Help! I've deleted something I shouldn't have!

amnell71 · #1 December 15th, 2004, 03:35 AM

I deleted a folder that I thought was leftover junk from my old ISP (Netscape), only to find out that it was a coincidence of names (netscape) and the folder was actually something my computer needs to function! Some pre-loaded games are no longer working and a bunch of online stuff. I believe the folder I deleted had something to do with java. No one seems to be able to tell me how to recover this. I am disgusted and frustrated and wondering if my only option is to uninstall and reinstall Windows XP? Does anyone have any info to help me out? Has anyone else made this huge mistake? Thanks in advance.

**zipulrich** · #2 December 15th, 2004, 03:59 AM

No one else around here makes any mistakes. That's why these kinds of forums aren't used anymore.

Go to Start | All Programs | Accessories | System Tools | System Restore. Click on 'Restore my computer to an earlier time', click 'Next', and follow from there. Pick a date before you made the onlymistakeyouevermade, and hopefully everything will be as before.

Post back, and welcome to CTH!

amnell71 · #3 December 15th, 2004, 02:41 PM

I have already tried that using 3 different restore dates. None of them have worked.
When I tried talking to tech support, I was told that I had 2 options: 1. Nondestructive Recover, where I can save files first or 2. Destructive Recover , where I lose everything, but that Neither of these options would bring the folder back(then what good is it?). But, of course, they did not tell me how do accomplish either one.
I do not know whether to tinker around and try to find these or to re-install Windows. And I don't know if even that will fix the problem. Any further advice?

**zipulrich** · #4 December 15th, 2004, 03:42 PM

Which version of Windows do you use, and more importantly, exactly which programs/online stuff won't function? A Windows re-install may not be the best option.

amnell71 · #5 December 15th, 2004, 04:11 PM

First, thank you for responding so quickly. Second, I dearly appreciate your humor. Third, here is the info you requested (and a little more): Windows XP. I have an hp Pavilion a510n,AMD Athlon 3000+ ~2.1G processor, that came pre-loaded with WildTangent Games (the link on the start menu is called GameChannel). I was having minor problems with online gaming sites (pogo, gamesville, etc) before, but most of the time they'd work. Since my deletion, no java games will work, but I can still play macromedia shockwave stuff (kewlbox, coffee break arcade).

When I tried to play a game on Pogo today, and actually paid attention to the pop-up thumbnails, this is what appeared:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following error has occurred:
Java Not Found or Not Working
Explanation:
You must have Java installed on your computer in order to run Pogo games, and it must be functioning properly. This error means you either don't have Java installed yet, or your Java is not working correctly.
How to fix the problem:
Java is a free download that is required to play Pogo games. Not all computers come with Java pre-installed. If you haven't played Pogo games before and are getting this error, you probably just need to install Java on your computer. Click Here for instructions on installing Java for your operating system and browser.

If you already have Java installed and are getting this error, your Java may be out-of-date or is no longer working. In that case, your Java needs to be upgraded or reinstalled. If you need help, click here.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
When I followed their links and instructions to load Microsoft VM and tried the game again, the same thing happened. Is there a way to uninstall my java and reinstall? It seems this would be much easier than reinstalling WindowsXP.

**zipulrich** · #6 December 15th, 2004, 06:56 PM

First, you're in pretty good shape.

Wild Tangent is known to muck things up with 'spyware', etc. Best to leave it alone (take a look around our Cyber Safety forum and you'll see cries for 'Help! Wild Tangent pooched my system!').

Download the real Java from this link. That should get things up and running.

amnell71 · #7 December 15th, 2004, 08:01 PM

Ok, I let SpybotS&D kill the WildTangent stuff that I had previously been telling it to ignore(which was a project in itself, it tried to lock up my system). I went in to Control Panel and removed the Java that was there. I also dumped the temp int files on and offline. I clicked the link you provided, I followed the instructions, then I downloaded a game straight from Java's website. It worked perfectly. I went back to Pogo, and NOTHIN, same old Java error message. I tried Gamesville as well, though they don't give you any info, you just sit there looking at a blank window until you close in frustration. I think I've really, really mucked it up this time.

amnell71 · #8 December 15th, 2004, 08:06 PM

I should pay more attention when I read stuff. I just re-read your last response and realized that you were telling me not to bother with Spybot. However, that is over and done. There has to be an easier way to get this folder back. A relative suggested reloading Netscape (even though I no longer use them) because the name is too trademarked for the folder name to have been a coincidence. But my problem with that theory is that this stuff worked before I had the Netscape. Could there be any relevance to his idea?

amnell71 · #9 December 16th, 2004, 01:49 PM

Zip, I am really baffled now! I did the same search that caused me to delete the wrong thing. The folder is there, with all of it's contents, but my games still won't run. I don't get it. What the heck is going on here?

(If this needs moved to another forum, feel free.)