XP will not execute lnk or exe files

[ScotSheldon]

Starting XP is fine until it opens and then opens a box that asks me to designate a file with which to open Acrobat.assistant.lnk. No lnk or exe files will execute. Clicking on a file or link just gets the box that asks for a file to use to run the program. I can use Mozilla and Outlook. Acrobat opens to read PDF email attachments. Windows Media Player will not open. This just started when I booted up yesterday. No installations or changes from one day to the next.

Help and the restore registry don't work. I have not used the Recovery Console to change the registry to the Windows\repair and then run the registry recovery because I am hoping these is an easier fix. Thanks Scot

HP Pavillion ze5615sr XP SR1

 

[mike5532g]

Click start, run, type cmd, click ok.
Type the following pressing enter after each line:

assoc.exe=exefile

assoc.lnk=lnkfile

Close the command prompt and try those files again. You may have to reboot for this fix to take effect.

System restore is another option.

 

[ScotSheldon]

Thanks Mike but cmd.exe opens a box asking for a program to open it with.

I tried Norton Systems Works but I was only able to verify that the boot was not infected. No diagnosis or repair utilities can be executed. Scot

 

[mike5532g]

Easy File Associations

I suggest the .bat file.

 

[ScotSheldon]

Looks like it is fixed. I bit the bullet and replaced the registry files with the ones in C:\windows\repair per MS knowledge Base Article - 307545 using the Recovery Console.

Thanks for the help. I learned a some good information. Scot

 

[Bryan]

I'd suggest scanning for a virus with an up to date AV program if you haven't already. The problems you described are some of the symptoms of a virus infection. It may or may not be a virus but I definitely scan the drive to be sure.