Member Avatar for Al Michael

:rolleyes: For some reason my Windows XP Picture and Fax viewer decided to disappear. I've reset it as my default, but the program will not start up, and doesn't even give some sort of error. Any ideas?

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by suRoot

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A few focused checks will usually fix this. was right that re-installing the component via Add/Remove Windows Components needs original XP files, and noted there’s no CD — so try these steps first before tracking down recovery media.

Verify the runtime DLL and try to launch the viewer directly. In Explorer look for %windir%\System32\shimgvw.dll. If it exists, test a direct launch (Start -> Run) with a real image path:

rundll32 "%windir%\system32\shimgvw.dll",ImageView_Fullscreen "C:\path\to\test.jpg"

If that opens the image the viewer is fine and the problem is the file association. If nothing happens, re-register the DLL:

regsvr32 "%windir%\system32\shimgvw.dll"

then reboot and test again.

If the DLL is missing or corrupted, run System File Checker:

sfc /scannow

SFC will ask for original source files (CD or i386 folder). If you don’t have the CD, either use the OEM recovery partition/discs or copy shimgvw.dll from another XP machine that has the same service pack level (do not mix service packs). After copying, re-run the regsvr32 command.

If the viewer still won’t open, check the image-file open command (you can reset via Right‑click -> Open With -> Choose Program). The correct open command uses rundll32 and shimgvw.dll, for example:

rundll32.exe "%SystemRoot%\system32\shimgvw.dll",ImageView_Fullscreen "%1"

Also check Application logs in Event Viewer for rundll32/shimgvw errors, try System Restore to a known-good point, and consider a temporary third‑party viewer (IrfanView/XnView) while obtaining recovery media. Back up the registry before making manual edits and always match the source files to your exact XP build and service pack.

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Member Avatar for suRoot

put your windows XP cd in, goto add/remove progs, go to add windows componant and see if you can find the corrisponind tick box

Member Avatar for Al Michael

Unfortunately, my machine came pre-loaded w/XP HE without a CD included. Can I download the files from somewhere?

Member Avatar for suRoot

ohdear. er.. it still may apear in the list and you might not have to have the disk... er you could borrow it off someone else? did you not even get a recovery disk?

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