Windows XP Windows cannot open the program

[Nalster]

Hi everyone,
I don't think the problem's a serious one, but here goes. I installed Spybot and Regclean to get rid of unwanted files and spyware and looks like I've deleted too many files. I can access the internet but cannot activate anything in Windows or any other programs like Antispyware as it comes up with a message that Windows cannot open the program. I somehow managed to delete the Regclean and the Spybot(This was a real pain). Please advise on what I need to do in order to restore the system in to running order.
Many thanks.
Nal

 

[Ian]

The easiest thing would be to do a system restore to roll back your system to before you made these changes. There's a handy tutorial on the MS website showing how to do it

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/learnmore/systemrestore.mspx

FWIW, I'd be very careful when using reg cleaners - they can often do more harm than good!

 

[Madxgraphics]

, I'd be very careful when using reg cleaners - they can often do more harm than good!

To add to Ian's post, it should be common practice that whenever you are doing anything registry related, you always do a back up of the registry...As it goes I think pretty much most of the software I have usedin the past that alters anything in the registry ask wether you want to back it up or not..

 

[Nalster]

Thanks for the Help

The easiest thing would be to do a system restore to roll back your system to before you made these changes. There's a handy tutorial on the MS website showing how to do it

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/learnmore/systemrestore.mspx

FWIW, I'd be very careful when using reg cleaners - they can often do more harm than good!

Hi Ian,
Thanks for the reply and advice. I did go into the MS website as you said and followed the steps. Basically it said that I had to click on Start and then finally click on System Restore. There were two methods suggested and I tried both, but the Error message came up "Windows cannot open....
Is there something else I can try???
Thanks
Nal

 

[Nalster]

Hi,
Thanks for the reply. I did back up everything under RegCleaner, however I could not click on the icon and access the backed up details as SpyBot was blocking everything. Through frustration I started the PC under Safe mode and deleted both SpyBot and the RegCleaner in the hope that I would be able to access things like "Add or Delete Programs". Sure enough, SpyBot was gone but it was replaced by the Error Messages"Wndows cannot open...
I used RegCleaner as CastleCops website recommends it for use by users with a basic level of understanding. Off memory I deleted some DOS files, Shell extensions etc.

 

[Ian]

It could be that your exe extensions are not recognised any more. You can manually add this to the registry if you feel confident:

1. Open My Computer -> Tools -> Folder Options -> File Types.
2. Scroll down the list to find the entry for "EXE" and delete this entry. (If it's not there don't worry because we are goung to create a new entry"
3. Click "New" button and type in "EXE" (without quotes) in the "File Extension:" edit box.
4. Click "Advanced" button and scroll down the "Associated File Type" drop-down list and select "Application"
5. Done! Your .exe files should now launch.

If that doesn't work, you might need to try a repair install using your XP CD.

 

[Nalster]

Hi Ian,
I've created the exe files as well and restarted but no luck. When I click on Antivirus icon the message"Windows cannot open..." comes up. When I click on Add or Delete Programs the message "cannot open file DLL32.exe does not exist" comes up on a small pop up.
This PC was installed by a friend(through relatives)and He hasn't left any CDs. Is there anything else I can try???
Thanks.
Nal

 

[Ian]

A repair install would be the only thing I can think of unfortunately.

 

[Abarbarian]

Can you not borrow a Windows disc from a friend ?

 

[Nalster]

Thanks guys. I will ask the guy who installed it to come round although he may charge for his time, if not I'll ask around I'm sure someones got a disc.
Thanks again guys.
Nal