I lost the ability to open file folders on my desktop.

[osgruber]

Running Office XP pro. I have lost the ability to open file folders. The
files are still there but I can only access them through Windows Explorer.
Even then I must drag and drop to the desktop the individual files in order
to open them.
Is there something that has been turned off? Is there a way to restore this
function?
Or do I need to reinstall the program and if so what specificly?

 

[Bob I]

What do you mean "I have lost the ability to open file folders". When
you go to File, Open and click on the file name what happens?

 

[osgruber]

A pop-up window opens asking what program to use to open the file folder. I
don't know what program is used to open all file folders.

 

[P.Dorf]

You need to get your terminology sorted, are you opening Folders or Files?
To open a Folder you don't need an application, to open a File you do.
If you are getting a pop-up window it would indicate that the file
associations have been changed. Try running a repair from the original
install disk, if that fails, try to remember what was done to the PC just
prior to the problems.

 

[osgruber]

Thanks to you both for answering.
The issue that I am having is that I cannot open folders. The files
themselves are intact, just unreachable through the folder. I must go through
the windows explorer to access the file.
Do I need to reninstall Office as a whole or just Word?

 

[Bob I]

That's a new one on me. I would start with Word, Help, Detect and Repair
first.