Problems

Earlier today when i logged o to my home computer (operating system windows xp) i found that all my short cuts had been replaced with the shortcut name.inc for example Microsoft Word.inc then if i click on it it comes up with the message saying "to open this file windows needs to know what program created it" so i can choose between choose program from list or use the web to find the correct program. the web cannot find the correct program obviusly because they are all shortcuts.

i ran a virus scan and there was one critical file so the file was removed, however this obviously won't reverse the effects, and its difficult because some programs won't work, because i dont know where they are actually saved onb the system.

however if i know where to find the program ie installed programs will be in program files (obviously) so these will still work, so

even if you don't know how to find a permantent solution, can anyone tell me where some of the system tools are such as "system restore" and other programs that are already on the system. but were not intsalled by myself

i know this goes on a bit but its handy to make sure everyone understands what i mean (well i hope you all do)