.....I did something absolutely stupid. I was fooling around on the computer looking for the "add/remove programs" section in the start bar menu, and I instead misread and clicked on "Set Program Access and Defaults". I clicked on "custom" configuration, (which is not what I was after now that I think about it). I then clicked OK, not knowing what I was getting into...

Anyways, I can't use any software! I can't EVEN use system restore to undo my stupid mistake! It won't even re-open the "Program Access and Defaults" window again so I can re-configure back to its original settings. Everytime I try to click on an application shortcut icon (which by the way are "broken" images - not showing the designated icons for each programs), it says:

"this file does not have a program associated with it for performing this action. Create an association in the Folder Options control panel."

When I tried to do this, I found a confusing list of file types (and associations) listed in the third tab, and the button for "add new" was inactive (grey). So I couldn't even create associations for the programs/files!!

I can't use anything, except for the internet window (Thank goodness for Mozilla). I'm worried none of the other applications are working properly now (esp. Norton AntiVirus), as all the programs I click on have the same crap about "files does not have a program associated with it for performing this action...".

Please help!!!!!! I'm desperate!! I just want everything back the way it was, back to default, WIPE the slate clean!

I tried looking on google and found this http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=332003, but I can't do step one as it says, b/c my computer probably won't even associate the program access/defaults window with the operating system or something??? F****K!!

Microsoft also said "Remove access to Microsoft Windows programs
To remove access to programs such as Microsoft Internet Explorer, Microsoft Outlook Express, Windows Media Player, or Windows Messenger if you are a computer administrator (or member of the Administrators groups), you can use either Control Panel (as described earlier), an unattended Setup procedure, or the Sysprep tool or the Factory tool after you run the Setup program.

When you use these methods to remove access to programs, the standard shortcuts and program icons for these programs are removed from the Start menu, the desktop, and other locations. These methods do not remove the executable files (.exe or .dll files) for these programs or disable any file and protocol associations that the program may have registered for itself. To associate the appropriate file types and protocols with another program, configure it as the default program. If the program is not registered in Set Program Access and Defaults, contact the vendor for information about how to make this program the default program or to associate file types and protocols with the program."

I figured maybe I should try set up or something, but I'm worried if I go through set-up I will lose files already on the computer and that it won't just re-install operating system defaults.

PLEASE, please, HELP ME

  I should add that I have Windows XP home edition. Please, I am a student and I cannot afford to just buy another computer, and other people use this computer Boot into Safe Mode, if you can, (tape F8 when computer boots) and try a system restore from there.

Alan <><    Still no luck! I followed your instructions however when I got to the system restore, it opened up a blank window (it had the window header title "System Restore" but it was just all blank white!

Now it won't open the control panels window when I try to access it from there, even though I have changed nothing.

I also tried something else from the boot menu I clicked ENTER on "Last working configuration" but that didn't help either, it just showed it as it already is - with all the software shortcut icons showing "inactive" images (except Firefox internet and hotmail shortcut links).

As far as my limited computer understanding goes, I've done some SERIOUS crap to program/file associations, and attempting to manually run programs doesn't work. The programs are still there, I just can't access them. But I think the reason I can still access Firefox and hotmail quick links/software is probably because they were OK'd in the custom configuration settings (for program access and defaults), however the other programs are just left out in the dark.

I think I need to try to reset the program access/defaults configuration to windows configuration, but HOW???

Would it help if I could get my Windows XP CD and re-install or something?? I couldn't see anything helpful in the set-up menu when booting.......

I'm really worried now Backup from my software how? How do I format the HDD? And then just reinstall windows from windows cd? (I don't trust myself to tinker with the system anymore, so can you please elaborate a bit).You mean none of the shortcuts on the Start menu is working?

Press Windows + R to bring up the Run menu. (Windows key = the flag key between Ctrl & Alt)
In the Open: field, type C:\WINDOWS\system32\control.exe to bring up the Control Panel.

See whether you can continue from there.
No, I already tried that, and I got the same message:

"This file does not have a program associated with it for performing this action. Create an association in the Folder Options control panel."Have a read here:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307859&product=winxpThankyou everyone, but I think I shall either have to take Quatroking's advice or pursue professional help from Windows.

Most other things are not opening any way I try to open them either with run prompt, clicking on the icon etc. So system restore is out and everything else. "Open With..." does not show up when I right-click on application icons. (I really wish that Windows op system programmers could think of creating a large red button for applying operating system defaults and going back to "square one", should it become so screwed up like mine is...LOL)

Could someone please advise me how to format my HDD (is this available thru the startup setup F12 options?)

I'm going to see if I can save all my stuff on the computer, wipe it and re-install Win XP. *Crosses fingers and toes*Have a read right here AFTER you back up your data:

http://www.theeldergeek.com/xp_home_install_-_graphic.htm Quote

u'll need a boot disk/cd if u want to format ur pc. insert it while ur pc is off (EXEPT for the cd, u have to start ur pc, insert it and restart it for that) and start it up. it should now run the disk/cd.