Help! Can't Run .EXE, .REG etc. files--all files appear as LNK files

[Rich]

I can't apply the suggested dougknox.com registry fixes given the .REG
files aren't recognized. I can't open/run any .EXE files, nor can I
run the reg files. I can't open regedit either.

Trying to run any .exe or .reg file results in a "Windows cannot open
this file" dialog box.

Any suggestions?

FYI: Last night, BEFORE I got hit with this (virus?) problem, I
purchased/installed/ran Ad-Aware SE Plus from Lavasoft. Found no
problems. Rebooted my system this morning and Ad-Aware found about 49
registry edits as my system was booting. I didn't apply any of the
edits and this is where I am now. Also, I ran a Live Update to Norton
Antivirus just yesterday, and also ran pest patrol yesterday
afternoon.

The only way I got my internet explorer to open was to insert my XP CD
and browse a .html document, which opened. I then typed in a
google.com url

 

[Kelly]

Hi Rich,

Depending on which stage you are at.....

EXE and LNK Fix for Windows XP - Line 12
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

To use the Regedit: Save the REG File to your hard disk. Double click it
and answer yes to the import prompt. REG files can be viewed in Notepad by
right clicking on the file and selecting Edit.

Lift Restrictions - TM, Regedit and CMD (Line 275)
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

 

[Alex Nichol]

To use the Regedit: Save the REG File to your hard disk. Double click it
and answer yes to the import prompt. REG files can be viewed in Notepad by
right clicking on the file and selecting Edit.

Add - if a double click does not work with it, try a right click and
take Merge from the menu; that should bypass the wrong association that
has been generated for open