Hi, everyone. I'm getting a "windows can't open this file" message. It goes on to say, "windows need to know what created this file." And there are two options: search the web to open this file and choose from a list. Most of the desktop icons have changed and I can't do a system restore because the same message appears: "Windows can't open this file." My kids say that before this happened, a blue screen appeared saying that it's dumping physical memory to disk. While it was counting down they rebooted and the problem started. Does anyone have any idea what's going on?

A few ideas:

First try a System Restore from Safe Mode.

Also:

Windows® XP File Association Fixes
Copyright 2003 - Doug Knox
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/file_assoc.htm


EXE File Association Fix (Restore default association for EXE files)




Also try check disk:

start > run > cmd
in the new window type chkdsk/f
when prompted to run on boot choose Y & reboot
this will check for & fix any disk errors.

If the memory dump was stopped you probably didn't get a log but you could check: (in the future: do not stop a memory dump.)

Go to start | search (type in) .dmp
Note the location of your latest .dmp file.

Then:

1) Download and install the
Debugging Tools from Microsoft
2) Download and install this
debugwiz
3) Open the Wiz & Browse to, or paste in the path to, your latest .dmp file.
4) After the Wiz creates a Text document attach it back to this thread.

Also view your Error Log via:
[1] Start Menu
[2] Help and Support
[3] Pick a Task
[4] Tools
[5] Advanced System Information
[6] View the Error Log

Hi, jephree. I tried your suggestions but that message keep apprearing: "windows cannot open this file. Windows need to know what program created it blah, blah." I tried system restore in safe mode unsuccessfully. I did a virus scan and it detected a Trojan/BettInet-A in a morphrec exe file. According to Sophos 3.94, it disinfected it. I tried typing cmd in the run field but I get that darn message again. Same with the debugging tool and debug wiz, I get that message when I try to open the file. Have you encountered this problem before? I would hate to take my computer to the local fix it shop but if you don't have any solutions, I would be forced to do so. Please help if you can. I'd be ever so thankful.

Do you have a full version XP CD? If so try to run sfc /scannow

http://www.updatexp.com/scannow-sfc.html

Also look here:

http://sarc.com/avcenter/venc/data/a...rinternet.html

Try the manual removal.

Worse case scenerio is to reinstall XP.

If you do not have a full version CD what is the make & model of the computer?
We can look up the recovery options or you could check your manual.

Problem fixed.

Glad to hear it!

Let us know if we can help further in the future!

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