Windows applications (eg Notepad) fail to open

Recently a number of the standard windows applications on my desktop including Notepad, Wordpad, Windows Media Player and Paint no longer OPEN, either by clicking the application via Start - All Programs or double clicking the desktop shorcut or even the .exe file. No error is displayed, nothing happens. However they do run using START - Run and locating the executable or by right clicking the application and choosing Run As. Others such as Calculator and Command Prompt are fine. I suspected it might be Kaspersky security s/w which I installed recently (replacing Norton) but the problem persists even with this switched off. Is there a problem with the registry? Can you help please!

Did you use the Norton removal tool?

http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT...05033108162039

You might try a System Restore to a point prior to the problem.

start > all programs > accessories > system tools > system restore

Or run sfc /scannow from start > Run...

This is the system file checker and will require your XP CD.

Thanks for your suggestions.
1. I did use the Norton removal tool.
2. Each time a try a System restore to an earlier point it informs me (after re-start) that it was unable to restore my PC, but doesn't say why.
3. File checker - My original disk is XP version 1a, whereas I'm on XP 2. Is there a way around this?

Thanks

You could try to borrow an SP2 or XP SP2 CD (Home or Pro depending).

You could uninstall SP2 run SFC then reinstall SP2. But at that point you might as well run a Repair Install of XP. You will still need to reinstall SP2 afterwards.

You can re-download the Media Player but things like Notepad and Wordpad and Paint are XP internals.

They must have become corrupted by Norton's removal.

In the future never use Norton!

"In the future never use Norton!"

I second the motion. ;>)

Does your boot.ini file contain /noexecute=optin switch?

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Yes, the boot.ini file contains:

[boot loader]
timeout=30
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOW S
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Micro soft Windows XP Home Edition" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect

What do I do now please?

Right click on My Computer. Choose Properties. Click Advanced, then Settings under Startup and Recovery. Under System startup, click on the EDIT button. Does notepad open? If so, remove the /noexecute=optin switch so your line looks like;
"Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition" /fastdetect

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Yes, notepad did open having clicked on EDIT. Therefore removed the /noexecute=optin switch as suggested, but problem persists. I note that there is also a boot.ini file under windows\pss folder (a BACKUP file) which still has the noexecute=optin switch set. Does this also need to be edited out?

My own boot.ini is such:

This is normal for me.


Perhaps Dan Penny will have a better response but I would run a Repair Install of XP.

"Does this also need to be edited out?"

No. It was a shot in the dark.

I didn't really mean to interupt the thread, but I found two MSKB articles dealing with this, however they were not directly related. Removing the switch would do no harm so I suggested it. Mine, like jephree's, is the same. It contains the switch. I had hoped with this measure to avoid you a repair install.

Given the non-effective results, I agree with jephree (of course). ;>)

If you're proceeding with a repair install, the switch will most likely be reinstated. If you're pursuing other avenues, replace the switch in the boot.ini file.

Apologies to you both for butting in. ;>{

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Location: Alberta, CanadaD-A-L Hardware Scan