[Have erased "Control Panel" from Windows XP Home with Win Shredder]

I have accidently completely erased the "Control Panel" from my Windows XP Home Edition with Win Shredder. I am still operating but with obvious limitations. Please Please Help.

 

You need to restore the computer to a previous date:

Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore, click "˜Restore my computer……’ and select a date before you removed Control Panel.

 

Thanks Evan. Ran sfc but no reports. Tried System Restore but still no Control Panel or associated files. Any other thoughts?

 

Can you use any of these from the run command?

 

All are running with the exception of: desk.cpl findfast.cpl * folders * fonts ncpl.cpl
password.cpl * printers sticpl.cpl tweakui.cpl

 

I've never used WinShredder. Does it have an "un-do" option or a way to make the CP show again? If those .cpl commands are mostly working, the CP is still there, just hiding.
Johanna

 

Unfortunately winshredder firstly overwrites then totally deletes the chosen subject. Don't think I'm going to have much luck. I can't run the XP disc again because it was pre loaded on purchase of the computer, Packard Bell iextreme. Keep thinking. Thankyou.

 

Can you back up your data and profile and do a factory restore? Sometimes the OEMs build that in- look in your start> all programs for any manufacturer's recovery options. are on small hidden partitions. If you can boot with an XP cd of the same flavor, you might be able to do a "repair ", but I would make sure every bit of data is backed up first. Can you call the manufacturer and request a cd to do a factory restore if the option isn't on your hard drive already? Just thinking out loud, trying to help.
Johanna

 

When in "windows explorer" do you see "control panel" folder listed in the list view of left side pane?

Have you tried logging in as different user?

How many ways (via paths or methods) have you tried to access and open control panel?

Any errors or messages when doing so?

 

Barrie

No sign of Control Panel anywhere. Tried logging on as new user in MSN but nothing. CP gone walkabout.

 

Hello again barre,

Suggestions below maybe just "spinning the wheels while standing in place ". Johanna's post #10 maybe where we're headed but these options will always be there, although her advice of, "backing up data you wish to keep ", is a really good idea at this point. Particularly when things are going sour. That being said, I have posted the information below in an effort to explore other possibilities before facing a restore/reinstall particularily OEM (which may not allow for a repair option). I've got to admit I'm just tossing things out there and hoping for one of those windows "miracle/magic" unexplained cures that often occur on a reboot. I didn't even know it was possible to delete the "Control Panel" and quite frankly don't thoroughly understand how this was possible. It's definitely got me scratching my head.

http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm
try:
#256
#299
#395

Assuming your using xp style theme [Luna] rather than classic....
Some other possibilities:

1]add an expanded control panel with "expanded menu ", to startbutton programs menu:
*right click taskbar
*select properties
*select start menu tab
*click customize button
*select advanced tab
*in category "control panel" select "display as menu

2]See if a control panel icon is posiible when clicking the "my computer" icon on desktop.
To allow this:
*double click My Computer icon on desktop
*select tools fom top menubar
*select folder options
*select view tab
*Near the bottom of the list of options is a setting to "show control panel in "my computer ". Make sure this is checked.

3]-------work arounds just to maintain functionability-----------
While trying to figure out how to fix this and return the control panel you may find these ideas helpful. Not ideal but a substitute is better than nothing.

In the mean time you may find this useful for opening things [cpl's] you need access to:
http://vlaurie.com/computers2/Articles/control.htm

Try a control panel substitute? 3rd party but free and worth a shot.
http://pcworld.about.com/gi/dynamic...rld.com/howto/article/0,aid,97440,pg,3,00.asp

Make you own:
http://pcworld.about.com/magazine/2007p156id97440.htm
See the section entitled, "The made-from-scratch approach "

 

hellllooo.....

Where are you?

One more simple question?
Don't know why I didn't ask this before, but what happens when you go to the startmenu run line and type in control.exe ?

 

Good hit Ann that is probably it!

Copy the line below, this will find all copies of it

attrib c:\control.* /s > "%USERPROFILE% "\Desktop\control.txt

Then
Start-Run
type
cmd
enter

In the black command screen paste the above line. Then hit enter.

Wait a couple of minutes for it to search and it will put a new file on the Desktop, "control.txt ".

Once the file is on the Desktop you may close the CMD screen.

Open copy the contents of this file and post back to us.

Also Ann meant for you to log on to Windows under a different Windows logon. I don't think logging in to MSN is what she meant.

You should boot to Safe Mode Administrator account and see if Control panel is missing there.

How to boot Safe Mode: http://pcsupport.about.com/od/fixtheproblem/ss/safemodexp.htm

Mike

 

Barrie

Thankyou Ann & John,
Am currently trying all of your suggestions and will come back to you.