Programs not working on XP SP2!

[Guest buli]

Yes ,all the program shortcuts on my desktop/start menu are not

working.For some strange reason Firefox is working!

It seems the main reason why i am having this problem is that for some

unknown reason the Program Files folder has disepeared from dics C!!

It was either deleted ,or somehow it disepeared.I tried "sfc /

scannow" ,during which process it asked for the XP disk and i inserted

the cd ,the process was finished but "program files" still does not

appear.I Defraged the disk,i tried System Restore but no luck at all.I

tried to create a new folder on disc C named Program Files ,but i am

not able to name it like that.Windows is not allowing me.

I also tried to install new programs but i am getting the error the

"c:/programfiles" can not be recreated.

What should i do next?

I believe a system repair will fix the problem,but i want to know if

there is any easier way to fix this problem.

 

Thanks to anyone who can help.

[Guest Graham Anderson]

RE: Programs not working on XP SP2!

 

"buli" wrote:

>I

> tried to create a new folder on disc C named Program Files ,but i am

> not able to name it like that.Windows is not allowing me.

 

Why not? What message do you get when you try this?

[Guest HeyBub]

Re: Programs not working on XP SP2!

 

buli wrote:

> Yes ,all the program shortcuts on my desktop/start menu are not

> working.For some strange reason Firefox is working!

> It seems the main reason why i am having this problem is that for some

> unknown reason the Program Files folder has disepeared from dics C!!

> It was either deleted ,or somehow it disepeared.I tried "sfc /

> scannow" ,during which process it asked for the XP disk and i inserted

> the cd ,the process was finished but "program files" still does not

> appear.I Defraged the disk,i tried System Restore but no luck at all.I

> tried to create a new folder on disc C named Program Files ,but i am

> not able to name it like that.Windows is not allowing me.

> I also tried to install new programs but i am getting the error the

> "c:/programfiles" can not be recreated.

> What should i do next?

> I believe a system repair will fix the problem,but i want to know if

> there is any easier way to fix this problem.

>

> Thanks to anyone who can help.

 

What is the problem?

 

You can't create a folder named C:\Program Files because a folder by that

name already exists.

 

Your inability to see such a folder is another issue entirely.

 

Open a command prompt and type "DIR C:\Program Files" See? It's there.

[Guest buli]

Re: Programs not working on XP SP2!

 

the problem is that i can not create a folder on disc C named Program

Files.When i name the new folder to Program Files ,a window opens

which says: " the c:/ folder does not exist do you want to create

it?" ,i click yes and absolutely nothing happens.When i click No that

windows closes

[Guest buli]

Re: Programs not working on XP SP2!

 

On Mar 5, 5:00 am, "HeyBub" <hey...@gmail.com> wrote:

> buli wrote:

> > Yes ,all the program shortcuts on my desktop/start menu are not

> > working.For some strange reason Firefox is working!

> > It seems the main reason why i am having this problem is that for some

> > unknown reason the Program Files folder has disepeared from dics C!!

> > It was either deleted ,or somehow it disepeared.I tried "sfc /

> > scannow" ,during which process it asked for the XP disk and i inserted

> > the cd ,the process was finished but "program files" still does not

> > appear.I Defraged the disk,i tried System Restore but no luck at all.I

> > tried to create a new folder on disc C named Program Files ,but i am

> > not able to name it like that.Windows is not allowing me.

> > I also tried to install new programs but i am getting the error the

> > "c:/programfiles" can not be recreated.

> > What should i do next?

> > I believe a system repair will fix the problem,but i want to know if

> > there is any easier way to fix this problem.

>

> > Thanks to anyone who can help.

>

> What is the problem?

>

> You can't create a folder named C:\Program Files because a folder by that

> name already exists.

>

> Your inability to see such a folder is another issue entirely.

>

> Open a command prompt and type "DIR C:\Program Files" See? It's there.

 

I tried that command but i am getting the "windows cannot find..."

[Guest PD43]

Re: Programs not working on XP SP2!

 

buli <bujar.re@gmail.com> wrote:

>> Open a command prompt and type "DIR C:\Program Files" See? It's there.

>

>I tried that command but i am getting the "windows cannot find..."

 

That's because you were given bad instructions.

 

When you open up the command prompt, do:

 

cd c:\

 

and hit your ENTER key.

 

Then do:

 

dir /p

 

That causes the displayed listing to pause when it fills a screen. To

see the next screen full, tap any key.

 

Look for "Program Files" after each pause.

[Guest buli]

Re: Programs not working on XP SP2!

 

On Mar 5, 11:34 am, PD43 <pauld1...@comcast.net> wrote:

> buli <bujar...@gmail.com> wrote:

> >> Open a command prompt and type "DIR C:\Program Files" See? It's there.

>

> >I tried that command but i am getting the "windows cannot find..."

>

> That's because you were given bad instructions.

>

> When you open up the command prompt, do:

>

> cd c:\

>

> and hit your ENTER key.

>

> Then do:

>

> dir /p

>

> That causes the displayed listing to pause when it fills a screen. To

> see the next screen full, tap any key.

