XP doesn't recognize .lnk files

Computer suddenly fails to act when I click on the desktop icons to start programs; error message says Windows doesn't know what they are. It did up to this point, however, most of the desktop icons are now the generic type, including the quickstart ones in the toolbar. Any ideas on what's happening and even better, how to fix it? I've tried restarting many times with no luck. Would try the restore function but XP won't follow that link either. Thanks!

 

Sounds like a malware problem.

Follow the directions here;
http://www.windowsbbs.com/showthread.php?t=37074

When done post the HijackThis log here;
http://www.windowsbbs.com/forumdisplay.php?f=41

 

It could also be that your .lnk file association has been lost. Download, unzip and run this Doug Knox reg file. It will restore the association.

 

Thanks for the ideas. Could be malware but the various scans I've done don't show it. Tried the Doug Knox download - XP can't follow the link to run the program so I'm stuck there too.


Found the fix: http://www.lavasoftsupport.com/index.php?showtopic=678

Turns out Ad Watch has a bug which causes all the .lnk and .exe files to fail. Not sure of all the tech details but the link has the fix.