WIN XP PRO-ADMINISTRATIVE TOOLS FOLDER EMPTY 2

[ArnZ]

I had a need to use a file in the control panel "Administrative Tools" for the first time. I opened the folder and there were no files in it.

Perhaps another problem is related to it....maybe not.
Typing ipconfig at the dos prompt does not bring up anything.

All input greatfully accepted.

Arnie

 

[bcastner]

See Kelly Theriot's little registry fix. You will have to scroll down to the section dealing with Administrative Tools, just after a discussion of how to 'Hide' them, is a link to an .msi file to restore them:

http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_abc.htm

 

[bcastner]

Or use this direct download, and install it:

http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/regs_edits/msi.reg

 

[linney]

Are these files present on your system?


ipconfig.exe
comexp.msc
compmgmt.msc
odbccp32.cpl
eventvwr.msc
secpol.msc
perfmon.msc
services.msc
tlntadmn.exe


If not run the System File Checker program from the Run Box by typing.....Sfc /Scannow in it and have your XP CD handy.

 

[bcastner]

Warning:

linney picks on lefties.

 

[ArnZ]

Thanks for the prompt response. Unfortunately, none of the recommended fixes worked. In the process, I developed other problems. My email "links" do not work. I tried to do a system restore and get an error message that it can't restore to a couple of dates that I tried.

In Linney's list, I cannot find:
comexp.msc
adbccp32
tintadmn.exe

Any other thoughts are appreciated

 

[ArnZ]

Update; email links now working.

 

[linney]

Comexp.msc should be in C:\WINDOWS\system32\Com

tlntadmn.exe (TLNTADMIN) and -
odbccp32.cpl (ODBCCP32) Note the spelling, these are in System32 folder.

Do you have another Administrator user on your machine (should be one in Safe Mode) and does that have the shortcuts displayed in Administrative Tools?

You could also make shortcuts to the files in my list (not IpConfig.exe) and place the shortcut in your Administrative Tool folder.

System Restore will not restore your computer to any point in the past where your computer configuration is faulty. This suggests a more serious problem than just a few missing shortcuts.

If you tried SFC /Scannow and that failed to fix the problem, you could try repairing windows itself by running it over itself. You will lose all your windows updates but your files will be untouched.

How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade (Reinstallation) of Windows XP (Q315341)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q315/3/41.asp

 

[bcastner]

Administrative Tools is just a folder with shortcuts.

Right-click the Start button, Explore all users.

Look first under All Users, Start Menu, Programs, there should be a folder Administrative Tools containing several shortcuts. Copy them all.

Now look under username, Start Menu, Programs, there should again be a folder Administrative Tools. If empty, paste the copy you made above of the links to the folder.

Check as well the default Administrator Account, Start Menu, Programs, to be sure it has a folder Administrative Tools, and all shortcuts.

 

[ArnZ]

All administrative folders are empty. Considering the fact that I cannot even restore back to a previous day I think my best bet is to do a reinstall and hope it will fix it.

My thanks to everyone for your time and support. It is appreciated.

 

[ArnZ]

Reinstalled XP Pro and all is well.
Again, thanks for the help