Window pop-up:"Windows File Protection"!

[shooting light]

Hi All,

This is a new one for me, so thought you might be able to help.

For, as far as i can make out, the following window has started popping up when I switch the machine on or install any new software:

WINDOWS FILE PROTECTION

[I]Files that are required for Windows to run properly have been replaced by unrecognized versions. To maintain system stability, Windows must resume the original versions.

It then says to put your Win XP CD-Rom in player which I do. Trouble is, it doesn't exactly give it away as to what to do next! I am loathed to press the INSTALL WINDOWS option as I am not quite sure what effect that would have.

What, Why and How Can I Stop It?

Many thanks for your time,

James

[TripleRLtd]

Normally with this error message you are required to restart.
Doesn't it say to do that?
Try to remember what you may have installed just prior to this happening.
Also, as always, check for viruses with an up to date av program.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=http://support.microsoft.com:80/support/kb/articles/Q222/1/93.ASP&NoWebContent=1

[shooting light]

Thanks for the reply. It doesn't ask me to restart, but is there an easy way of finding out what files need to be sorted without re-installing the whole of XP?

J

[Grateful_Dad]

try this
goto start - run
type in "sfc /scannow" (without quotes)

this will let you no what files need replacing-
but if it keeps happening , then something (virus,worm,etc..) is trying to change some file on bootup - check for this too

Hope that helps