[knightndey]

Computer froze (using xp pro) reading a file. So on reboot all icons have turned to the type of icon that means the computer cannot read them. If I click on it I get the gray info box that says Windows cannot open this file. And then the name of the files all end in .Ink. I did notice that AD WARE reported a profile corrupted upon the reboot.

So I bypass the shortcut by pulling up properties and going to the target. When I click then on the icon for the program (which does show...assuming all shortcuts have had the icon changed) and I get a gray box that says 'file does not have a program associated with it for performing this action. Create an association in the Folder Options control panel.'

Example: I click on my computer on the desktop and I get the gray box for a file that won't open: computer.Ink So I find the properties and use the 'find target'. It finds the computer icon in the windows box for desktop. On this one when I click on My Computer it goes to the window showing the drives. I click on local disk C and it will go to the files on c and to the programs loaded in 'programs. But if I open a program file and try to open the application, I get the second gray box you talked about. Cannot open an executable program.

Now I have found back doors like I opened my browser by opening help in a window and thus contacting you. My docutments and pictures are ok and if I click on them I can get Word open or CS4 and such, but not directly. All shortcut icons are changed and all program buttons do not work.

Hopefully this is an easy fix as my computer is my livelihood and normally fix most problems myself. I have good spyware and virus protection.

Thank you for any help....

Edited by knightndey, 28 December 2009 - 07:31 PM.

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Have you tried System Restore as the first step?

[phillipcorcoran]

Have you tried System Restore as the first step?

[knightndey]

When I click on any of the control panel icons, I get the gray box that says 'this file does not have a program associated with it for performing this action. Create an association in the Folder Options control panel. All icons and shortcuts that are executable programs or actions will not work....

[rshaffer61]

Go HERE and get the 9th file down. Exe fix and then follow the instructions given at the top of the page to merge the registry fix. let us know if it fix's the issue.

[knightndey]

I downloaded the file and unzipped it. File name is xp_exe_fix.reg When I click on it I get the gray box that says 'windows cannot open this file'. Same message I get when I click on all of the changed icons for actions and programs...... No association...

I don't want to reinstall everything and save files on an external drive. Any other ideas still welcome....

[rshaffer61]

First you would only backup the data files you need to save.
Second do you have a Genuine Microsoft XP installation disk or do you have a Recovery Disk supplied by the manufacturer of your system?
We can attempt a few things here but with any repair or replacement of files there is always a chance of data loss.
The first step I would take is to see if XP can fix itself by running a internal program outlined below.

Go Start and then to Run ("Start Search" in Vista),
Type in: sfc /scannow
Click OK (Enter in Vista).
Have Windows CD/DVD handy.
If System File Checker (sfc) finds any errors, it may ask you for the CD/DVD.
If sfc does not find any errors in Windows XP, it will simply quit, without any message.
In Vista you will receive the following message: "Windows resource protection did not find any integrity violations".

For Vista users ONLY: Navigate to C:\Windows\Logs\CBS folder. You'll see CBS.log file.
Usually, it's pretty big file, so upload it to Flyupload, and post download link.


If you don't have Windows CD....
This applies mostly to Windows XP, since Vista rarely requires use of its DVD while running "sfc"
Note This method will not necessarily work as well, as when using Windows CD, because not always ALL system files are backed up on your hard drive. Also, backed up files may be corrupted as well.

Go Start and then Run
type in regedit and click OK


Navigate to the following key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Setup

You will see various entries Values on the right hand side.

The one we want is called: SourcePath

It probably has an entry pointing to your CD-ROM drive, usually D and that is why it is asking for the XP CD.
All we need to do is change it to: C:
Now, double click the SourcePatch setting and a new box will pop up.
Change the drive letter from your CD drive to your root drive, usually C:
Close Registry Editor.

Now restart your computer and try sfc /scannow again!


Thanks to Broni for the instructions



Revised and Simplified:


Do you have a valid XP CD?

If so, place it in your CD ROM drive and follow the instructions below:

• Click on Start and select Run... type sfc /scannow (note the space) (Let this run undisturbed until the window with the blue progress bar goes away)

SFC - Which stands for System File Checker,
retrieves the correct version of the file from %Systemroot%\System32\Dllcache or the Windows installation source files, and then replaces the incorrect file.
If you want to see what was replaced, right-click My Computer and click on Manage. In the new window that appears, expand the Event Viewer (by clicking on the + symbol next to it) and then click on System.

[knightndey]

I have the XP CD. Will try this when I get home about 10am (vegas time)

[rshaffer61]

Not a problem I will be here for at least another 11 hours. Please let me know how it works and we will continue from there.

[knightndey]

I ran the scan with the disk in. No comment at the end of the scan, just closed.

[rshaffer61]

If it found anything it would have fixed it since you had the disk in. Since that didn't give you any resolution then let's try a different approach.

What I would suggest you do is to Backup your Data Files.
For this I would suggest using a External Hard Drive Enclosure. This will allow you to keep your Important Data safe and Separated from the main system in case of problems. The cost for this kind of Backup System has come down a lot. I would suggest a 500 Gig capacity for your needs. Since you will only be Backing Up Data Files Only this should be sufficient to do that for you. Follow the next two links to see examples of the price you will be looking at.
• HERE
• HERE

I suggest going to Microsofts Backup Tutorial and follow the steps to do a Backup to a External Drive and also it will guide you on how to do a Scheduled Backup even at night.

Another way you can do a Backup is by using DVD’s. This method is just as effective and can be done using the same steps as above.


After the above is done then go on to the next step.



Repair Installation Instructions

· Insert your Windows XP CD in your CD-ROM and then Restart your computer.
· At the first post screen start tapping the Del key to enter System Bios
· Find the Advance Options or Boot Sequence screen.
· You will need to change the boot sequence so that the CDrom is first and the HD is second.
· Press F10 to Save and Exit and then press Enter to accept.
· The system will now reboot
· When the "Press any key to boot from CD" message is displayed on your screen, press a key to start your computer from the Windows XP CD.
· When you see the following message displayed on the Welcome to Setup screen, press ENTER
· To setup Windows XP now, press ENTER.
· At this point an option to press R to enter the Recovery Console is displayed. DO NOT SELECT THIS OPTION.

· On the Windows XP Licensing Agreement screen, press F8 to agree to the license agreement.
· Make sure that your current installation of Windows XP is selected and highlighted in the box, and then press the R key to repair Windows XP.
· Follow the instructions on the screen to complete Setup.

You can also go HERE
to read a step by step tutorial with screenshots.

[knightndey]

It worked!!! Thanks a million I have a gig on New Years and I didn't want to my laptop. I was worried if the fixs were going to work as I am running Windows on an IMAX.

I already had everything backed on a TB external unit, so that was ready. Wasn't sure if the repair would work without loss of files, but that didn't happen.

I see others have posted the same problem. What causes the shortcuts to change like that and the program files not to respond. Is it an xp glitch?

You just made my holidays much more jolly....thanks again and happy new year to you...

[rshaffer61]

Could be a glitch but i think the system freezing may ahve started the problem and everything else just escalated it to what brought you here.
I am glad it has been resolved and hopefully everything will be ok now. If you have any other questions please feel free to ask and have a Safe and Happy New Years

[Reactor]

I've met this error before at a laptop, I couldn't run anything I wanted. The only thing which have helped is a complete system reinstall (including format C).

A second variant of this problem can be also caused by the infamous AUTORUN.INF virus.

[rshaffer61]

Problem has been resolved as of 2 days ago.