games from desktop

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 23:56:26 Z

When I clik games in my desktop or menu like chess or solitre I get a loud ping and widow to I need create an assoiation in the Set Associations control panel. What is wrong and where is the Set Associations control panel?

games from desktop

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 07:50:21 Z

Hello melvillebrown,

Thank you for visiting the Microsoft Windows Vista Community site.

The files seem to have been disassociated.

System Restore points are automatically created when the following actions occur:

When you install a new application or driver.
When you uninstall or install certain programs.
When you install new updates
Automatically on a daily interval
By manually creating one.
If you choose to use system restore to restore to a previous restore point, system restore will create a new restore point prior to restoring a previous state in case something goes wrong. If you restore to a previous state in Safe Mode, a restore point will not be created for the current state.

In order for System Restore to work you must have 300 MB of free space for each hard disk that System Restore is monitoring. System Restore will also use up to 15% of the disk space on each disk that it monitors. As hard drive space runs out, older restore points will be deleted as newer ones are created. It is also important to point out that you must be logged in as an Administrator in order to use System Restore. Now that you understand the basics of System Restore, you should continue to the next section to learn how to use it.

Restoring Windows Vista to a previous State

In the case of a problem on your computer that cannot be solved by normal means, you can restore your computer back to a previous working state. To do this you need to start System Restore so that you can choose the restore point to restore. If you are currently having problems starting Windows Vista, you can use System Restore from the Windows Recovery Environment. Instructions on how to do this can be found in this tutorial: Using System Restore from the Vista Windows Recovery Environment.

If you can log into Windows Vista, then you should follow these steps.

Close and save any documents that you may have open.
Click on the Start button to open your Start Menu. The Start button looks like this:
When the Start Menu opens click on the All Programs menu option.
Click once on the Accessories Start Menu group.
Click once on the System Tools Start Menu group.
Click once on the System Restore icon. After you click on the icon, if a User Account Control window opens you should click on the Continue button.

You will now be at the System Restore screen as shown below in Figure 1. From this screen you can specify the restore point that you would like to restore.

1. System Restore Screen

By default, Vista will already have selected the Recommended restore option. This restore point is one was made after a new program, driver, or update was installed. If you would like to use this restore point, you can click on the Next button to start the restore process. On the other hand, if there is a more recent restore point that you would like to restore you should select Choose a different restore point and press the Next button. This will bring you to a screen, as shown in Figure 2, that contains a listing of all the available restore points that you can restore to.

2. List of available restore points

You should select the restore point that you would like to restore and press the Next button to start the restore process. Vista will display a Window showing your selected restore point and asking you to confirm that this is the one you would like to restore.

3. Confirm the selected restore point

If you would like to select a different restore point press the Back button. Otherwise you can press the Cancel button to exit System Restore or the Finish button to begin the restore process. If you selected Finish, Vista will display a second prompt asking you to confirm that you would like to continue the restore.

4. Second Confirmation

If you are sure you want to do the restore, then press the Yes button. Vista will now log you off of the computer and start the System Restore process as shown in Figure 5 below.

5. Restoring a restore point

When the restore has been completed, you computer will be restarted and when Vista boots back up it will be restored to its previous state. When you log in to Vista for the first time after the restore, you will see a message showing that the restore was successful.

6. System restore was successful

If there are any problems with your computer due to the last restore, you can revert back to your previous settings by going back into the System Restore Utility and selecting the Undo System Restore option and pressing the Next button.

7. Undo the last System Restore

Your computer should now be working properly again.

Using System Restore from the Windows Recovery Environment

Manually Creating Restore Points

As said previously, it is also possible to create manual restore points as needed. Popular reasons to create manual restore points are when you have your computer set up perfectly and would like to save the state in the case of problems in the future. To create a manual restore point you need to follow these steps:

Click on the Start button to open your Start Menu. The Start button looks like this:
Click on the Control Panel menu option.
Click on the System and Maintenance menu option.
Click on the System menu option.
Click on System Protection in the left-hand task list.

You will now be at the System Protection tab in the System control panel. This tab allows you to enable and disable System Restore as well as make new manual restore points.

8. System Protection tab

To create the manual restore point you should click on the Create button. When you press this button a prompt will appear asking you to provide a title for this manual restore point.

9. Enter title for manual restore point

Type in a title for the manual restore point and press the Create button. Vista will now create a manual restore point, and when completed, display a notice saying that it was created successfully.

10. Manual restore point was created

Now that you have completed making the manual restore point you can close the System window.

If that fails I suggest doing this

I suggest we run a System File Checker which scans for and attempts to fix corrupted System files. - below are the instructions and have Vista Disc ready:

Running the System File Checker…

Click Start, click All Programs, click Accessories, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as Administrator.
Click Continue or supply Administrator credentials if prompted.
In the Command Prompt window type the following, and press: Enter:sfc /scannow
You should see the following on-screen messages:
1. Beginning the system scan. This process will take some time.
2. Beginning verification phase of system scan.
3. Verification % complete
Once the scan has completed you will receive an onscreen message resembling one of the following:
1. …found no integrity violations
2. …found corruption but repaired it
3. …found corruption that it could not repair
Please reply with the completion message that you received.

This should resolve your problem.

Let us know if these steps resolve your problem. I hope the information is useful.

Regards,

Anthony
Microsoft Answers Support Engineer
Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.

games from desktop

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 23:55:59 Z

Thanks Anthony
my screen was different from stage 1--- Open System Protection and System Properties opens and then I got lost ---- So I run System File Checker Scan and no violations came up . Thanks MELVILLE BROWN

games from desktop

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 13:07:23 Z

melvillebrown,
Try doing a system restore this way and see if this is easier to understand:

To restore the operating system to an earlier point in time, follow these steps:
Click Start, type system restore in the Start Search box, and then click System Restore in the Programs list.
If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type your password or click Continue.
In the System Restore dialog box, click Choose a different restore point, and then click Next.
In the list of restore points, click a restore point that was created before you began to experience the issue, and then click Next.
Click Finish.
The computer restarts, and the system files and settings are returned to the state that they were in at the time that the restore point was created.

If you have any problems getting this to work, visit this web site for help:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/936212

If this does not work please let us know so we can further assist you.
Thank you,

Gloria
Microsoft Answers Support Engineer
Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.

games from desktop

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 23:35:25 Z

Hi Gloria
My System Restore dialog box must be different to others ,as it dos'nt have any where to chose another point. It just says( that are hilighted)Turn System on or off and that opens Windows Help and Support the other two hilighted is How Does System Retore Work? and that open Windows Help and Support again the other hilighed text Open System Protection opens System Protection box and thats where im stuck. N o other boxs or windows to chose restore points.
Regards Melville Brown

games from desktop

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 07:46:49 Z

Hi Melville,

Thanks Anthony
my screen was different from stage 1--- Open System Protection and System Properties opens and then I got lost ---- So I run System File Checker Scan and no violations came up . Thanks MELVILLE BROWN

You will have to be logged in as an Administrator to view the same screen. I suggest you login in with an Administator accout an follow the steps Tony suggested.

Thanks for using the Answers Forum. Please let us know how this works out.

Joseph
Microsoft Answers Support Engineer
Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.

games from desktop

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 09:57:44 Z

I thought I am loged in as administator
Melville

games from desktop

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 20:32:36 Z

melvillebrown,
Obviously you are not logged in as administrator. Try this:

Instead of clicking on System Restore, right click on it and select "run as administrator", then complete the steps outlined above.

If that does not work, you will need to log on to your computer with an account that has administrator privileges.

Let us know if this helps or if you need additional assistance.
Thank you,

Gloria
Microsoft Answers Support Engineer
Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.

games from desktop

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 00:40:42 Z

Ive tried that and it goes to window that says System Restoe wizard is already runing
Thanks Melville Bown

games from desktop

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 03:35:12 Z

Hi melville,

Thanks for posting.

Can you type the exact error message your getting when you click on chess or solitaire?
Are any non-Vista games or applications giving you this error?
Are you having trouble with any other aspect of Vista?
What version of Vista are you using?

I suggest logging into Safe mode to try System Restore from there.

Start the computer in safe mode

When you start the computer in safe made, you can determine whether the cause of the startup-related performance issue is related to a background service or to a driver.

To start in safe mode, follow these steps:

Remove all floppy disks, CDs, and DVDs from your computer, and then restart your computer.
Click Start , click the arrow next to the Lock button, and then click Restart .
Press and hold the F8 key as your computer restarts.
Note You have to press F8 before the Windows logo appears. If the Windows logo appears, you must try to restart your computer. To do this, wait until the Windows logon prompt appears, and then shut down and restart your computer.
On the Advanced Boot Options screen, use the arrow keys to select the Safe Mode option, and then press ENTER.
Log on to your computer by using a user account that has administrator rights.

Hope this helps.

Chris
Microsoft Answers Support Engineer
Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.

games from desktop

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 04:38:25 Z

Exact message..... This file does not have a program asssociated with it for preforming this action. Create an association in the Set Associations Control Panel.
I can still play the nine games that came with the computer just from the all programs window not the Desktop or menu box .
I can play downloaded games from desktop like Flight Simulator and Age of Empires
Start in safe mode and I got thru to the same window again as before. No System Restore
I must be doing something wrong. Can't you look at my computer from yours wherever you are . This has been going on for a long time.
Regards Melville Brown

games from desktop

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 20:36:51 Z

Hi melvillebrown,

Thanks for using the Answers Forum.

I'm not able to access your computer remotely.
Have you adjusted the program associations recently, prior to this issue?

Did you create the shortcuts to the Vista games on your Desktop?
By menu box, do you mean the Start menu?

I suggest creating a new profile to see if the issue exists there.

1.	Open User Accounts by clicking the Start button , clicking Control Panel , clicking User Accounts and Family Safety , and then clicking User Accounts .
2.	Click Manage another account . If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
3.	Click Create a new account .
4.	Type the name you want to give the user account, click an account type, and then click Create Account .

When you log into the new account, see if the issue still exists.

Hope this helps.

Chris
Microsoft Answers Support Engineer
Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.

games from desktop

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 22:47:16 Z

Ive Tried that and no help
I think I'll leave it as is, as I'm getting very lost with things I don't understand or what they are. Thank you all for your time and words.
Melville

games from desktop

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:48:07 Z

Hi Melvillebrown,

Please click on start and in the start search box type CMD and on the CMD in the list, right click on it and Click on run as administrator. In the command prompt type chkdsk /r and press enter. It will give ou the message that it will run the check disk next time it restarts the computer. Please type Y and exit. Restart the computer and wait for the check disk to run. Once it completes running verify if you are able to access the game.

Hope this will help you fix the issue.

Regards,

Srini

Regards, Srini

games from desktop

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 04:02:39 Z

No and that didn't work not even check disk a sign of . Now my computer is running slow . Like when I clik on INTERNET EXPLORER it takes a while to come on. Ive been in touch with Dell and say its a Vista problem. I haven't even seen this window the System Restore But i did find the Set Assocations box but I don't know where now and I didn't know what to do anyway.
MELVILLE

games from desktop

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:59:55 Z

Hi Melville

Sorry to hear you're still having issues. This thread is starting to get a little long.
I do not see where someone has told you how to set file associations, if someone has and I've over looked it, I apologize.

Open the folder that contains the file you want to change.

Right-click the file that you want to change, and then, depending on the type of file, either click Open With or point to Open With and then click Choose Default Program.

Click the program that you want to use to open this file.

Do one of the following:

•	If you want all files of that type to open in the same software program, select the Always use the selected program to open this kind of file check box, and then click OK.
•	If you want only that file to open in the software program this one time, clear the Always use the selected program to open this kind of file check box, and then click OK.

If I understand correctly from all of the replies in this Thread, you are able to open the games but you get the Ding sound and the window that pops up stating that you need create an assoiation in the Set Associations control panel. Is this correct?

I believe I also read where someone suggested you log on with another User account and see if that account has the same issue, correct?

It also appears you ran the SFC Scan and it found no violations.

I am not clear on whether or not you were able to do a System Restore.

Question: Was this always an issue or something that just recently started? If this is something that recently started, then yes we need you to try and do a Restore Point back to a point before this issue cropped up.

Running the System Restore utility…

1. Click Start, click All Programs, click Accessories, click System Tools, and then click System Restore.

2. Click Continue or provide Administrator credentials if necessary.

3. Click Choose a different restore point, and then click Next.

4. Select a Date and Time prior to first sign of the issue you’ve described.

5. If the date you need is in excess of (5) days click the Show restore points older than 5 days check box.

Important Notice: That System Restore affects Windows system files, programs, and registry settings. It can also make changes to scripts, batch files, and other types of executable files on your computer. Thus, any recently installed programs, updates, or changes to configuration will be lost if you use System Restore. However, make note that System Restore does not affect personal files, such as e-mail, documents, or photos, so it cannot help you restore a deleted file.

If the System Restore does not work, your next option may be a Backup of your Data and use the Dell Recovery CD's to put your computer back to manufacture state, as when you 1st bought it. However we are trying to prevent that by suggesting things for you to try to resolve the issue.

Please let us know if you are able to do a System Restore and if the above instructions help you correct the file Association issue - thank you

Ken
Microsoft Answers Support Engineer
Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.

games from desktop

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 23:27:52 Z

I don't have any system restore points to choose from
Melville