Somehow the Works software that came with my computer has been uninstalled. I really need it back--is there any way to retrieve it? I have the icon on the desktop, but nothing there. Would the Windows XP disk that came with my computer be of any help in this situation?

Try looking in "My Computer" for:

C:\Program Files\Microsoft Works

for the following files:

wkswp.exe (Word Processor)

wksss.exe (Works Spread Sheet)

wksdb.exe (Works Data Base)

If you find these files, and they are working (open when you double-click them), then you won't need to reinstall the Works program. Just put a shortcut to the .exe file on your Desktop and/or in your Start / Program menu. You can do that by right-clicking on the file and using the "Send To" option (Desktop) and the "Pin to Start Menu".

Note: To see the ".exe" portion of the filename displayed, you may need to open "My Computer" / Tools / Folder Options / View tab and uncheck the option "Hide file extensions for known types".

If you don't find these files, then you may need to reinstall the Works program. Depending on the manufacturer of your machine, you may have an "Applications" disk that was included with your computer. That can be used to reinstall the programs that originally came with your new computer. You may find a set of Works CD's with your original pack of back-up disks.

Dwight

[This message was edited by Dwight on 02-25-04 at 08:12 AM.]

Thanks so much--I couldn't find the word processor, spread sheet, or database files on my computer. There was one XP disk that came with my computer, and I don't have it here with me, but when I can get it sent to me, I'll see if it can help me out--I'm not exactly sure what it is though, I'm so computer illiterate.

Also, if I reinstall Works, will I be able to access the many papers and spreadsheets I had previously created using Works that I can't access now?

Well, I don't know how MS Works was uninstalled. But the documents should still be on the hard drive. Try looking in the C:\Program Files\Microsoft Works\Documents folder.

Or, click Start/Search and do a search for:

*.wks, *.wps, *.wdb, *.wcm

You can just copy/paste the list above into the search box, if you like. When found, you can double click on one and see if it will open.

What is the make/model of your machine? The maker's Website might give you information about restoring software that originally came with your machine.

i agree
heavily with dwight

just cause your short cut
(an icon is a sht cut)
got screwed up...
that doesn't mean your program is gone!

that's like throwing out
your car, cause it got a scratch.
keep lookn n good luck

Frank--the icon is fine, but everything else that goes along with the program is gone. I've had it looked at by my college's resident "computer geeks," and it's confirmed that the program is in fact gone, and not just hiding. Earlier I uninstalled Microsoft Publisher because I never used it, so they think that Works might have gone bye-bye along with it although they're two totally separate applications. I'm getting the Works disk tonight, so I can reinstall it onto my computer.

I bought my computer refurbished, and all it came with was a little guide to Windows XP--there should be more than that, you'd think. Is there any way to contact the manufacturer and get further information on my computer (it's an eMachines T1125, I'd heard terrible things about eMachines, and I've had mine for over a year now and this is the first problem I've had with it).

Did you find your works data files with the search as shown above?

click Start/Search and do a search for:
*.wks, *.wps, *.wdb, *.wcm

Try this link for Emachines: Click Here

And this one for Emachines Technical Support:
Emachines Technical support

I have had good luck with Emachines. A couple of my clients have them and I bought one for my son over a year ago and they're all working fine.

Dwight

I couldn't find the Works files when I searched them like you specified, Dwight, but luckily, when I reinstalled Works they all magically reappeared. Whew. Thanks for all the help!