Can't open add/remove programs or set program access and defaults

Step 1:
Change a Default Email Program in XP b> The Windows XP operating system can be used to send email through various programs. Microsoft Outlook serves as the default email program in Windows XP. To change this default email program, you must have a secondary email client installed on your system. By using the system's "Control Panel" interface, you can select a different default email handler. Any email links you click on while surfing the Internet will be opened with your default email client.

Click on the "Start" button on the Windows XP task bar. Select the "Control Panel" button on the right-hand side of the menu. Open the "Add or Remove Programs" window by double-clicking on the icon. Click on the "Set Program Access and Defaults" button on the left-hand side of the window. This button should be located closest to the bottom of the window. Click on the button located to the left of the "Custom" selection to highlight this selection. Click on the icon to the right with two arrows pointing downwards to view the options for the "Custom" configuration. Click on the button next to the program you wish to set as your default email client in the "Choose a default email program" section. Click the "OK" button to save the changes to XP's default email program.
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Which operating system ??

The Windows XP operating system can be used to send email through various programs. Microsoft Outlook serves as the default email program in Windows XP. To change this default email program, you must have a secondary email client installed on your system. By using the system's "Control Panel" interface, you can select a different default email handler. Any email links you click on while surfing the Internet will be opened with your default email client.

Click on the "Start" button on the Windows XP task bar. Select the "Control Panel" button on the right-hand side of the menu. Open the "Add or Remove Programs" window by double-clicking on the icon. Click on the "Set Program Access and Defaults" button on the left-hand side of the window. This button should be located closest to the bottom of the window. Click on the button located to the left of the "Custom" selection to highlight this selection. Click on the icon to the right with two arrows pointing downwards to view the options for the "Custom" configuration. Click on the button next to the program you wish to set as your default email client in the "Choose a default email program" section. Click the "OK" button to save the changes to XP's default email program.

To remove Firefox in Windows XP pc, go to 'Set Program Access and Defaults' on Start menu, and click on 'Change or Remove Programs'. Scroll down to Mozilla Firefox and click on it. Now you will see the 'Remove' button. Simply click on it.

Your software must have gone corrupt. Try system restore if it opens. If not opening contact software enjineer.

Exit/Close your current Skype by clicking in system try Skype icon (down near the right corner green spot) and choosing “Quit” from there if needed.
Open firewall, in programs, delete Skype.
Run Skype and allow to connect
This also effects SP2 users who should follow above procedure.
With SP2 firewall.
Disabling external firewall will enable XP firewall by default.
So if you disable any other firewall XP firewall will now block your connections.
So remove Skype from XP firewall program list as well and for more info contact http://tinyurl.com/m7ghqz

Once you have the "Add or Remove Programs" window open look at the left side and make sure you have "Change or Remove Programs" selected. Also make sure you have the checkbox ticked that says "Show Updates".

As for the other programs in the list without the chage / remove option. You need to first click on the progam in the list to show that option.