The best solution seems a total clean re-install of XP, if you don't have a more recent image to fall back upon. It's easy to make an image on an external or internal hard disk, that it really makes sense as a preventive measure against all kinds of mishaps.
Kees
My XP machine went totally downhill over the course of about 24 hours a couple of weeks ago. Symptoms:
1. Can't launch many apps, including IE, Firefox, Norton A/V, WIndows Search, or anything that accesses the Internet. CAN launch Word and other stuff however.
2. System restore fails
3. Can't close several open windows--like a directory view of the Recycle Bin, for example. Can close new things I open like Word.
4. Got a strange graphic on the desktop background--a stoplight looking thing with the bottom light containing a checkmark.
5. Tried doing stuff in safe Mode--no luck launching there, either (tried launching NPE from a stick, via Task Manager RUN command.).
6. When launching, get hourglass for a few secs, then nothing. Checking Task Manager, I the app does not show, but for example, the ieexplorer PROCESS shows up and another one shows up if I do it again.
I am assuming that I have a bad bug, but also maybe that I've lost the registry association for executing .exe files.
Been in touch with Norton, but can't complete their instructions since I can't download new s/w. I am going to try their Bootable recovery tool, just downloaded to another machine.
Took to Best Buy Geek Squad who couldn't do anything and suggested leaving XP behind in view of end of support. No help.
Any suggestions? Anyone seen this "stoplight" thing?
Thanks,
Martin

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