>

> Look for "Program Files" after each pause.

 

I did this ,but Program Files does not apear on that DOS page.

[Guest Bob I]

Re: Programs not working on XP SP2!

 

 

 

buli wrote:

> On Mar 5, 11:34 am, PD43 <pauld1...@comcast.net> wrote:

>

>>buli <bujar...@gmail.com> wrote:

>>

>>>>Open a command prompt and type "DIR C:\Program Files" See? It's there.

>>

>>>I tried that command but i am getting the "windows cannot find..."

>>

>>That's because you were given bad instructions.

>>

>>When you open up the command prompt, do:

>>

>>cd c:\

>>

>>and hit your ENTER key.

>>

>>Then do:

>>

>>dir /p

>>

>>That causes the displayed listing to pause when it fills a screen. To

>>see the next screen full, tap any key.

>>

>>Look for "Program Files" after each pause.

>

>

> I did this ,but Program Files does not apear on that DOS page.

 

Then perhaps, try this instead at the "C:" command prompt

 

ATTRIB *.* | MORE

[Guest PD43]

Re: Programs not working on XP SP2!

 

Bob I <birelan@yahoo.com> wrote:

>>>Look for "Program Files" after each pause.

>>

>>

>> I did this ,but Program Files does not apear on that DOS page.

>

>Then perhaps, try this instead at the "C:" command prompt

>

>ATTRIB *.* | MORE

 

I think this guy's in BEEG trouble.

 

If "Program Files" was hidden, the links to programs in the directory

should still work, right?

[Guest Bob I]

Re: Programs not working on XP SP2!

 

 

 

PD43 wrote:

> Bob I <birelan@yahoo.com> wrote:

>

>

>>>>Look for "Program Files" after each pause.

>>>

>>>

>>>I did this ,but Program Files does not apear on that DOS page.

>>

>>Then perhaps, try this instead at the "C:" command prompt

>>

>>ATTRIB *.* | MORE

>

>

> I think this guy's in BEEG trouble.

>

> If "Program Files" was hidden, the links to programs in the directory

> should still work, right?

 

Should, unless whatever "bit" him changed more than the attributes!

[Guest Elmo]

Re: Programs not working on XP SP2!

 

buli wrote:

> On Mar 5, 11:34 am, PD43 <pauld1...@comcast.net> wrote:

>> buli <bujar...@gmail.com> wrote:

>>>> Open a command prompt and type "DIR C:\Program Files" See? It's there.

>>> I tried that command but i am getting the "windows cannot find..."

>> That's because you were given bad instructions.

>>

>> When you open up the command prompt, do:

>>

>> cd c:\

>>

>> and hit your ENTER key.

>>

>> Then do:

>>

>> dir /p

>>

>> That causes the displayed listing to pause when it fills a screen. To

>> see the next screen full, tap any key.

>>

>> Look for "Program Files" after each pause.

>

> I did this ,but Program Files does not appear on that DOS page.

 

Right-click the Firefox icon, click Properties, and see where Firefox is

stored. Click "Find Target" and see if the "C:\Program Files\Mozilla

Firefox\firefox.exe" folder is opened that way. That's where it's

located on my machine anyway.. If the folder opens, click the "Up" icon

and see what folder is displayed; it should be the C:\Program Files

folder, and that may be a way of getting to it.

 

--

Joe =o)

[Guest buli]

Re: Programs not working on XP SP2!

 

Ok ,here is what i am getting when i right-click on firefox ikon on

the desktop:

browse the interent

mozilla firefox option

mozilla firefos safe mode

send to

cut

copy

delete

rename

Strange i know! This is not what i am supposed to get ,but belive it

or not ,this is what's showing.

 

This is what i am getting when i search My Computer for Mozilla:

Name: Location:

mozilla firefox(Folder) C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start

Menu\Programs(i opened this folder and its completely empty)

mozilla.browser(ikon) C:\WINDOWS\Microsoft.NET\Framework

\v2.0.50727\CONFIG\Browsers(not opening)

 

 

This is what i am getting when i search My Computer for Firefox:

Name: Location:

FIREFOX.EXE-0B573C88.pf C:\WINDOWS\Prefetch(not opening)

FIREFOX.EXE-06188867.pf C:\WINDOWS\Prefetch(not opening)

[Guest PD43]

Re: Programs not working on XP SP2!

 

buli <bujar.re@gmail.com> wrote:

>Ok ,here is what i am getting when i right-click on firefox ikon on

>the desktop:

>browse the interent

>mozilla firefox option

>mozilla firefos safe mode

>send to

>cut

>copy

>delete

>rename

>Strange i know! This is not what i am supposed to get ,but belive it

>or not ,this is what's showing.

>

>This is what i am getting when i search My Computer for Mozilla:

>Name: Location:

>mozilla firefox(Folder) C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start

>Menu\Programs(i opened this folder and its completely empty)

>mozilla.browser(ikon) C:\WINDOWS\Microsoft.NET\Framework

>\v2.0.50727\CONFIG\Browsers(not opening)

 

You've somehow managed to delete your "Program Files" folder.

