Fixing file association problems in Win XP

forum.kaspersky.com/...
Ever had the problem that you couldn't open any files types like .exe, .txt, etc. after your anti-virus program deleted some nasties from your system? You can download a BAT file (zipped) that will restore all of the "default" associations that XP ships with. The BAT file can be downloaded HERE.

You can also fix separate file association problems by downloading the files indicated.

Batch File Association Fix (Restore the default associations for BAT files)
CAB File Association Fix (Restore the default associations for CAB files)
CHM File Association Fix (Restore the default associations for CHM files)
COM File Association Fix (Restore the default associations for COM files)
CPL File Association Fix (Restore the default associations for CPL files)
Directory Extension Fix (Restores defaults to HKCR\Directory)
Drive Association Fix (Restores default settings for hard drives)
EML File Association Fix (Restores defaults for EML files)
EXE File Association Fix (Restore default association for EXE files)
Folder Association Fix (Restore default associations for File Folders)
GIF File Association Fix (Restore default associations for GIF Files)
HLP File Association Fix (Restore default associations for HLP files)
HTA File Association Fix (Restore default associations for HTA Files
HTM/HTML Associations (Restore the default associations for htm/html files)
ICO File Association Fix (Restore the default association for ico files)
INF File Association Fix (Restore the default assocation for INF files)
Internet Explorer Desktop Icon Fix (Restore the default behavior for the Desktop IE icon)
JPE/JPG/JPEG Association Fix (Restore the default associations for jpe/jpg/jpeg files)
LNK (Shortcut) File Association Fix (Restores Default Shortcut Behavior)
MPG/MPEG File Association Fix (Restores default associations for MPG/MPEG files)
MSC File Association Fix (Restore default associations for MSC files)
MSI File Association Fix (Restore default associations for MSI files)
MSP File Association Fix (Restore default associations for MSP files)
REG File Association Fix (Restore default associations for REG files)
SCF File Association Fix (Restore default associations for SCF files)
SCR File Association Fix (Restore default associations for SCR files)
TXT File Association Fix (Restore default associations for TXT files)
TIF/TIFF File Association Fix (Restores default associations for TIF/TIFF files)
URL File Association Fix (Restores default associations for URL - Internet shortcuts)
VBS File Association Fix (Restores default associations for VBS files)
ZIP Folder Association Fix (Restores default associations for ZIP Folders - REG File)

Source: Doug Knox at dougknox.com.

WinSockFix will offer a last resort if your Internet connection is corrupted due to removed or invalid registry entries. It can often cure the problem of lost connections after the removal of Adware components or improper uninstall of firewall applications or other tools that modify the XP network and Winsock settings. If you encounter connection problems after removing network related software, Adware or after registry clean-up; and all other ways fail, then this might be your solution.
It can create a registry backup of your current settings, so it is fairly safe to use.
The Winsockfix Utility will:
* Detect your current Operating System
* Release the IP address, taking you "Offline"
* Reset the TCP stack using Netsh.exe (Windows XP only)
* Delete the current Registry TCP and Winsock Values
* Import new "Working" Registry Values
* Backup any Current "Hosts" file
* Replace the "Hosts" file with a default one
* Reboot the Computer

Of course you will have to set all your network parameters again as if you'd just installed XP.