cannot open file

[wiin]

I turn on my computer(not the one I'm using to write this) and my startup program
cannot be opened due to .lnk(LNK) extension. I don't know how but all my files/applications ended up with the .lnk extension. So I thought I would just restore my computer to a previous state but I can't because msconfig is also infected with the .lnk extension. I googled .lnk but no luck. Same thing goes with microsoft.

What is this .lnk extension and how do I revert my computer to its previous state.
Please help and thanks in advance.

 

[MrChad]

.lnk files are just shortcuts. Most of the icons in your Start Menu and on your desktop are .lnk files that point to executables, usually buried somewhere in your Program Files folder.

 

[wiin]

Microsoft says the same thing but offered no solution. Why is the shortcut not working?
I get the"Windows cannot open this file" on everything.

 

[MrChad]

Hmm, if you right click the shortcut and go to Properties, you should see the target file's location under the General tab. See if you can browse to that location in My Computer.

 

[wiin]

I can go to the location of the apps in My Computer but i still get a "window cannot open this file" message.

I searched further on this matter at microsoft.com. It seem, if i understood it correctly, the problem is due to .lnk association either missing, incorrect or corrupted. Microsoft suggest making changes to the registry but I can't even get to the Registry. I get a"windows cannot open this file" message.

Any other suggestion other than reformatting the hd?

Thanks.

 

[imported_Phil]

I assume you've tried a virus scan of some sort?

http://www.ravantivirus.com

Also, boot into Safe Mode and use System Restore to sort things out. Unless you turned that particularly useful service off....

 

[corkyg]

It could simply be a corrupted link file. Delete it and create a new one.

Link

 

[wiin]

Thanks for responding guys. Took care of it already.