 

If you don't have a backup, you are SCREWED.

>

>This is what i am getting when i search My Computer for Firefox:

>Name: Location:

>FIREFOX.EXE-0B573C88.pf C:\WINDOWS\Prefetch(not opening)

>FIREFOX.EXE-06188867.pf C:\WINDOWS\Prefetch(not opening)

[Guest buli]

Re: Programs not working on XP SP2!

 

I know my program files folder has disepeared somehow,and i don't

really care for that.What i want to know is ,how to be able to install

program again? I can not create a folder named Program Files(as i said

above) ,and most of the programs do not allow you to choose another

folder to install them.Because i created a new folder on C named

Programe,and i was able to install CCleaner ,because this program has

the option which allows you to choose the folder where you want to

install it.

 

So to keep it short: How do i create a folder named Program Files on

disc C (because the original is gone)?

[Guest Shenan Stanley]

Re: Programs not working on XP SP2!

 

<snipped>

Entire Conversation:

http://groups.google.com/group/microsoft.public.windowsxp.general/browse_frm/thread/fefedc007600355d/dd293a6c42e8f779#dd293a6c42e8f779

 

 

 

buli wrote:

> I know my program files folder has disepeared somehow,and i don't

> really care for that.What i want to know is ,how to be able to

> install program again? I can not create a folder named Program

> Files(as i said above) ,and most of the programs do not allow you

> to choose another folder to install them.Because i created a new

> folder on C named Programe,and i was able to install CCleaner

> ,because this program has the option which allows you to choose the

> folder where you want to install it.

>

> So to keep it short: How do i create a folder named Program Files on

> disc C (because the original is gone)?

 

Format. Install XP fresh. Install your applications fresh.

 

Something has gone wrong with your system beyond the disappearance of the

"Program Files" folder - if it is actually gone. Since you cannot

troubleshoot it yourself - the best course of action is a complete wipe and

install anew - where you know you have a clean and functional system. I

would highly suggest following that up with a strict backup regime that

would include imaging the machine with the imaging application of your

choice to external media - so if something insane like this happens again,

you can restore the last image for the quickest recovery. That (on top of

an individual/personal file backup) will be your best bet against this in

the future.

 

If *you* were going to fix this, you would have by now. So, as I see it,

you either bite the bullet and (with your files backed up) format/install or

you take it to someone you will pay money to who will likely format and

install for you.

 

Sure - you could try a Repair Installation. You can continue trying to

create a Program Files directory (or to unhide the one that is there) - but

there is a point where you just have to make a drastic decision versus

continuing with a battle you are unlikely to win - even if you somehow get

what you think is missing "back". Something more serious has occurred than

just a folder going missing - that folder does *not* just contain the

applications you have installed - it is important to your system as well.

 

Backup your stuff (your documents, your favorites, your email, your

contacts, your pictures, etc) and rebuild that machine from scratch. If you

don't have the stuff you need to do that - too bad. You'll need to get it

and make sure that this time you keep copies of those things safe. It's a

hard lesson - and deep down you may believe there is a better way - and

perhaps with enough time and money - you might find that way - but given the

entirety of this thread so far - I don't believe you will get what you

really want *and* be confident that you haven't just masked the actual

problem (which would rear its ugly head again in the near future.)

 

If you want to try the repair install (Which would keep things releatively

intact - which they aren't now...):

 

How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

 

How to perform an in-place upgrade (reinstallation) of Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315341

 

For the clean install:

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html

 

Good luck.

 

--

Shenan Stanley

MS-MVP

--

How To Ask Questions The Smart Way

http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

[Guest Panic]

Re: Programs not working on XP SP2!

 

Have you tried doing it from the DOS prompt?

 

C:\WINDOWS\system32\cmd.exe

 

It should open at the root level C:\. type MD Program Files

 

"buli" <bujar.re@gmail.com> wrote in message

news:ffde09e8-48d4-47b7-8707-0e80b81f230b@x30g2000hsd.googlegroups.com...

>I know my program files folder has disepeared somehow,and i don't

> really care for that.What i want to know is ,how to be able to install

> program again? I can not create a folder named Program Files(as i said

> above) ,and most of the programs do not allow you to choose another

> folder to install them.Because i created a new folder on C named

> Programe,and i was able to install CCleaner ,because this program has

> the option which allows you to choose the folder where you want to

> install it.

>

> So to keep it short: How do i create a folder named Program Files on

> disc C (because the original is gone)?

[Guest Bill in Co.]

Re: Programs not working on XP SP2!

 

buli wrote:

> I know my program files folder has disepeared somehow,and i don't

> really care for that.

 

"You don't really care for that"??????? Come again?

If you deleted that folder, you are basically screwed, unless you have a

backup image or partition copy on another partition or disk.

[Guest buli]

Re: Programs not working on XP SP2!

 

Ok ,i reinstalled windows and the problem is gone now! :)

I couldent bother anymore,maybe there could have been an easier way

but i couldent wait .

I moved all my files/folders at disc D ant after the reinstallation, i

moved them back to C.

 

Thanks to anyone that helped