A sort of "Open With" problem on my computer

A few days ago my computer randomly started coming up with the "open with" box every time I try to open a program.
I don't know if it is relevant at all, but just before it started my brother messed with my windows account (changing my name, destroying my password, removing my admin rights etc.) and since then all users have experienced this problem...
Is there any way I can fix this problem or am I going to have to reformat my computer?

 

First, is your brother still alive? Similar thing happened to me, but was not a malicious thing. Ed, my SO, liked to sit on the phone in front of my computer and "click" on anything clickable. I would oft come home to the BSOD. Yes, he still has fingers.

On to your problem. I would like to say that reformatting is like the last resort if the fix can be done. Hint: I keep my Windows Explorer icon on my desktop for easy access. I would to into WE, click on tools/folder options/file types, this is where you will find your program file associations/opens with. You can change them back to what they were using the edit function. As far as your admin rights, I don't know how to change that back. Never had to deal with that, but I am sure if no one in here knows, which is doubtful, there will be a page on Microsoft's site about this.

Jann
Hope this helps a little and you won't have to reformat. I can reformat in my sleep!!

 

thank you for the quick response, and my brother is still alive haha.

unfortunately the solution you posted didn't work. The problem isn't with specific file types, it's with programs (such as msn messenger, firefox, install files etc.)

I forgot to mention earlier i already got my admit rights back and now im just trying to fix this problem...

 

Someone correct me if I am wrong, but it sounds like you need to reinstall your programs. I haven't reinstalled my Messenger yet so I can't tell you where to look for that.

Every program installs a .dll that .exe looks for. (that is the simple explanation) Reinstalling those programs is still far better than reformatting. Make sure you go into the Control Panel and uninstall those programs. Not all at once, but as you reinstall each one. Some times if you leave them, a new install will not work. (trust me, advice I give is personal experience) Just make sure if there are any user names or passwords involved, copy them down somewhere.

Jann

 

Hi Peterdea

I'd like to see a log that will show not only any file association problems, but a few other things that might give us some clues as to how to proceed. Download Deckard's System Scanner (dss.exe) and save it to your desktop.

• Close all applications and windows.
• Double click on dss.exe to run it and follow the prompts.
• When the scan is complete, two text files will open; main.txt, which will be maximized and extra.txt, which will be minimized.

Post the contents of main.txt only for now.

 

I am finally home. I am downloading that app. And I will post the main.txt when I am through with the scan. However, I now know what is up. Explaining it may take a bit. Windows, for some reason known only to MS, will put that placeholder in the corner of a picture that isn't loaded. BUT if you right click on the picture, choose "show picture" from the drop-down menu, the picture loads. For some reason, I can't copy that icon here.

I have been at my daughter's this weekend and she has Vista. Vista uses this same placeholder only an updated version. And puts that place holder on pictures that have YET to load. For instance, I go to Explore, click on a folder full of pictures, and as they load, that placeholder will be on the thumbnail until the picture loads.

My file associations are all okay. I do believe this is a glitch within Windows when it comes to loading pictures in Outlook and IE.

Jann