Software failure?

Question

Just the other day I tried installing Norton Antivirus 2006 Premier, but I received the message 'The installation encountered an error and is unable to continue. 9999,171' Last night I checked their website and found a way to enable my event log, this allowing the program to install. However, after the failed installation, I restarted my computer and all my shortcuts on my desktop all feature an X icon followed by the name of the shortcut with a .lnk. Example: My Computer.lnk Internet Explorer.lnk. Clicking on any of these shortcuts do not do anything and they turn translucent, as if they resemble a hidden file. To fix the Norton problem, I go start > run and type SERVICES.MSC, but I receive the message: 'This file does not have a program associated with it for performing this action. Create an association in the folders option control panel'   Strangely enough, from my start menu Outlook Express is the only program that is able to work (even though I don't use it) All other programs do not.   I was able to initiate a virus scan with Panda Plantinum from their CD, and it did not find any viruses, of any kind. I believe this is some Microsoft problem, perhaps.   Basically, all my computer is reduced to sitting there, unable to do anything.   I've already posted this in 'General Hardware', and I tried a system restore, but it did nothing. I restarted my computer, pressed F8 before the system loaded and went to 'Last known good config' and it just restarted my system to the same problem I had before. I was also told to try a system file check, but I'm unable to 'run' any command. There was also a suggestion to do a Repair/Reinstallation of XP, but I was told to post here first incase any of the experts here have a solution to my plight, and can assist in repairing.   Here's the URL of the other thread:   http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=dim_other&message.id=267481   Thanks in advance

dunedin · Answer

It sounds like all your file associations have been wiped out.

Try this fix
http://www.dougknox.com/

Select “Win XP Fixes” on the left hand side
Select “Restore Default File Associations Easily” (right hand side)

All instructions are on the page for you

OR
Here is a list of fixes for various file associations individually
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/file_assoc.htm

dunedin · Answer

The only other thing I can suggest is to re-associate them manually. It will take a while and you will have to know which program to associate them with

Windows Explorer/Tools/Folder Options/File Types.

Highlight a file you want to change and look at the bottom of page for options.
Some have a default option which would make it easier for you

MBHaack · Answer

That sounds like it would help, but I'm unable to access the internet on the computer that has the problems on it, and I don't know if I can transfer the BAT.zip file either. Any other suggestions?

MBHaack · Answer

I tried reassociating them manually, but that didn't work either. Is there a way that I could reset my computer to previous settings, without being able to lose my personal files, my music and installed software?

RoadiJeff · Answer

I've found that when you reinstall a program it will usually change the association for all the files it can control, or at least ask you if you want it that way. If you have the reinstall disk(s) you might give that a try.

Are there any restore points older than the last known good config one you've tried already?

Message Edited by RoadiJeff on 02-09-2006 09:37 PM

MBHaack · Answer

The reinstall disks for Windows XP? I certainly have it. Nope, I can't even access any of my restore points for some odd reason. But I shall try to reinstall the XP?

emery27 · Answer

I have the same problem as you describe.  (I also replied to the other thread).  I installed Norton Antivirus 2006 on my computer, and my icons are as you describe.  The only difference is that the only program that works on this computer is Internet Explorer, so I can access the internet.  But, my control panel is gone, my windows explorer doesn't work, etc.  I have found that while I cannot use start -> command prompt  to get to the command prompt, if I start in safe mode with command prompt I can use the command prompt.   Also, system restore didn't work for me, since the only options from my start menu that are working are 'logoff' and 'turn off computer'.  Interestingly, if I try to attach a file to an email, I can see my files.  But if I look from my computer it appears they are all gone.  After doing some googling on this problem, it appears it has happened to others after installing Norton Antivirus 2006.  But, I have not yet found a solution that has worked for me. There was a posting at Symantec for fixing this, but it didn't help me.  Here's the link -> http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/sharedtech.nsf/7e7f15291a25d938882567e50048a048/4156333fd623a728882570990071fe1c?OpenDocument&src=bar_sch_nam&seg=ag Or, you can search the Symantec web site for 'This file doesn't have a file associated with it' you'll get their response.  Maybe it will work for you.  Good luck!  If you find something that works, please post back, since maybe it'll help me, too.  Thanks.

MBHaack · Answer

Hmm, that solution didn't work for me either. I'm starting to feel hopeless, but thanks emery27 for your help/insight. I'll continue to look for a solution and when I find one, I'll be sure to post it here

Windows General

Software failure?

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