ItsGeekToMe.co

Q: You helped once before and I thank you. Maybe you can figure this one out.  Some time ago the task launcher quit working on my Presario with Vista home.  I get this message “Microsoft Works cannot access one or more files it needs to run. they may have been deleted or removed. try reinstalling Msworks .  This happened after downloading an update from Microsoft or HP.

Because Works came installed on the machine I don’t have the disc to use to reinstall.  How do I catch the right file to use for reinstalling OR does MS have a download?

– Harold K.
Navarre, Fla

A:  In many cases you would indeed need a disk to re-install OEM-supplied (Original Equipment Manufacturer) software, Harold.  Now, I had to dig into my e-mail archives to locate your computer’s model number before I could determine whether that was true in your case.  I found that you have a Presario SR 2150NX, and after checking the manufacturer’s website, I have some good news for you.  Your PC, like many PCs manufactured today, came equipped with the installation files for all of the software that was pre-installed in the operating system.  That is to say, that not only is the software installed for use, but the files used to perform the installation were included, just in case you ever needed to re-install anything.  The problem is, many people haven’t the slightest clue how to go about doing this.  There was probably a piece of paper included with your computer that glossed over it, but the odds are, it was either filed away, or discarded in the rush to get that fresh-out-of-the-box new computer experience underway.

The procedure to perform such a re-installation (and even whether the re-install files are present) varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, and perhaps even with different models from the same vendor.  The instructions I’m going to give are specific for the model of computer listed above, so if anyone is having a similar issue, I encourage you to visit YOUR computer manufacturer’s website for instructions.  Okay, Harold, to proceed, click the Start menu, and select “All Programs”, then “PC Help & Tools”.  Click “Recovery Manager” and the program’s welcome screen appears.  Click “Next” and you’ll find a list of all the OEM software that came with your PC.  Find Microsoft Works in the list and click “Next” to begin the re-installation.  It is possible that the Recovery Manager may advise you to uninstall the software before re-installing it.  If that happens, cancel the Recovery Manager Window, and go to the Control Panel by clicking the Start menu, then “Control Panel”.  From the CP window, click “Programs” then “Programs and Features”.  Find Microsoft Works in the list, and click Uninstall.  Once the Uninstall completes, go back and run Recovery Manager again.

Many new computers do not come with original discs anymore – not even for Windows.  However, there are times when you absolutely must have a disc in order to recover from a system problem.  As part of the out-of-the-box experience and first boot for a new PC, Windows asks if you want to create recovery discs.  It is a good idea to take the time to do it, while your new computer is still pristine and running well.  A few minutes invested now could save you hours of frustration somewhere down the road.