Computer Idiot Lost Windows XP

I don't know what happened. All of my icons are non-functional, showing a
..lnk ending and a message like "Windows Cannot Open, Go To Web (or Browse) to
find application to open". RIIIIIIGHT!

I suspect that my Windows XP is corrupted. I ran a hardware check with the
first of six discs to reinstall Windows and it comes out OK. Don't have a
Windows XP single disc. Don't know how to find Recovery Console and don't
want to run the reinstall discs for fear of losing everything.

Any simple suggestions for a simple-minded computer user?

Thanks!

Bob the Computer Idiot wrote:
> I don't know what happened. All of my icons are non-functional, showing a
> .lnk ending and a message like "Windows Cannot Open, Go To Web (or Browse) to
> find application to open". RIIIIIIGHT!
>
> I suspect that my Windows XP is corrupted. I ran a hardware check with the
> first of six discs to reinstall Windows and it comes out OK. Don't have a
> Windows XP single disc. Don't know how to find Recovery Console and don't
> want to run the reinstall discs for fear of losing everything.
>
> Any simple suggestions for a simple-minded computer user?
>
> Thanks!

Try the file association fix for lnk extensions. I doubt it'll work
since you're also seeing the .lnk extension.. that reads like a more
involved problem to me..

Fix File Associations.
http://dougknox.com/xp/file_assoc.htm

--
Joe =o)

"Bob the Computer Idiot" <BobtheComputerIdiot@discussions.microsoft.com>
wrote in message news:E2CB1B60-0018-47B0-BBC2-9E57DA0318C9@microsoft.com...
>I don't know what happened. All of my icons are non-functional, showing a
> .lnk ending and a message like "Windows Cannot Open, Go To Web (or Browse)
> to
> find application to open". RIIIIIIGHT!
>
> I suspect that my Windows XP is corrupted. I ran a hardware check with
> the
> first of six discs to reinstall Windows and it comes out OK. Don't have a
> Windows XP single disc. Don't know how to find Recovery Console and don't
> want to run the reinstall discs for fear of losing everything.
>
> Any simple suggestions for a simple-minded computer user?
>
> Thanks!

No idea. Never seen that problem before.

But one suggestion - download Tweakui and try "repair icons" just to see if
that works. At least it's free.

http://download.microsoft.com/downlo...ertoySetup.exe

GOT IT FIXED! Went to the F8 button on the initial start-up. After fooling
around with one unsuccessful attempt to "fix", I used the system restore
option in the safe mode, and went back a couple of weeks. This fixed the
problem. Not sure if it was a Windows glitch or a virus. Had to borrow a
book from the library to "discover" this fix. Sure wish Microsoft would
provide a manual with the computers loaded with Windows (this is an HP
laptop). THANKS for your responses!

"The Todal" wrote:

>
> "Bob the Computer Idiot" <BobtheComputerIdiot@discussions.microsoft.com>
> wrote in message news:E2CB1B60-0018-47B0-BBC2-9E57DA0318C9@microsoft.com...
> >I don't know what happened. All of my icons are non-functional, showing a
> > .lnk ending and a message like "Windows Cannot Open, Go To Web (or Browse)
> > to
> > find application to open". RIIIIIIGHT!
> >
> > I suspect that my Windows XP is corrupted. I ran a hardware check with
> > the
> > first of six discs to reinstall Windows and it comes out OK. Don't have a
> > Windows XP single disc. Don't know how to find Recovery Console and don't
> > want to run the reinstall discs for fear of losing everything.
> >
> > Any simple suggestions for a simple-minded computer user?
> >
> > Thanks!
>
> No idea. Never seen that problem before.
>
> But one suggestion - download Tweakui and try "repair icons" just to see if
> that works. At least it's free.
>
> http://download.microsoft.com/downlo...ertoySetup.exe
>
>
>

"Bob the Computer Idiot" <BobtheComputerIdiot@discussions.microsoft.com>
wrote in message news:C0DB013E-F5B5-4D97-AEEA-887782EF1B63@microsoft.com...
> GOT IT FIXED! Went to the F8 button on the initial start-up. After
> fooling
> around with one unsuccessful attempt to "fix", I used the system restore
> option in the safe mode, and went back a couple of weeks. This fixed the
> problem. Not sure if it was a Windows glitch or a virus. Had to borrow a
> book from the library to "discover" this fix. Sure wish Microsoft would
> provide a manual with the computers loaded with Windows (this is an HP
> laptop). THANKS for your responses!
>
> "The Todal" wrote:
>
>>
>> "Bob the Computer Idiot" <BobtheComputerIdiot@discussions.microsoft.com>
>> wrote in message
>> news:E2CB1B60-0018-47B0-BBC2-9E57DA0318C9@microsoft.com...
>> >I don't know what happened. All of my icons are non-functional, showing
>> >a
>> > .lnk ending and a message like "Windows Cannot Open, Go To Web (or
>> > Browse)
>> > to
>> > find application to open". RIIIIIIGHT!
>> >
>> > I suspect that my Windows XP is corrupted. I ran a hardware check with
>> > the
>> > first of six discs to reinstall Windows and it comes out OK. Don't
>> > have a
>> > Windows XP single disc. Don't know how to find Recovery Console and
>> > don't
>> > want to run the reinstall discs for fear of losing everything.
>> >
>> > Any simple suggestions for a simple-minded computer user?
>> >
>> > Thanks!
>>
>> No idea. Never seen that problem before.
>>
>> But one suggestion - download Tweakui and try "repair icons" just to see
>> if
>> that works. At least it's free.
>>
>> http://download.microsoft.com/downlo...ertoySetup.exe
>>
>>
>>


HP have good support on their web site.


--
Mike Hall - MVP
How to construct a good post..
http://dts-l.com/goodpost.htm
How to use the Microsoft Product Support Newsgroups..
http://support.microsoft.com/default...help&style=toc
Mike's Window - My Blog..
http://msmvps.com/blogs/mikehall/default.aspx