Windows System Repair

[mb3000]

Inspiron 1720 running Vista, X86 based

C:\windows\system32\HID.DLL is the error I get.

Occasionally the "ALPS Pointing Driver has stopped functioning" will pop up too.


Ideally I would just restore to factory settings but the HID.DLL error prevents me from doing that the usual way (F8 at startup), I have also tried using the com line to start the process with no success. At this point I'm trying to repair the file to allow myself to restore the computer to factory settings. I've tried multiple downloads with no success.

Got any ideas?

[mb3000]

Anyone?

[Alan92RTTT]

You should be able to find the file on the install CD and copy it off and uncompress it and overwrite the bad one.

A real windows disk will have a repair option on the OS install that should fix it too.

[GTOJOE]

run the automated systme repair. If that doesn't work try booting off the disc and running repair.

[mb3000]

Still working on this, no luck yet.

[Jimvr4]

I have never had any success with the repair options and always end up rebuilding the machine from scratch

If your plan is to restore factory settings and you are unable to because of a bad hard drive etc, then I suggest you get Dell to build you a set of backup DVDs designed for your model/serial number. Most manufacturers will do this for around $10 shipped.

[mb3000]

Looks like what I'm going to have to do. I got a system repair CD and haven't made any progress so far.

Might just have to pickup a netbook for tuning.

[GTOJOE]

HID.sys is relating to a Human Interface Device. Most likely the Synaptics touchpad. When you restore a system to factory defaults you don't use F8 that is for the advanced startup menu so you can run safemode etc. On a dell to restore it to factory default [warning will delete all your files and settings] you need to push F9 I think. A quick google search for your dell model should give you the correct answer. But to do this you need to push F9 as soon as the laptop starts up and you see the Dell logo. If you wait till the logo is gone it's too late. If it's not F9 then try F10, F11 etc.

[OBXBoost]

Have access to another computer and a thumb drive?

Drivers and Downloads | Dell [United States]

Select "Choose from a list of all Dell products" and then continue

Select Laptops then select Inspiron and then Inspiron 1720

Make sure that under "Refine your results" has Windows Vista 32-bit selected, and scroll down to "Input (3)" and click the arrow beside it.

Where is says "Dell-Driver R165804.exe (3MB)" go to the right and click download.

Click "Download now" and make sure you save it to your thumb drive.

Take your thumb drive to your computer having the issue, boot into safe mode and then run that file.

Let me know how it works


If all else fails, grab/borrow a USB mouse and plug it in until you get the touch pad working.

[Jimvr4]

Maybe a dumb question but have you tried using an external USB mouse?

And I agree with GTOJOE. The keystroke for entering recovery is usually F10 and it has to be pressed before boot up.