Desktop full of msn messenger icons

[ockerb]

hi
I am running win xp pro sp2, all of my executable desktop icons are now the same as the msn messenger icon, all of the property details of the icons are still correct but each icon will only start msn messenger when double clicked. Windows explorer still operates but when I am in windows explorer every executable icon has lost it association to its mother program and when double clicked windows asks for a program to run it with.
I took the drive out and added it to another computer so I could scan it for virii or spyware but the results were clear. I even got housecall to scan the drive and it also was clear.
I would love some good advice that would show a way forward with this issue.
Ockerb

 

[bcastner]

A system restore point is not possible?

Start with the BAT file method to rebuild the default associations:

http://www.dougknox.com/xp/tips/xp_easy_file.htm

Follow with specific fixes for ICO, LNK and EXE files:

http://www.dougknox.com/xp/file_assoc.htm

Follow this with two online AV scans by Trend Micro and Panda:

http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Scanners.htm

 

[ockerb]

Thanks for your reply Bill, seems I've done it this time. I can't run anything in normal mode or safe mode except windows explorer.

 

[linney]

How to install and use the Recovery Console in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307654&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

An easy to follow recovery console description when unable to start computer due to corrupt registry.

http://www.digitalwebcast.com/2002/03_mar/tutorials/cw_boot_toot.htm

This is a layman's version of Q307545 in simple language. If you are successful with this procedure it should load a pre-corrupted Registry for you.


You might be able to make use of BartPE (a mini XP self contained on a bootable CD and run from CD) which includes virus scanners and registry editors via plugins.

http://www.nu2.nu/pebuilder/

The same might be possible with a parallel install of XP.

266465 - HOW TO: Perform a Parallel Installation of Windows 2000

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;266465&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

You can do the same with XP. Don't install any unnecessary programs just some virus scanners, keep the parallel installation as simple as possible.

Or the paragraph in this article.

"To install Windows XP to a new folder (to perform a parallel installation):"

How to install or upgrade to Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;316941&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

Any of the above should allow you to load your corrupted Registry Hives and change the Associations.

As an Administrator highlight one of the two following Keys, it will only be available for these Keys.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
HKEY_USERS

These two articles in the RegEdit Help are a good explanation of the process.

To load a hive into the registry
To unload a hive from the registry


If it all gets too much there is always Format and Reinstall to consider.

 

[ockerb]

thanks linney, it'll take me a week to check it all out, but i'll give it a go

 

[linney]

Whether the above can fix your registry and the associations I am not absolutely sure. You are limited in the Hives that can be loaded and accessed. You will be able to get to this key however,

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon

which will allow you to make sure the Value @ Shell is Explorer.exe and not something else.

At the least it will also afford you the means to save your data before any format and new install, a repair install also looking doubtful as that may just copy across the corrupt registry.