How to extract files in Windows 95/98/Me/2000/XP

Situation:
You want to extract a file in Windows 95/98/Me/2000/XP

Solution:
In some cases, it is necessary to replace a system file that has been corrupted or outdated.

• Windows 98 provides the System File Checker (SFC) for this purpose.
• Windows Millennium uses an option named Extract File that is located in the System Configuration Utility.
• Windows 2000/XP you can have the system search for and replace damaged or missing files.

Windows 95
Extracting files under Windows 95 is complex. For instructions, read the Microsoft Knowledge Base article How to Extract Original Compressed Windows Files (Q129605)

Index

Windows 98

Using SFC to restore your file

NOTE: You must use an original Windows 98 CD or the install files on your hard disk to use SFC to restore your file. As an example, we will restore wsock32.dll, but you can modify these instructions to restore any file.

1. Click Start>Run>Type SFC, click OK. 

2. This launches the System File Checker dialog box.



3. Any altered/corrupt system file write down each altered/corrupt system file found.

4. Check Extract one file from Installation disk, and then click Start. This launches the Extract File dialog box.



4. Type d:\win98 in the "Restore from" field. You may need to modify this location if the D drive is not your CD ROM drive. Type c:\windows\system for the "Save file in" field and click OK. The location where the file is saved varies depending on which file you want to restore.



5. When prompted to create a backup of the file, note the location of the Backup folder and click OK.



6. You then see the message "The file has been successfully extracted." Click OK to complete the process and restart your computer if prompted.

Index

Windows Me

1. Click Start, and then click Run. The Run dialog box appears.

2. In the Open box, type msconfig and click OK. The System Configuration Utility appears.



3. Click the Startup tab and uncheck "StateMgr," click Apply, and OK. Restart the computer when prompted.



4. After restarting, click Start, and then click Run. The Run dialog box appears.


5. In the Open box, type msconfig and click OK. The System Configuration Utility appears.


6. Click Extract File. The extract file dialog box appears.


7. Type the name of the file that you want to extract in the box "Specify the system file you would like to restore" and click Start. This launches another Extract File dialog box.




8. In the"Restore from" box, type C:\windows\options\install\CAB . This is the location noted previously.


9. Type c:\windows\system for the "Save file in" box and click OK. The location where the file is saved will vary depending on which file you want to restore.
Note that if you see the message "The specified file is protected and may not be copied over or deleted," then proceed to the section Using a Windows 98/Me Startup Disk to Extract Files. If not, then continue with step 10.


10. You are then prompted to create a backup of the file you are extracting. Note the location of the Backup folder and click OK. You then see the message "The file has been successfully extracted."



11. Click OK to complete the process and restart the computer if prompted.


12. After the computer restarts, use step 1 through step 3 to verify the "statemgr" option and restore the settings. Restart the computer when prompted.

Index

Windows XP/2000

• You can use the Expand File program that is accessed from the System Configuration Utility. Read the Windows ME section for instructions. The labels on the buttons my differ slightly.
• You can use the automated System File Checker:
  1. Click Start, and then click Run.
  2. Type: sfc /scannow
  3. Click OK. The Windows File Protection dialog box appears and a system scan begins. You may have to insert your Windows installation CD.
  4. Follow the prompts.
• You can use the File Signature Verification Utility:
  1. Click Start, point to Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click System Information.
  2. Click Tools, point to Windows, and then click File Signature Verification Utility.
  3. Click Start. You will be prompted you if any altered or corrupt files are found that may need to be reinstalled from the installation CD or other source.

Index

1. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
2. Double-click Add/Remove Programs.
3. Click the Startup Disk tab, and then click Create Disk. Follow the prompts until the process is finished.

1. Insert the Windows 98/Me Startup disk in drive A, and then restart your computer.
   
2. After the Microsoft Windows 98 or Windows Me Startup menu appears, choose Start Computer With CD-ROM Support.
   
3. Insert the Windows 98 or Windows Me CD into the CD-ROM drive.
   Note that by default, Windows Me installs the cabinet files into the directory: \Windows\Options\Install. If these files are on the computer, you do not need your Windows Me CD at this step. You can extract the needed files from the \Windows\Options\Install directory.
   
4. To use Extract Command Line Helper, type ext and then press Enter.
   
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to extract the necessary file. Store the file in a temporary location.
   Note that using the EXT command limits the files that can be restored. If you cannot find the file you want to restore using this method, then use one of the earlier methods.
   
6. After you extract the new file and save it to another location. Search the computer for the same file and rename it.
   
7. Copy the file you just extracted to the same location of the original file you just renamed.
   
8. Remove the Startup disk and restart your computer.

Index

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