I am incined to agree with Irokens idea. But, just in case you misunderstand (as I did - but I have a fast shrinking brain!) He means go into Adobe and unhook the default extensions that it is aloowed to open. I do not use Adobe, so have no idea how you would do that, but it is not normally very difficult.
Perhaps another way would be to open the Default programs, in the Start menu, and then "Associate a file type or protocol...".
Scroll down to .CPL and double click and reassociate it with Windows Control Panel.
By the way, you should be looking for Control.exe in system32., if you want to try the Control Panel direct, but as reghakr says, the CPL files will test the idividual items. Otherwise it is an associate problem. If you cannot see the .cpl files, it might be a big problem! BUT. Open the Tools - Folder options - View, in Windows explorer. Scroll down and make sure you have UNchecked "Hide extensions..." and "hide protetced operating system". If you still cannot see thos .cpl's, then you have a problem which can only be fixed with a reinstall.