Desktop Icon and file association problem

[Guest]

My desktop icons switched to default file icons. All the icons refer to an
LNK file extension. I can no longer open any of my programs through
shortcuts, or by going to them directly in their appropriate folder. No
..exe files can be opened. My files in the start-up tray are all missing as
well. I was able to scan the computer for virus infestation and found it to
be clean. I was running 3 or 4 of the most reputable anti-spyware programs
prior to this event. I am a neophyte with registration entries and such, so
any advice would need to be step by step. I would love to send a hijack
this log, but can't get the program to run for the above stated reason.

Thanks,
Really frustrated

 

[Rock]

My desktop icons switched to default file icons. All the icons refer to an
LNK file extension. I can no longer open any of my programs through
shortcuts, or by going to them directly in their appropriate folder. No
.exe files can be opened. My files in the start-up tray are all missing as
well. I was able to scan the computer for virus infestation and found it to
be clean. I was running 3 or 4 of the most reputable anti-spyware programs
prior to this event. I am a neophyte with registration entries and such, so
any advice would need to be step by step. I would love to send a hijack
this log, but can't get the program to run for the above stated reason.

Thanks,
Really frustrated

See this link and apply the .exe and .com file extension fixes.
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/file_assoc.htm

Note, there are specialty forums for posting hijackthis logs, rather
than here. For future reference here are some sites for that:

Forums to Interpret HijackThis Logs:

http://www.spywareinfo.com/forums/
http://forum.aumha.org/viewforum.php?f=30
http://forums.tomcoyote.org/
http://www.wilderssecurity.com/

 

[Will Denny]

Hi

Please try the following link to Doug Knox's web site and run the fix for
the .EXE & .LNK Files:

http://www.dougknox.com/xp/file_assoc.htm

 

[Kelly]

Hi,

Follow the fixes supplied by the others. Just a note: I have seen this
behavior caused by third party desktop enhancers and tweakers. Also, check
your setting under Tools/Folder Options/View/
Hide extensions for known file types and see the undo on line: 127 (right
hand side):
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

--
In memory of our dear friend, MVP Alex Nichol: http://www.dts-l.org/

All the Best,
Kelly (MS-MVP)

Troubleshooting Windows XP
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com