Control Panel disaster!

[johjones40]

One moment fine, the next moment dysfunction. For unknown reasons I
can no longer open the majority of Control Panel folders (32 out of
42). I get the following error message when I attempt to open these
folders...

"Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file. You may
not have the appropriate permissions to access the item".

I've run Trend Micro PC-cillin Internet Security 2007 (scanned for
both spyware and viruses...found neither). I've run system restore
(three different restore points) without success. I've run Yahoo! Anti-
Spy (found nothing). I ran System Mechanic 7 (which reports "no
problems"). I'm at a loss and up the creek without a paddle. Any
suggested solutions? HELP.

 

[Frank Saunders, MS-MVP OE/WM]

One moment fine, the next moment dysfunction. For unknown reasons I
can no longer open the majority of Control Panel folders (32 out of
42). I get the following error message when I attempt to open these
folders...

"Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file. You may
not have the appropriate permissions to access the item".

I've run Trend Micro PC-cillin Internet Security 2007 (scanned for
both spyware and viruses...found neither). I've run system restore
(three different restore points) without success. I've run Yahoo! Anti-
Spy (found nothing). I ran System Mechanic 7 (which reports "no
problems"). I'm at a loss and up the creek without a paddle. Any
suggested solutions? HELP.

I would do a Repair Installation of WinXP:
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm