Media glitch

[mjolnier.livejournal.com]

My desktop is covered with media files with names like "Limewire, WoW, Launch Internet and Recycling Bin." It seems that all my applications are registering as media files, they open in Windows Media Player and then there are error messages and options for web help that does no good. I had to click on the "Web Help" button just to get a browser to open up.
Anyone know why this is happening?
I'm using Vista Home Basic on a Toshiba Satellite. I recently ran virus scans, removed recent updates and tried safe mode as well and nothing seemed to help.

Comments

[wuglet.livejournal.com]

*gets popcorn*

[fluffydragon.livejournal.com]

*brings the sour patch kids* yum.

[bamatone.livejournal.com]

The glitch here doesn't have to do with your media.

[uapyro.livejournal.com]

This man speaks the truth. The glitch is in the Matrix.

[kageneko.livejournal.com]

I think the glitch is the one behind the keyboard.

[cog-dissident.livejournal.com]

This is not the community "for" tech support, this is the community for ranting ABOUT tech support.

Also, it is because something set it so that every file extension associates with media player.

[wxgeek.livejournal.com]

goddammit, stop that.

[lihan161051.livejournal.com]

Dang it, you fed the luser! If you give them answers they'll just bring their friends!

(that being said, to the OP: techsupport != tech_support .. and by !=, I very much mean != ..)

[the-cynic.livejournal.com]

Start here: http://community.livejournal.com/techsupport/profile

[tragnon.livejournal.com]

Start heating the oil...

[kageneko.livejournal.com]

I was thinking more "tar and feathers", personally.

[peace873.livejournal.com]

It sounds like your version of Media Player is not compatible with Vista. This is a known problem with the default Toshiba install. What you need to do is downgrade to the previous version of Media Player, which is 10, I believe.

[mjolnier.livejournal.com]

Thank you, And I am SO SORRY for not reading the disclaimer before I posted, I just kind of pannicked because I need this thing for school. Sorry everyone!

[crywolf.livejournal.com]

It sounds like you're using a bad version of Vista. You need to upgrade. Here's a link to get you started (http://www.ubuntu.com/).

[mjolnier.livejournal.com]

Is Ubuntu really a good OS? Cause I was thinking about getting away from Vista.

[graafen]

A large shock usually helps with these issues, from say a 3lb lump hammer.

[vtladyhawke.livejournal.com]

I prefer a sledgehammer myself...

[wxgeek.livejournal.com]

What's going on here is registry corruption. Those file extensions are all stored in the registry, keypaired between extension (i.e., .exe or .com or .lnk [for shortcuts; it's hidden]), the program it opens with, and generally its MIME type.

If you don't want to know why we have to do what we're about to do, skip to the bold part. :)

What's happened (possibly because of the Limewire, and stuff you've downloaded from it?) is that those file extension association pairs have been corrupted.

Assuming you're running Windows XP/2000, what you need to do is reset those file extensions.

To do that, click start, then run, and type in 'regedit' (minus the quotes). All the extensions are stored in HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT. Ordinarily we'd just delete that entire branch and Windows would restore to factory settings on the next reboot, but as you'll notice, Regedit thinks we're pansies and won't let you delete it.

You could go one-by-one and delete all the affected extensions (left-click once, hit the delete key), but this would take FOREVER.

Instead, we have to take a backdoor route.

1. Open regedit (start->run, regedit).
2. Open HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE.
3. Delete SOFTWARE, HARDWARE and SYSTEM. It'll regenerate on your next reboot. If you don't delete all three, incorrect information from the remaining categories will propagate back to the newly regenerated categories when you reboot.
4. Open HKEY_LOCAL_USER.
5. Delete Software. This will regen too.
6. Reboot! Go get some coffee, this'll take a moment.

enjoy! :)

also watch out for other folks; it's a long-standing tradition to mess with the newbies who ask 'tech_support' questions in 'techsupport'.

peace and good hunting.

[wxgeek.livejournal.com]

oh, crap, Vista, hold on.

[pikaporeon.livejournal.com]

you have an id 10 t error, call or preferably email your manufacturer in regards to this issue, or post that you have an id10t issue on other tech support resources, I'm sure they'll help you

[katballou.livejournal.com]

Really? I was thinking it was a PEBKAC error. Oh well pretty much the same solution for both.

[cowchris.livejournal.com]

I'd have to venture a guess here. On most Toshiba laptops, there's a 4 GB limit for porn unless you've purchased the expansion packs. Your best bet is to get some wart remover, shave your palms, and go get your eyes checked out.

[tertiumquid.livejournal.com]

If you'd like I'll give you a mailing address. Send it to me with $25 and I guarantee I'll fix it.

[superbus.livejournal.com]

My desktop is covered with media files with names like "Limewire

BZZZZZZZZT. You lost me at "hello". You daft twat.

[brothersterno.livejournal.com]

BUY A MAC!!!!

[mjolnier.livejournal.com]

You might be right, but the dog doesn't fit in the chair as well...

[grayhawkfh.livejournal.com]

This sounds suspiciously like interference caused by radiation from heightened sunspot activity.

What you need to do is

• completely cover the power cord in aluminum foil (shiny side out) to negate further contamination from sunspot-heightened radioactivity. Make sure to cover both ends as well.
  
• Cover the computer in aluminum foil as well, again, shiny side out. Once you do that, you will need to drop the computer at least 15 times from a height of at least 3 - 5 feet (try standing on a table or chair to accomplish this.
  
  Just as the dull side will allow heat (a form of radiant energy) in to cook your food, the dull side (which is facing in) will collect the radiation and dissipate it harmlessly through the other side. The drops are necessary to "encourage" the radiation to move from the computer internals to the foil.

[mjolnier.livejournal.com]

OMFG it WORKED!!! You're a genius!

[http://users.livejournal.com/hub_/]

the glitch is really behind the keyboard.

[thebabynancy.livejournal.com]

lather, rinse, repeat!

You really need to read the community rules, sir!

[thebabynancy.livejournal.com]

ZOMFG!!!

*gets comfy*

Re: You really need to read the community rules, sir!

[http://users.livejournal.com/hub_/]

comfy enough? looks like the heat has passed.

[awarrenfells.livejournal.com]

Holy crap.. I step away for a FEW minutes... and I have already missed the tar and feathering. XD

[yanni85.livejournal.com]

Tar and feathering accomplished by a small mexican rodent.