thanks. It looked like a wide range of restore dates to choose from, how much space does it take up to store all that history? And every major operation is recorded...
...
So I got an XP Pro disk to install instead of this XP-Home-upgraded-from-ME-on-a-wobbly-card-table-setup I have now... Do you have a link to the thread?

Thanks again...

[begoodbebad]

Originally Posted by cjules13

That was the easiest thing possible. A restore to Sunday any everything's perfect...thanks. It looked like a wide range of restore dates to choose from, how much space does it take up to store all that history? And every major operation is recorded...
...
So I got an XP Pro disk to install instead of this XP-Home-upgraded-from-ME-on-a-wobbly-card-table-setup I have now... Do you have a link to the thread?

Thanks again...

The easy way worked!? Doesn't happen often enough...and yes system restore could be using plenty of space (the folder will be hidden) and having an impact on system performance....this time it looks like it was worth it. If you make a clean install get it how you want it, make an image of it with Norton Ghost or similar and then switch off system restore.
As far as the other thread goes...maybe it was old and I followed a link or was just browsing...can't find it now....I'll leave you to do the donkey work of searching for it but briefly (its nearly 0330 here and I'm sleeping soon) here is some stuff to bear in mind: You already use XP so you know your PC is compatible but back up all the drivers anyway...it might just save a little inconvenience, I found an app called mydrivers does it easily. Make sure you have all the info you need to set up outlook express again, also export your mail folder and store it somewhere safe. Before you begin the install make sure you're offline. When XP Setup prompts to format the hard drive go for the full NTFS format, not the quick one. Reject any offers to go online for updates etc during the install process. The install itself is very simple and will take between 25 and 45 minutes. When that's done you go into your network connections and make sure XP's built in firewall is enabled. Then configure your internet access and head to Windows Update for a zillion updates. Amazingly the built in firewall is enough to protect you while you do this, as at this stage there's no personal data on your PC and outbound traffic isn't too important. OK so update has completed, you're offline again and you think you've nearly finished...think again :mellow When you install XP it loads a lot of stuff by default that you don't need, but some people do...just means it works straight out of the box for almost everyone so we shouldn't complain...too much. It's now time to switch off all the services you don't need. Find out about this at blackviper.com before you start the install, maybe print off what you need to know. Now you're ready to install a good defragmenter, AV, 3rd party Firewall and a utilities suite. Get them on there, configure them, update the AV and then defrag your C drive...it will be horribly fragmented by now. You can switch off the XP firewall now. You're nearly there....Next thing is to go to http://grc.com/default.htm and get the three musketeers(you'll see what I mean when you go there) and apply them. Bookmark this site, it's excellent, and go back later and do the shields up test. You should now find you have a good OS, fully up to date and with all drivers ok. If you have any hardware that is flagged yellow in system properties you might find those backed up drivers useful but it's more likely everything is fine, thanks to the fantastic but mildly evil MS corporation. All you really need to do now before installing all your preferred applications is to disable the guest account, make yourself a user account for everyday use so you're not online too much as admin, and you're ready to make a system restore disc. Norton Ghost is good but do it properly, make the floppies and test any restore image you make. Once you have installed your really essential apps and used msconfig to stop them coming on at start unless you want them to, and defragged again, then you might want to make another restore image, time, space and tedium permitting.
I hope I didn't forget anything vital but it's late and probably I did......maybe a genuine expert like Krell or CPU can step in for any mistakes/omissions.

A couple of useful tools to download from MS: Bootvis, use this occasionally (trace>optimize system) and it monitors your start up and rewrites the boot sequence for quickest boot time.
TweakUI (find under Power Toys): lets you specify where your my pictures, my music folders are and tons of other useful tweaks too.

If you get so you like a lean OS but want to really strip it down to minimal get XPLite, a non MS utility that switches off Windows File Protection and lets you uninstall all the stuff you don't want. It's a brilliant tool but use it carefully.