Bd Int Sec 2009 Installation Corrupts Windows Xp

BitDefender corrupted \system32\system file plus other/s !!!

Windows XP Home Addition (32 bit) with SP3. Installing Internet Security 2009 from CD. Installer option to download a later version was selected. After download complete, install error message about downloaded file, then msg 'rolling back', then msg 'removing files', then 'need to reboot'.

During reboot, start-up failed with msg \windows\system32\config\system corrupt or missing. After replacing with backup copy of system file (using different PC), Windows start-up failed by hang on Windows logo blue screen (expected to see 'Windows is starting up' at this stage).

Phone call plus email to BD help desk suggested complete system restore. I do not want to do this as many apps plus updates would need to be added taking too many hours / days). It may only require one more file to be recovered however, which one?

Can anyone please suggest what system files are modified or altered by BD during 'Roll Back Files' (RBF) so that I can recover them?

Many thanks.....

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csalgau

Dear user,

The \windows\system32\config\system file contains vital system-dependant information - including, but not limited to, services that need to started, information on hardware drivers and locations of drives in the windows file structure.

Replacing this file with another one from another computer is a really bad idea. There is a backup copy that is used by windows on selecting Last Known Good Working Configuration when booting up. That should be the way to go. That backup should contain sufficient data to get a windows system back on it's feet in case of registry corruption. Please try to use that menu and post the result.

RickB

Thanks for quick response. I replaced the file (system) from a backup of the same system disc made in December 2008. Nothing should have changed other than Windows auto updates. I have tried rebooting with Last Known Good Working Configuration selected then Safe boot_s, in fact all options available but the problem remains. I cannot get beyond the Windows blue screen with the Windows logo.

I can only assume that BitDefender, having corrupted the system file, has corrupted one or more other Windows system dependent files. Any clues to what these may be would be a great help so that I can try restoring them from my C: drive image / clone disc.

I used another PC to copy the system file between my cloned C: drive to the corrupted C: drive. I am currently running from my cloned or imaged drive. This has now been updated by Windows auto update (I assume).

I was hoping for a fairly quick fix however, my last resort will be to restore the corrupted C: drive from this cloned copy. Only problem is that I will loose email directories from two accounts unless copying across the email .pst files will resolve this. All my other user data is held on my drive.

Thanks again....

csalgau

Having restored the file from last known good working configuration, I would have to say your best bet would be to perform a repair install of your windows installation. This should maintain all your settings and files. Asuming the system registry hive is ok but the problem lies somewhere else, repairing should update/rebuild the registry to match files acutally on your drive.

The BitDefender installation package uses the Microsoft Installer format. Before actually finishing and rebooting the drive, all operations are handled by this piece of Microsoft software. I strongly believe your problems are not directly related to the BitDefender installer itself, but to a faulty rollback by the Installer Framework.

RickB

Hi Catalin

I also feel that the rollback sequence was the cause of the corruptions but did not realize this was MS s/w. I have now recovered by performing a restore from a disc backup taken in December (and copied across user files that have changed since that time). I will perform system backups more frequently from now on!

Many thanks for responding.

All the best, Rick