This problem started when I tried to install my Norton AntiVirus 2006. Upon what seemed to be successful installation, I got a barrage of errors, the last error telling me to reboot my PC, which of course I complied too. After rebooting my PC, all of my files on my PC except AOL/Mozilla are marked as .LNK Over the past week or so, i've had this problem, i've tried using the EXE/LNK/VBS/and .Zip file association fixes. None of which work because I cannot open .reg files meaning I can't get to a point where I can select merge. When I open command prompt and type in REGEDIT.EXE, it successfully opens regedit, but when I attempt to import any of the .reg fix files, it errors and says "Not all data was written successfully, some keys are open by the system or other processes". I've tried closing every window open etc to see if the error would stop but it didn't. One thing I haven't been able to attempt is creating new file type associations. I can go as far as Tools -> Folder Options -> File Types, however I cannot choose the 'New' button, or any other button there for the most part including New/Delete/Change/Advanced. The buttons are blank/unselectable. Anyone have any solutions? -- I've tried almost everything that's been mentioned around the forums except this, so i'm pretty desperate seeing as I have but a few choices left. And hard drive reformation isn't an option since my XP Boot Disks are lost, and I have no way of paying $200.00 for new ones atm. Any help that can possibly be given that I have not tried yet would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Jaybe, Go to the link below and download the Fixswen.inf file. Save the fixswen.inf file to your local hard disk, right-click on the file and choose install. If you can't access the Internet with the problem computer use another computer and download it to a floppy disk or CD then transfer the Fixswen.inf file to the problem computer and right click it and choose install. Fixswen Tool Hopefully your inf file association isn't hosed. Tufenuf

Unfortunately, it seems my inf association is infact hosed. When I click on the link you provided, and select the Fixswen.inf file from the directory listed, it simply opens the file in an IE window rather than letting me save it. I am planning on going to my local library in a few mins, do you believe if perhaps I re-download the EXE/LNK/VBS file association fixes and the Fixswen.inf file just to be sure to a few floppy disks, that perhaps I can use them on this PC? Or do you think that once I put the floppy disk into this PC that it won't be able to recognize the .reg and .inf file(s)?

Jaybe, Have you tried a System Restore to the closest date prior to when this peoblem started? You may want to try it in Safe mode by following the instructions at the link below. How Do I Perform A System Restore From The Safe Mode With Command Prompt Option As to your last paragraph in your Respnse Number 2 it wouldn't hurt to try it. Keep us posted. Tufenuf

Well, before I leave out the door to go to the library, let me respond by saying that System Restore was actually one of the first things I tried. I tried it via command prompt, control panel, start -> all programs -> acessories -> system tools -> system restore, and safe mode w/ command prompt. The result is that the actual window for System Restore opens but the window is completly blank (white) like an empty wordpad document. But I know it's System Restore, because it says so in the top-upper left of the window. I thought that perhaps it was lag and that if I left it open it would load, but it never did, it simply remained blank. I appreciate the advice given so far, I just wish I would never have installed Norton 06 in the first place. Ah well, i'm off to the library now, i'll be back in about 30mins - 1hr with an update. Thanks

norton anti virus may not be the problem, however if you are infected prior to yhe installation, it can be a big problem. in nortons website it will allow you to a free scan before installation, however that maybe too late now. as the previous writer, you need to get to the restore function, just click START, select all programs, select accessories, system tools and system restore. go back to a date before you had a successful boot. my question is: what prompted you to install Norton? if you operated your PC without a virus protection and a firewall and a few other defences for a period of time, will create a problem resolving with any virus program.i hope that system restore will work for you, otherwise you know what you need to do next ;-( (arrow127)

See if the following will work in safe mode w/ command prompt ?? Several dialog boxes are blank(eg. Search Companion•User Accounts•Windows Update•Help and Support•System Restore) Several dialog boxes are blank