7/13    My windows 2000 is screwed.  No matter what program I try to run
        it says, "Cannot find the file '....' (or one of its components).
        Make sure the path and filename are correct and that all required
        libraries are available."  Even regedit doesn't run.  What is the
        one .dll or whatever that can screw everything up?
              \_ maybe you lost the path environment variable. make sure
              it points to winnt/system32, check windir as well c:\winnt
                \_ When I tried to use the control panel to change the
                   environment variables, clicking on system gives
                   "Accesss to specified device, path or file is
                   denied."  The paths seem to be right if I look at
                   the it through My Computer -> Manager -> ... ->
                   Environment Variables.  I tried it as an
                   "Administrator" and the result is the same.

7/13fri beijing takes the games!!!
        \_ Sounds like a virus to me.
        \_ Well, what is the actual value of '....'? Why don't you make sure
           the path and filename are correct and that all required libraries
           are available?
           \_ Wow.  You've learned to cut and paste.  Excellent, young troll.
              Perhaps soon your keeper will allow you to wipe your own butt.
              program that runs fine IE 5.5.  Many document icons also
              \_ you should learn the meaning of "tongue in cheek".
              has been installed for a few weeks and ran fine.
                 \_ you'd still be a moron, though.
                    \_ well your replies are as, or more, useless than mine.
                       and mine are more interesting, because i mention
                       hot naked chicks.
                       \_ Damn!  You're right.  Point to you.
                        \_ I love hot naked chicks, but right now I just
                           want my w2k working again.  :(
           \_ '....' involves almost all my programs right down to calc.exe,
              Almost any program that I tried running gave the above.  Only
              program that runs fine is IE 5.5.  Many document icons also
              reverted to the generic one with the windows logo.  IE 5.5
              has been installed for a few weeks and ran fine.  Path and
              filename looks right, and I have no clue how to find out
              what are the required libraries - must be something common to
              all these programs.  Please help me!
              \_ maybe you lost the path environment variable. make sure
              it points to winnt/system32, check windir as well c:\winnt
                 \_ Where do I find the path environment variable?
                    \_ Man, you are a hurtin' puppy.
                        \_ I know.  Hehe, I found how to set the variables
                           using google.  Kind of embarrassing.  I will try
                           it once I get home.  Thanks for the answers so far.