Text missing from XP's start menu, icons & webpages

[Zer0_II]

I have a problem that I need to attend to as quickly as possible. I was running Eraser, and once I finished running it I noticed that the text was missing next to the program icons in the start menu. What is even worse is that the majority of text is missing from all of the webpages I visit. Unfortunately I do not have a Windows XP installation disc, nor did I have System Restore enabled, so I don't have a restore point to fall back upon. Can anyone please help me figure out a way to resolve this problem? My girlfriend and I both have papers due by midnight (4 hours from now) and we need two computers to do so, but unfortunately this problem is making it virtually impossible for me to finish writing my paper since I can't cite sources, access important information on my school's website, etc. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

[someguy201]

Um, anything you deleted using Eraser is lost. Why would you not have system restore enabled? Try reinstalling your internet browser, or downloading a different one. It might solve the webpage problem, but if you've caused the problem by deleting stuff in Eraser, and have no backups of any kind, then it's not going to be fixed.

[Zer0_II]

  On 24/02/2011 at 02:01, someguy201 said:

Um, anything you deleted using Eraser is lost. Why would you not have system restore enabled?

I'm aware that Eraser would have deleted the files beyond recovery. I have used it many times in the past though, and have never encountered anything like this. I have four different browsers installed, and have tried each one. All of them are showing the same problem. I was hoping that someone might know what had been erased that would cause such a problem, and could provide a solution. I've encountered similar problems in the past, although not nearly this severe, and someone was able to identify the problem and provide a copy of the file I needed.

I was thinking that perhaps a certain font got deleted, which would explain why some text shows up on webpages, but some does not. Also, all of the text on the items I had pinned to the start menu are missing, but those below the pinned items appear just fine.

I had disabled System Restore due to the horrid specs of the computer. I'm running with only 256MB of RAM and a 20G HD. Basically I use it to get online and write papers, but not much else. However, despite its horrible specs, it is absolutely essential, since my girlfriend and I both require a computer.

[someguy201]

Click

Approach 2 has a list of fonts to check against. The best bet would be to try and get hold of a Windows CD or ISO somehow. I don't use XP so can't provide any font files, but if you can work out whats missing it shouldn't be too hard to find a copy. Alternatively if you have a second PC there, you should be able to copy any of the missing files over.

[Zer0_II]

  On 24/02/2011 at 02:21, someguy201 said:

Click

Approach 2 has a list of fonts to check against. The best bet would be to try and get hold of a Windows CD or ISO somehow. I don't use XP so can't provide any font files, but if you can work out whats missing it shouldn't be too hard to find a copy. Alternatively if you have a second PC there, you should be able to copy any of the missing files over.

Thank you for replying. My second PC is running Windows 7, so I suppose that wouldn't be much help. Unfortunately I just moved to the area I'm living in, and I haven't met any friends here yet. If I were back home I would at least be able to borrow a Windows XP install disc from a friend. I would be open to downloading a torrent, but I'm hesitant to do so considering the sheer number of builds available, along with my lack of knowledge in regard to which would be a wise choice. I checked PB, but almost every version there is a custom build, and I'm hesitant to try one considering I know next to nothing about them. I had an XP install disc that came with the computer, but I lost it years ago. I'm a bit desperate at the moment, so if anyone could recommend a torrent or anything that would be great. Time is running out for me and I need a solution fast.

[Zer0_II]

Oddly enough Windows somehow fixed itself. Thanks for the attempts to help me regardless though.