PLEASE need with system

[Chrissy29]

When I start my computer before windows starts I get the following screen:
Windows cannot find the device file System.ini refers to the divice no longer exists. If you deleted this on purpose try uninstalling try uninstalling the asscociated application using uninstall or setup. If you still want to use this device reinstall application asscociated with this device file.
C:\PROGRA~1\NORTON~1\NORTON~1\NSS\SPDSTART.VXD
Then I get the same thing over again with a different file.
C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANTEC\SYMEVNT.386

Then again with a diff. file

C:\PROGRA~1NORTON~2\NAVAP.VXD

Then windows will start up. Also there is a folder on the desktop that has no name, when I try to open it the only options I get are.
CUT
CREATE SHORTCUT
DELETE
I have uninstalled this program (Norton System Works2000) I tried to reinstall but it will only install part of the program. Then it tells me to uninstall and start again.
Can anyone please advise me on this, just let me say tho I have grandchildren that know more about computers than I do. I have found out that the folder I mentioned is a system folder, but I still can't open it. I sure hope someone can help me with this. Thanks in advance to any and all who respond

[PLansdowne]

Go to Run and type Sysedit.

Click on System.ini.

Go to Search>Find and type SPDSTART.VXD

When you find it, place a semi-colon (;) at the beginning of the line containing the reference to SPDSTART.VXD

Now do this again but this time search for SYMEVNT.386. Again place a semi-colon in front of the line.

Now finally do search for NAVAP.VXD and do the same again.

Regarding the unknown folder on the desktop, I would simply choose Delete.

[Chrissy29]

Plansdowne, thanks I will try that. I have deleted the folder but it comes back everytime I restart the computer.

[Chrissy29]

Tried it Plansdowne but it said cannot find on all three files. I am getting a work out here, the computer I am having probs with is in another room.

[PLansdowne]

It could be the registry that refers to these files.

Go to Run and type Regedit.

Double click your way through to the following keys:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunServices

In the right pane of each of these keys you will see the programs that load at startup.

If you recognize the above files or see anything regarding Norton System Works, delete it.

It might be a good idea to back up your Registry first. When you have Regedit open, choose Registry>Export Registry and save it as "backup" to your desktop. This way if anything gets "messed up" you can just double click on this file to restore your previous registry.

Let's get these messages out of the way and then we can work on the stubborn icon.

[Chrissy29]

Thanks I think that stubborn icon has something to do with these files cause it showed up at the same time.

[PLansdowne]

OK then, let's try and get rid of it.

Restart your computer in MSDOS mode.

You should be at the C:\Windows> prompt.

Type the following:

cd Desktop

Hit Enter.

You should now be at the C:\Windows\Desktop> prompt.

Now type DIR

You will see a list of files that are all shortcuts located on your desktop. They will end in a .lnk extension. See if you can spot the darn thing and if you can, simply type delete (space) and then the full file name.

[Chrissy29]

Okay there was nothing in Current user but there was in Local machine. deleted all norton stuff but still it came up.
That folder has no name to it so don't know what to type for that.

[Chrissy29]

now there is 3 of those folders with no name. 1 on the desktop and the other two are in the My Computer folder geez. Think I am gonna give up for tonite and check back here in the am. Many thanks Plansdowne, if you have any further suggestions please post them and I will try them in the morning.

[Cei]

Go into Sysedit again

This time check Win.ini and Autoexec.bat the same way you did for system.ini

Also check Start|programs|start up to see if there is any mention of any Norton there (won't cause the driver problems, but might be causing the directory problems)

The Directories won't be unnamed, but they will prob be named as a space. if this is the case typing deltree " " at the c:\windows\desktop> prompt should work

Cheers Al