When i try to run disk defrag. I get this message..Windows cannot open file. To open this file windows needs to know what created it. I was messing with the registry the other day, but i am pretty sure i did not delete anything. I have looked under the registry under defrag path and it say default reg_expand_sz %sytemroot%\system32\dfrg.msc%c: I am not really sure what i am talking about. Let me know if you guys know how to get this running again. Thanks Marty

Marty: If all else fails, you should be able to pull up the defragmenter with a run command. It's in System 32. Solarian

When 'messing'in the registry, 'pretty sure' isn't good enough. If you're really missing something sfc /scannow in the Run box, with the XP CD in the drive, might help. (Although if you have an OEM XP and only recovery disks, I don't why it can't retrieve files from the cab files. Maybe it can.)

Are you saying to go to run and type in dfrg.msc? I tried that and it does not work. I may be missing something from your post. But when i do try to open disk frag. i can select a program to open it up with. I have no clue to what that would be. Thanks for the fast response, let me know what else you think or if misunderstoos you. Thanks Marty

salgolf: Good advice. Unless, like me, he's got an OEM version of XP with no recovery disks (backup for operating system is on another partition in hard drive). If so, he may have to do a non-destructive recovery. Of course, there's an easier way. Simply download a free version of DiskKeeper. They make XP's defragmenter for Microsoft, plus it's a lost quicker. 8-) Solarian

I have a e-machine computer. I have restore disks. Will this work?

Marty: You typed in CMD, then defrag.msc and the defragmenter did not come up? What happens if you just type CMD , the defrag by itself? A list of commands should appear. The run command CMD, defrag -f (note the space) should force a defrag. Solarian