All programs are missing

Question

When i got home i relized that all my icon for all my programs have turned into blank peices of papers and if i click on one of those programs it says Windows cannot open this file, To open this file windows needs to know what program created it. And i cant seem to get in some areas in my controll pannel and ect.

ali_sisto · Answer

I had exactly this problem 3 weeks ago. it's a virus that prevents running all programs. Update your Antivirus and have a full scan. Do this @ the first time, if your antivirus stops like other programs you shuld reinstall your OS like me !!   Good Louck . . . . A_Solouki.

RoHe · Answer

Always include version of windows in your posts.

If this just started, try doing a System Restore to last date available before the problem started. Personal files will be ok, but you'll have to reinstall any XP(?) updates originally installed after the date used for the restore:

XP:
click start>help & support
click "Undo changes..."
Follow the prompts and pick latest date when you know it was ok.

If that works, make sure you do full system scans for malware.

If you can't get it to restore after booting 'normally', try doing it in Safe Mode. Read this for details of using System Restore in Safe Mode:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/304449

Ron

beancurd · Answer

Try this:   Go to Start>> Run. Type in: regsvr32 /i shell32.dll [Enter] or click OK. Restart Windows.

Windows General

All programs are missing

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