Hi, I pray someone out there can help - I have got a problem, I can't access my control panel in windows xp home. Whenever I try the outline comes up, but no icons are displayed and the programme crashes. I'm not technically minded I'm afraid so please be patient with me, but I would be really grateful if anyone could help! I have had a couple of viruses lately but Norton has either deleted or blocked them! I wonder if some component may have been deleted??? Dunno, HELP!!!!

Failing that, I just want to put the XP firewall on, as I am getting broadband. Is there any way to do this without accessing control panel?
Thank you, I remain,


The humble servant of all lucky persons technical!!!

Well I don't really have an answer to getting around the control panel not functioning, but when your installing your broadband (whether its ADSL or cable or even satellite), use the Installation CD that comes with your modem to create a connection and when all that is processed go to the start menu -> connect to (below control panel) -> show all connections. Now it will show you all your connections or if you haven't added a connection before just the one. Anyway, right click on the new connection and choose properties. When in properties choose the advanced tab and there at the top will be the selection for a windows xp firewall.

I suggest you try downloading Spybot Search and destroy which is a great FREE program that searches out malicious software that causes all sorts of problems on peoples sites. After running that see if you are still having problems with your control panel. If you are then please come back to us.

Rob

This may be of help to you: http://answers.tveasy.co.uk/m.p.w.ba...p-problems.htm

Rob

Thank you - I have installed the broadband, with firewall successfully!!! However this link didn't give me the answer I needed, but thanks for helping!! I still cant get control panel, does anyone know if I can somehow find out what, if any components are missing?

This sounds similar to:
support.microsoft.com
It's worth a try.

Otherwise it's some spyware or virus remains. Repairing the installation using the XP CD might be a good idea.
GF