XP programs won't run

[merchantman]

Help, I have a serious problem loading Windows XP.

When my wife started up her pc, she noticed that the program icons o
the desktop had all been replaced by a type used by her 'Webshots
program (from webshots.com).
Consequently, clicking on any icon brings up the 'Webshots' window.

There are absolutely no other programs that will run, I've trie
everything, even the 'Restore' program won't run.

Tried starting in Safe Mode, still the same. Can't run any Window
applications (regedit wouldn't run).
Has the registry been corrupted? do I have any options other tha
reinstalling XP.
If I do reinstall, how easy is it to re-register with Microsof
(software is legit).
:confused

 

[Bert Kinney]

Hi,

Try these suggestion in order.

If you can boot into "Safe Mode with Command Prompt" and execute the following:

%systemroot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe

Run System Restore from the command prompt:
1. Restart your computer, and then press F8 during the initial startup to start your
computer in Safe Mode with a command prompt.
2. Log on to your computer with an administrator account or with an account that has
administrator credentials.
3. Type the following command at a command prompt, and then press ENTER:
%systemroot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe
4. Follow the instructions that appear on the screen to restore your computer to an
earlier state.


How to start your computer by using the Last Known Good Configuration feature in Windows
XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307852#3


How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install by Michael Stevens MS-MVP:
http://michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm