NetMeeting took over WordPad program - How to Uninstall

"Find Now" tells me that Wordpad.exe cannot be found.
The file extensions would be mostly .doc, a few .rtf, and very few jpg. I located one of the documents and tried to OPEN WITH "Wordpad". The same message said WORDPAD.EXE cannot be found. I tried other options on the OPEN WITH menu but had no luck.

I found the NetMeeting folders at C:\ProgramFiles\ NetMeeting\CONF.EXE. NetMeeting Properties show the MS-DOS NAME as WORDPAD.LNK. When I clicked on the individual NetMeeting folders, they opened with the a box called "NetMeeting - Not in a Call".
This program also has something called "whiteboard". I tried to open a document in that "wb32" folder; it opened the whiteboard (looks like a Paint Program box) but again the message WORDPAD.EXE cannot be found popped up.

I followed Microsoft's Uninstall suggestions through Start>Run to get to the %SystemRoot%\System32\ command, but was told the program doesn't exist - but it's there, I saw the files.

Would it work to "Delete" those files from within that C:\ProgramFiles\NetMeeting\CONF.EXE page?

If it is necessary to extract Wordpad.exe from C\Windows\Options\Cabs, which folder name would it be in. The choices are:
Essolo/Essswt/Html32.cnv/Oemsetup/Snmp/Hhctl.ocx/ and Hh with a Question Mark icon. How do I perform the extraction?
Thanks, Grif. Feel better knowing someone is there to
help with suggestions.

Lillian

According to the link below, on Windows 98 SE, the Wordpad.exe file resides in the "Win98_47.cab" file.

Windows 98 Second Edition CD-ROM Directory Listing (9 of 14)

IF all of the Windows 98 cab files were installed in the "C\Windows\OPtions\CAB folder, you should be able to double click on the "Win98_47.cab" file to open it, then EXTRACT the "Wordpad.exe" file to the C\Program Files\Accessories folder (I think) where it belongs.

Here are some other instructions for extracting Windows CAB files:

HOW TO: Extract Original Compressed Windows Files

If you don't have all of the CAB files installed in the C\Windows\Options\CAB folder, then you'll need to extract the file from a Windows 98 SE CD, OR you could make a copy of one from another Win 98 computer and place it on your's.
_____________

In regards to uninstalling Netmeeting, I would try to uninstall it per the instructions that you have. Here are some additional links that might help:

267958 - How To Remove and then Reinstall NetMeeting

Uninstall Does Not Remove the NetMeeting Folder

Hope this helps.

Grif

I located the Win98_47.cab file (wordpad.exe) hidden in WinZip, extracted it to C:\ProgramFiles\Accessories.
The wordpad icon did not appear but one named SYNCHRONIZE was there. It opened to a box that offered to synchronize Web Folders.
I extracted wordpad.exe again but to Desktop instead where the proper document icon appeared, and it opened up a new blank page. However, when I opened several of my document files, some of the page was text, but the rest was gibberish. I checked the Properties, and none were checked Read-Only, but there was a check beside Archives. Removing that check mark didn't change the gibberish. How can I correct the text problem Grif? The .jpg files opened with no problems.

I tried the uninstall on #267958 but didn't know where to find the Msnetmtg.Inf file. No file by that name was in the NetMeeting folder I found at C:\ProgramFiles\NetMeeting.CONF.EXE.
I tried Start > Run anyway and typed in the long command carefully but was told it could not be found.
Is there a secret place that the Msnetmtg.Inf file might be?

We're getting there, thanks.

....the Wordpad.exe file from your Desktop to the C\Program Files\Accessories folder. That should correct things so you can access the program from your Start Menu shortcuts.

In addition, you mentioned that you had a variety of documents that you opened with Wordpad. Unfortunately, not all of the file types that you listed will open correctly with Wordpad. For example, the "gibberish" you are seeing is most likely on those files which have a .doc file extension. That particular file extension will only open correctly with other programs such as Microsoft Word or OpenOffice, etc. Wordpad will attempt to open the file, but won't be able to decode the entire file correctly, therefore some of it will be computer garbage. Wordpad can correctly open most .rtf files (Rich Text) or .txt files.

Likewise, .jpg files don't open with Wordpad either. They're default openers are other programs and you can reassociate them using the link below:

How To Reassociate Default Picture Viewers

Have you done a search on your computer for the "Msnetmtg.Inf" file name? It should tell you if the file is installed. (Because many .inf files can be "hidden" files, make sure that you are displaying "All Files" by opening Windows Explorer, clicking on "View" in the upper left, choose "Folder Options", then click on the "View" tab, then select the "Show All files" box and UNCHECK the "Hide protected operating system files", then click on "Apply", then OK. I think...) Now do the search.

Hope this helps.

Grif

Grif, in my ignorance I misled you about opening my text documents in Wordpad. They actually come from C:\MyDocuments but are accessible from any Wordpad page. I'm very sorry for that.
I've created many text documents, saved them to C:\MyDocuments, reopened them to view/edit/save with no problem....and I've never had Microsoft Word or OpenOffice. Why should either be necessary now?

During a computer checkup in August, the technician must have added OpenOffice.org1.1.2 without my knowledge. The date shown is the day he had my computer. It doesn't show anywhere as an icon to use it, but with the "Show All Files" correction you suggested, I've just seen it listed as a Program File! However, I've created/edited documents since he installed OfficeOrg without problems. Could it now be causing this gibberish problem and not NetMeeting, although it was NetMeeting that got rid of Wordpad.exe.

A search for Msnetmtg.Inf produced one entry. "Properties" shows it is in folder C:\WINDOWS.INF and refers to SetUp Information. However, a search with Windows Explorer shows a full set of NetMeeting files under C:\ProgramFiles\NetMeeting but I don't see anything that suggests ".inf" or "setup information" in the list. Would a complete deletion of ALL references to NetMeeting return My Documents back to plain old text for me?

Incidentally I had downloaded MS Office Power Point Viewer 2003 recently but am told that it is inaccessible or removed. I thought it might be necessary to read a few text documents other people send to me from a MS Word program.

In W.Explorer, the Microsoft Shared folder has 3 TEXTconv. files. Would they be converting the text to gibberish? They are named Html32.cnv / Html32.qfe / Msconv97.qfe.

I always learn something new from your replies and do appreciate that, thank you.

After your last post, which lists a number of other programs which seem to have disappeared (OpenOffice and Powerpoint Viewer), you may have a bigger problem than just the loss of Wordpad. Because of the variety of damaged files, you may need to reinstall the operating system in order to recover all that's been lost. Before doing that, please use the following instructions to check for "malware":

If you haven't already, please one a free online virus scan using the link below:

Housecall Online Scanner

After that, please download, install, update, then run the free spyware removal tools below:

Ad-Aware">http://www.lavasoftusa.com/support/download/]Ad-Aware

Grif, thanks for clarifying the extensions in Wordpad. Now I understand better. The .DOC extension is what I see when I click the Properties of any document "I've" made, not received. It shows the MS-DOS name: "TITLE~1.DOC" which is why I thought they were .doc files. Also when I am in Wordpad and click to open a document, it shows at the bottom...."Files of Type: Word for Windows (*.doc)". I tried changing that to "All Documents (*.*)" but nothing changed the gibberish.

My W98 2nd ed. was uninstalled and reinstalled on 27 Aug 04. OpenOffice was installed by the technician that day. I never knew it was on my computer so couldn't have used it. I typed hundreds of documents both BEFORE, and many AFTER, 27 Aug with no problems. The gibberish problem started the day NetMeeting was installed on Sept. 7th and removed the Wordpad.exe. But I have that back now, thanks to you.

I have Norton AV 2004 and do a full scan weekly, disk defrag and scandisk regularly. A defrag and virus scan were done two days ago. I also ran my SpyBot S&D three days ago, but nothing major was detected. I will consider adding Ad-Aware too as a precaution.

A download of MICROSOFT 'OFFICE' POWERPOINT VIEWER 2003 was offered at MS...not Microsoft WORD Viewer. MS Office PPViewer isn't on the Add/Remove Programs list. An Explorer search under C:\WINDOWS shows an empty "msdownload.tmp folder"; something called "Powerpnt l kb type:configuration setting" (about movies/sound), and the "Powerpnt shortcut" on the start menu. When I click the shortcut, I'm told PP Viewer can't be "accessed or found" .

How could a PP Viewer (which doesn't appear to be installed) have anything to do with documents I create myself from Wordpad? I rarely get documents from other people to be opened but downloaded the viewer just in case.
I asked about Microsoft Word at a computer store but was told it only comes now packaged with other stuff, and it costs way too much. Right now I need a viewer that will change my own documents so I can read them.

Last night, I did the Housecall Online Scanner thank you - Results: No problems. I did another Spybot S&D scan - results ONE: DSO Exploit, now fixed by Spybot. It was named HKEY_USERS\ DEFAULTS\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ InternetSettings\Zones\0\1004!=. A Google search suggests it is a bug in Spybot but hasn't yet been corrected by them, that a Microsoft patch has already taken care of the DSO Exploit problem. I try to keep everything on the computer up-to-date.

First, download and install the free Microsoft Word Viewer from the link below. It will allow you to open and read the .doc files correctly BUT it won't allow you to edit the .doc documents:

Word 97/2000 Viewer (Windows 95/98/NT/2000)

After that, make sure to copy and paste the Wordpad.exe file that you found before to the "C\Program Files\Accessories" folder as mentioned previously. You should then be able to open it in the normal manner and can view, create, and edit various documents.

Hope this helps.

Grif

Thank you Grif. Word 97/2000 Viewer has enabled to at least view my documents correctly now. Many, many thanks! Wordpad.exe is in a WinZip folder. But when I copy/pasted this before, I highlighted the wordpad.exe name and extracted it. But it refused to go on the C:\ProgramFiles\Accessories list. The icon turned into "SYNCHRONIZE" (re Web Folders). Eventually I got the WP icon onto my desktop where I can now use it.

This obviously isn't good enough to make the Viewer and WordPad work together. I cannot edit it yet. Word 97/2000 Viewer says it can't find an editor. I guess the "desktop WP icon" isn't good enough, huh?

I'll try again, but can you tell me the correct routine to copy/paste from a list of winzip files and actually get it included on the C:\ProgramFiles\Accessories list? WinZip is necessary but not my favourite program. I like "simple". I must have done it wrong the first time. And, don't yell at me, but there is no longer a W98_47 listed in the W98 folder. I didn't touch it except to double-click to open it, I swear, Grif. But I still see wordpad.exe listed on that WinZip archive.

I feel so stupid today.

..simply copy the Wordpad.exe file from your desktop to the "C\Programs\Accessories" folder.(RIGHT click on the "Wordpad.exe" file on your desktop, choose "copy", then double click on "My Computer" on your desktop, double click on the "C" drive icon, double click on the "Program Files" folder, then RIGHT click directly on the "Accessories" folder, choose "Paste".) The Wordpad.exe file will be copied to the new location. There will be a copy in both places and you should be able to open Wordpad by clicking on Start-Programs-Accessories-Wordpad. If it works correctly now, you can delete the Wordpad.exe file from your desktop. It's no longer needed. Unfortunately, as I've described before, Wordpad.exe DOES NOT allow you to correctly edit .doc files. And I have no idea which program you used before which allowed you to edit the .doc files.

In regards to the CAB file, my guess is that you inadvertantly moved the Win98_47.cab" file/folder to a different location, maybe to the WinZip folder. You'll need to find it by doing a search/find for the name above. You should be able to simply drag it back to the correct location once it's found.

Hope this helps.

Grif

Think I'll just give up now, Grif. The copy/paste routine was tried three times exactly as recommended but refused to become an icon/link on the C:\ProgramFiles\Accessories list. I checked out the Windows folders contents and saw not only two shortcut attempts but the wordpad.exe in there. The WordPad link didn't want to be there with a copy/paste routine. It wouldn't allow a drop/drag either! After fiddling, some box popped up that allowed me to finally get the wordpad.exe as a link onto the Programs list. But that link doesn't work with the Word 97/2000 Viewer. I guess it needs Microsoft's actual WORD program.

Now that I can at least read these documents in the 97/2000 Viewer, I can copy/paste each one to a blank WordPad form, rename/save it, then return to delete the gibberish copy. A bit tedious for so many hundreds of documents, but at least I can now view them, thanks to you.

It was worth the frustration as I found the winzipped W98_47 icon inside the Accessories folder. Managed to get it back into the W98 folder on C:\ where it came from.

You've been very kind with your patience and suggestions, Grif, and I do appreciate it.

The instructions that I gave you to copy and paste the "wordpad.exe" program file (not a shortcut) into the "C\Program Files\Accessories" FOLDER doesn't cause a shortcut to be placed in the Start Menu. Apparently it's also missing from the Start button-Programs-Accessories LIST? Is that correct?

If that's the case, then you'll need to take some further steps. First, do a search/find for the program file named "Wordpad.exe". IF you followed my procedures correctly earlier, you should find one on your desktop AND in the "C\Program Files\Accessories" FOLDER. When it appears in the search window, RIGHT click on the one listed in the C\Program Files\Accessories folder, choose "Create Shortcut", and it will tell you that it will place the shortcut on the desktop. Select Ok/Yes. Now close the search window and you should have a shortcut to the Wordpad.exe program file on your desktop. Now double click on "My Computer" on the desktop, double click on the C" drive icon, double click on the "Windows" folder, double click on the "Start Menu" folder, double click on the "Programs" folder, then RIGHT click directly on the "Accessories" folder, choose "Paste". This should place a shortcut to the Wordpad.exe document in your Start Menu.

Hope this helps.

Grif

Grif, been away, sorry. I call anything I see on the Accessories list a "shortcut". Guess that's wrong, eh?
When I right-click the Wordpad icon on the Accessories list, its Properties show: C:\ProgramFiles\Accessories\wordpad.exe (same with the wordpad icon still sitting on my desktop). So I think I must have followed your instructions okay.

I'm still slowly copy/pasting the gibberish documents from the MS 97/2000 Viewer page into new Wordpad pages. That gets them back to where I can read and use them, thanks to you.

Three questions:
(1) IF I install MS Word 2000, will I be able to access My Documents folder directly from that program like I can when working in WordPad?
(2) Will the gibberish documents now be readable in MS Word 2000 WITHOUT having to copy/paste them using the MS 97/2000 Word Viewer?
(3) If the answer to (2) is YES, can I uninstall the MS 97/2000 Viewer, or will I still need it to read Word documents from other people?

Thanks for your patience.

Lillian,

If you're going to install Word 2000, you SHOULD uninstall the Word Viewer first. Sometimes "mixups" on which program is supposed to associate itself with .doc files will occur if you don't uninstall the "Viewer" first. After installing MS Word 2000, you will no longer need to copy and paste the information from the .doc files. Word 2000 will allow you to read, edit, and create .doc files, .rtf files, as well as a few others. In addition, opening Word allows you to access the "My Documents" folder directly as you would like, or if you want to do it like I do, I simply open the "My Documents" folder, then double click on the file that I want to open. It's your choice.

Hope this helps.

Grif

Grif, installing wordpad.exe on the Programs\Accessories List didn't change the gibberish text in My Documents folder. My concern is that I don't wish to install Word 2000 if it won't make those gibberish files inside My Documents folder suddenly become readable by installing Word 2000. If it didn't work with installing the wordpad.exe on the Programs List, do you feel sure it would after Word 2000 is installed? Has Word 2000 got something magical in it?

I am visualizing editing a gibberish document from within the Word 2000 program IF they don't become readable. I can't edit what I can't read, and I'll be back to the copy/paste method.

As the problem is within the My Documents folder, is there some inner works adjustment I can make from/to it
to change the garbled text? We would have tried that before if it was possible I think.

Is that correct? Once again, you're not being clear. Is the "gibberish" in some strange location in the "My Documents" folder, or is the "gibberish" in the .doc files that reside in the "My Documents" folder? If my understanding is correct, when you attempt to open .doc files, from anywhere on the computer, they are not displayed correctly unless you use the Word Viewer. Yes? No?

If that is correct, forget Wordpad for the moment. Word and Worpad are two different things. If the "Word Viewer" fixed the issue with improper text being displayed in the .doc files, then installing Word 2000 will allow you to view, edit, and create new .doc documents without problem. It uses the same basic viewing method as the Word Viewer, except that it also allows you to create and edit documents.

Hope this helps.

Grif

The gibberish is in the .doc files that reside in My Documents folder.

Yes,I need the Viewer to read .doc files. When I attempt to open the .doc files from anywhere on the computer, they are in gibberish, and I need the Viewer to view them. When I open the Viewer, My Documents folder pops open at the same time. From there I locate the .doc file I need. The .doc file then opens inside the Viewer page in readable form. But the Viewer doesn't allow editing/saving.

You are saying Word 2000 will allow me to view/edit/and create "NEW" documents without a problem.

But I want to be sure I can Edit/Save these "OLD" .doc files "AFTER" Word 2000 has changed them to a readable form. The Viewer doesn't allow this, but does Word 2000?