All icons on desktop report file not associated

[perryelford]

when double clicking on an icon on the desktop the following message appears
"The file does not have a program associated with it for performing this
task.Create an association in the Folder Options control menu". This also
happens when trying to start a program via clicking start ,all programs and
clicking on the program. The same thing happens when trying to start control
panel either via the Start menu or via the run command. In fact unable to run
anything.

 

[Elmo]

When double clicking on an icon on the desktop the following message appears
"The file does not have a program associated with it for performing this
task. Create an association in the Folder Options control menu". This also
happens when trying to start a program via clicking Start, All Programs, and
clicking on the program. The same thing happens when trying to start Control
Panel either via the Start menu or via the run command. In fact unable to run
anything.

Malware probably caused the problem. Try the LNK, EXE and other fixes
at the following site for a band-aid cure.

Fix File Associations.
http://dougknox.com/xp/file_assoc.htm

Once you have some control try one of these free online virus scans:

This one has a choice of a Quick or a Complete check. Use the Complete.
http://www.pcpitstop.com/

Symantec
http://security.symantec.com/default.asp?productid=ssr&langid=ie&venid=sym

<url:http://security2.norton.com/us/home.asp?j=1&venid=sym&langid=us&plfid=20&pkj=IHBEXIBVEMBQAUWZKTK>
then click the Security check link.

http://housecall.antivirus.com/ free online virus scan

http://www.ewido.net/en/

http://www.pandasoftware.com/products/activescan.htm

 

[perryelford]

I tried running the two registry fixes for EXEs and LNKs but unfortunately
there was no change. Has anybody any other ideas before I rebuild the PC?