Cannot access Control Panel

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  1. Posts : 16
    Windows 7 Home Premium OA
       #1

    Cannot access Control Panel


    Recently, I lost access to many of the programs from my desktop. For example...when I try to open My Computer, or Recycle Bin, or Control Panel, I get an error panel stating....."This file does not have a program associated with it for performing this action. Please install a program, or if one is already installed, create an association in the Default Programs control panel."
    Unfortunately, I cannot access the Default Programs program either, for the same reason. Help?
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 2,259
    W7 Professional x64
       #2

    Do you have system restore enabled? Also, do you remember changing anything (programs, settings) or what you were doing before this started happening?
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 6,668
    Windows 7 x64
       #3

    Sounds viral in nature.
    Does this also happen when you start the system in safe mode?
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 16
    Windows 7 Home Premium OA
    Thread Starter
       #4

    Thanks for the replies. The only System Restore copies I can find are from today....the problem began several days ago. I have tried disabling all security and all non-microsoft services. Also tries starting in Safe Mode....no help.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 6,668
    Windows 7 x64
       #5

    Sounds like you are in a repair install situation...
    Repair Install
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 16
    Windows 7 Home Premium OA
    Thread Starter
       #6

    I was afraid that might be my only option. My Win7 is Home 64bit...and unfortunately, the only Win7 disk I have is Pro 32bit. When I try to do an upgrade (saving my files and programs) I get a message stating I cannot go from 64bit to 32bit. Looks like my only option is a clean reinstall. Ugggh! I've read a lot about this problem, and it appears to be rather common....sure wish I could find a way to get explorer.exe working again.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 6,668
    Windows 7 x64
       #7

    You can probably restore it, but without a source disk you're going to run into problem after problem.
    My windows 7 disk will install 32 or 64 bit, is your disk some sort of weird oem thing?

    I wouldn't do a full wipe at any rate, you can just install again and retain your old files for recovery.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 16
    Windows 7 Home Premium OA
    Thread Starter
       #8

    My Win7 Pro disk is a Dell OEM disk....I do not have the original Acer Win7 Home disk nor a MS Win7 disk. I can save all my files and settings, and do a clean install with Win7 Pro 32bit, but then I lose all the programs installed. That's what I am trying to avoid....but looks like that may be my only option. Frustrating, because I know there must be a rather simple solution to not being able to open syatem programs like Control Panel, My Computer, etc.. All my third party programs open and work fine.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 6,668
    Windows 7 x64
       #9

    You should be able to use any win 7 64bit disk to do your repair. So long as you have a valid key you shouldn't run into any problems. Do you have a friend or anyone you could possibly borrow a disk from just to run the repair?
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 16
    Windows 7 Home Premium OA
    Thread Starter
       #10

    Thanks. I will look around tomorrow and see if I can find someone with a 64bit Win7 disk. I agree that would be the best bet at this point. Was just hoping to find a "repair" solution of the explorer.exe without a reinstall. I do appreciate the responses, and will get back tomorrow with my results. Thanks.
      My Computer


 
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