Windows XP Control Panel

Hi,

1) I am assuming that you are referring to the:

"Add or remove Programs" icon.


2) The corresponding control panel applet is:

...\windows\system32\appwiz.cpl


3) It is run beneath the Windows 32-bit DLL launcher:

...\windows\system32\rundll32.exe

This is the task you will see in the Task Manager.


4) You can run this control applet manually by using:

START ---> RUN: appwiz.cpl


If the RUN command is not on the START MENU,
you will have to re-enable it:

RIGHT click on the taskbar and chose properties,
-----> Start menu ---> customize ----> advanced ----->
scroll down to the RUN command item and put a check
mark beside it.


5) But first you want to make sure the file is legit, not a virus.
Locate the file, right-click, chose properties and...check

The copy right, date and size:

Size = 549.888 bytes (on XP pro SP2)
Date = August 4, 2004, 12:56:58 AM
File Version = 5.1.2600.2180 (xpsp_sp2_rtm.040803-2158)
Company = Microsoft

You may need to go into your Windows Explorer settings
and enable the display of hidden and system files.


6) Scan the file with several anti-viruses


7) This file is protected by system restore and by the Windows
File Protection System

This means that if you try to delete or replace it, Windows
will instantly undo all you efforts. If a virus succeeds in
damaging this file, however, the damage will stick and
resist repair.


8) If the file is rogue or damaged, try to download a bonifide
replacement. Windows Installation disk or microsoft is
the best. Be ware of rogue sites, giving away viruses.

Then

Delete all instances, in all directories, of Appwiz.cpl

You will get some warnings from windows, ignore them all.
It may also give you the option to replace the file from the
installation or service pack disk.

Put back the GOOD appwiz.cpl into the system32 directory,
reboot windows and it should work.


Martin