explorer file association

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July 28th, 2003, 11:15 AM
cgonzo

explorer file association

I have an old Compaq Deskpro with Win98se. I think that somehow the file association for windows explorer is gone. Here is what happens: At the desktop, I double-click on "my computer" and get the message that "this file does not have a program associated with it..."
Right clicking on Start button and selecting "Explore" produces the same results.
I can double click on My Documents, open it up and then navigate up through the hard drive, but I cannot open Printers folder or Control panel, same error.
Now, the strange part. I can open Internet explorer, go to View > Explorer bar > Folders and then navigate to open both Printers and Control panel by clicking on the left and the pane on the right opens.

Does anybody have an idea before I go ahead and format, reinstall windows?
July 28th, 2003, 12:06 PM
NooNoo

Yes, get your windows 98se cd out, put it in the cdrom, start, run, type in

SFC /scannow

(note the space between c and /)

choose to check all files.
July 28th, 2003, 12:44 PM
cgonzo

Great!! on my way to try it now.
July 28th, 2003, 01:19 PM
cgonzo

No, SFC didn't fix it. Any other ideas?
July 28th, 2003, 01:43 PM
geoscomp

do an online virus scan
July 28th, 2003, 05:28 PM
NooNoo

online virus scans available at http://housecall.antivirus.com and http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/com/

Failing that you can do an inplace install. This will refresh all the windows files but leave your data and programs intact (unless they are very screwed up).
July 28th, 2003, 06:14 PM
Orangeman

hmmmm....I just entered

SFC /scannow

in my run menu and I got a message saying "command line parameters invalid." Are you sure it shouldn't be:

C:\ SFC /scannow ?

I tried it and all it did was open my C drive.

Have you tried running System File Checker normally:

Start>Programs> Accessories>system Tools>System File checker?

What happens if you run scandisk?

I agree however that running a windows install or AV scan will probably be your best solution.
July 29th, 2003, 03:59 AM
NooNoo

Quote:

Originally posted by Orangeman
hmmmm....I just entered

SFC /scannow

in my run menu and I got a message saying "command line parameters invalid." Are you sure it shouldn't be:

C:\ SFC /scannow ?

I tried it and all it did was open my C drive.

Have you tried running System File Checker normally:

Start>Programs> Accessories>system Tools>System File checker?

Quite right orangeman, been using xp too long - that's a switch in xp, not 98 - however removing the switch allows SFC to run happily in 98.

Start, run, type in SFC
click OK

My apologies cgonzo. :)
July 29th, 2003, 05:07 AM
Orangeman

hmmm....

Looked 'cgonzo' up in the dictionary and found nothing. Then I looked for it up on the WWW and found it was an abbreviation for 'charles gonzalez'

I don't understand the significance????:D
July 29th, 2003, 05:26 AM
confus-ed

Quote:

Originally posted by Orangeman
hmmm....

Looked 'cgonzo' up in the dictionary and found nothing. Then I looked for it up on the WWW and found it was an abbreviation for 'charles gonzalez'

I don't understand the significance????:D

Hijacker ! :p ...so can we all play now ? ...

:confused: ... & there is supposed to be a significance ?!? The only link I can 'c' (see) with Gonzo is...
http://www.muppets.com/gonzo/graphics/gonzo.jpg
... as in he/she thinks they are a muppet !?! Like oran ... -nah ! I never said that ;) :D :D :D :D :eek2:
July 29th, 2003, 06:00 AM
Orangeman

eh, eh, eh....

I think I understand now.

It takes me awhile.....:D
July 29th, 2003, 08:27 AM
cgonzo

All's okay, Noo Noo. I got the error with the "scannow" switch, but I got the idea behind it. I just ran SFC manually and got no good results.
I haven't tried a virus scan just yet. But it has had Mcaffee for the past year. I'll let you all know the results later today.

P.S. Gonzo the Great once said, "I'll try anything once. And if it hurts, I'll do it again."
July 29th, 2003, 08:34 AM
Orangeman

So YOU'RE Cgonzo.....

Should have known....The jokes on me....again...:( :rolleyes: :D
July 29th, 2003, 09:41 AM
NooNoo

Quote:

Originally posted by cgonzo
All's okay, Noo Noo. I got the error with the "scannow" switch, but I got the idea behind it. I just ran SFC manually and got no good results.
I haven't tried a virus scan just yet. But it has had Mcaffee for the past year. I'll let you all know the results later today.

P.S. Gonzo the Great once said, "I'll try anything once. And if it hurts, I'll do it again."

Mcaffee, like norton is targetted by viruses - looks like it is working, but it isnt. Suggest an online scan first. On the other hand, mcaffee screws up just as much as norton does, so may be a thorough uninstall and reinstall is in order....