Problem with all my files

[shaner66]

Ok, I'm running XP Pro, I have all the updates, service pack, etc.

Hardware isn't an issue in this case, and nothing has been changed on the computer that would have caused this.

My problem is this...

This morning I could open all my files without a problem. Then a few hours later, I try to open pictures, word files, anything really, and I get the error message "windows cannot open this file, to open this file, windows needs to know what program created it..."

It does NOT give me an option to select a program to open the file with. I cannot choose "open with" when I right click (even if I hold down shift) because that option just is not there, it's weird.

Also, if I go into Word (for example) and try to open one of my word files from within Word, it doesn't even show that the files exist in the "open document" window. There is no files to try to open.

System restore is not an option as I have it disabled (my stupidity, but anyway).

I have an extended partition which all my files are stored on, which Windows is kept on the primary partition.

Some of these files are very important (University work) and cannot be lost.

Anyone have any ideas? Would reinstalling windows and formatting the primary partition solve the problem? I don't want to do that unless necessary.

Thanks for any help.

 

[1quickdraw]

Did U try rebooting? (sorry, I had to ask)

If your associations are not damaged, this might help.

http://www.dougknox.com/xp/tips/xp_easy_file.htm

If this works for you, thank bcastner, he gave it to me when I experienced a similar problem.

Hope it works for you.

S

 

[1quickdraw]

p.s. I would save re-formating the boot partition until you exhaust all other possibilities.
Try right clicking on My Computer on your desktop then click manage. look for storage, click on it if need be and look for and click on disk management. This should show you all your hard drives and partitions and if they are "Healthy" or not.

Hope this helps.


S

 

[linney]

"Some of these files are very important (University work) and cannot be lost." What about your backups?

"1quickdraw's" link to Doug's site is a good idea.

Also to make sure you have not fallen victim to a virus or other "nasties".

Removing adware & spyware
Before Posting a Hijack log file - Best Practices
faq608-4650