Computer Help!

[gabkwong]

When I click to open any program in my Window XP I get this message "To open this file, Window needs to know which program created it". This happens after I remove some old programs using the add/remove program function from control panel. I removed several of them. How can I fix this?

[sammm]

Sounds like you removed the programs needed to open specific file types...what are the suffixes of the files you're trying to open?

[gabkwong]

I seems all kind. I try to open ITune, and other programs. They all have the same message. I even down loaded a zip file from tech site that says fix this problem. I get the same message when I try to open the zip file. Also my icons on my window desktop are missing picture.

[sammm]

Scan for viruses and malware...maybe you picked something up.

[gabkwong]

Sammm, I am scanning it now. Lucky that my virus scanner still works. I'll let you know what happen. Saw some posting on the web saying my registry may be cahnged by something. Anyway, I may need more help later. Thanks!

[brandonmpace]

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

Download and run the BAT file. This should fix your problem.
Not caused by a virus. This happens on XP and Vista. Several different causes.

This WILL fix the problem. Unzip the file on another computer if you can.

[gabkwong]

brandonmpace, you are right the virus scan did not fix the problem. I have a problem running the BAT file. I downloaded and unzipped in another pc using my USB drive. I than take it back the the problem PC. I click on it to run. It has the same message window "To open this file, Window needs to know which program created it"! Do I do anything wrong?

[Titus]

Might try running it in a dos window (Start->Run->CMD).

[gabkwong]

I wonder it will fix this by simply restoring the Windows XP to a previous state using the 'system restore' at start up using the F8?

[brandonmpace]

System restore may work, as it is a registry change.

[gabkwong]

What is the usual charge for PC repaire? I am giving up and thinking paying someone to look at it. I am sure it is an easy fix for someone who knows what he is doing, which I am not! Just not to get sticker shock, how much should I expect to pay? Do they charge by time? If anyone of you like to make a few bucks and want to give my pc a try, I am more than willing pay you the commerical rate as long as I know someone is not going steal info. from it, all those porns site addresses!

[brandonmpace]

1. Reboot into Safe Mode With Command Prompt. !Not regular safe mode, this option is below it.
2. Pray command prompt comes up. If it does, easy fix.
3. At the command prompt type the following, hitting enter after each line.

assoc.bat=batfile
assoc.exe=exefile
shutdown

4. run the batch file you downloaded from my earlier post to fix any other association issues.

[gabkwong]

brandonmpace,

I'm still having issues! Let me back up a little. I must have typed in something wrong while in the Windows. All the icons turned into Adobe! At boot up it tried to start some of the programs at start manual with Adobe! Than today I did the fix you suggested above, as expected it did NOT fix the problem. I guess the problem is to change all these programs not the be run with Adobe. How can I do that. Brandonmpace, can I give you a call or bring my PC over to let you look at it? or ... give me a call when you have time at 97two-475-4II, cell 21four-549-2oo8.

Thanks,
Gab