I get the same response (or non response) in safe mode also.
I d/l MS Antispyware with no problems but then again I cant run the setup program because type of file: EXE File
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Unable to open any application file
Ran into a cpu running xp home with the following problem.
when you first boot the cpu a blank window pops up with a small square then "a" and another small square and an ok button at the botton. Once you click ok you can get to the point where you can choose from the 3 accounts they have set up which are all administrator accounts.
Once you log into any of the accounts and reach the desktop you are able to see the application icons but they have all lost there accociation type so nothing works. All the applications in the start menu are the same way.
I am able to access the internet from only one of the accounts because Internet Explorer has been renamed Enternet Access but I am unable to right click on it and pull its properties.
I can right click on any of the other icons and view the properties. The target type is listed as "EXE file" but I think it should be APPLICATION.
I have looked at the file type extentions list and dont find and "exe file" type.
I thought this was a virus but the virus program wont run since it is also an application that looks like it have an ext. change. So since I am able to get the 1 account on the internet I ran a scan through the CA site and it came up fine.
I tried putting in the OS disk and it booted to the 1st screen but wont start a repair my guess is because it is an exe file.
I even tried to reinstall a program with no luck. Hope I explained this well enough.
So how can I repair these applications?
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Answers
There are a number of viruses that mess up the Registry data for running executable (.exe) files, so this can cause nothing to happen when you double click an .exe file in My Computer or try to execute one by putting the name in the Run dialog box off the Start Menu. Various authors have come up with .reg (Registry) files to restore the proper contents.
For Windows XP, you can find one this way: go to the following page and click on the link for item number 12, "EXE Fix for Windows XP":
http://www.kellys-korner-x
You would need to download the .reg file to someplace convenient where you can access it, such as your Desktop, then double click it to merge the contents into the Registry and reboot the computer.
Lee I looked for regedit.exe in the Windows\System32 folder but its not there. Did you mean regedt32? If so I tried with that and got the same WIndows box asking for a program association.
Nauman if I boot from CD rom and hit R to repair. I choose to repair 1 c:windows and it brings me to a C:\window prompt.
What can I do to repair the registry if thats where the problem is comming from.
Whoops, Regedit.exe is in the Windows folder, not Windows\System32. I am afraid I know of no way of accessing the registry in the Recovery Console. Can you boot to Safe mode with Command Prompt? If so, then you can try the REG IMPORT command to read in the exefix.reg. Type REG IMPORT /? to see the syntax. You can also look at this page on my website:
http://home.earthlink.net/
Edit the Registry from a Command Prompt
There are too many that do this nowadays. It's quite common. I think one of the earliest to do it was SirCam. Some free online virus scanners:
http://housecall.antivirus
http://www.pcpitstop.com/a
http://www.pandasoftware.c
Also try these free programs to rid your system of spyware, trojans, and other malware:
http://download.com.com/30
Spybot - Search & Destroy can detect and remove a multitude of adware files and modules from your computer. Spybot can also clean program and Web usage tracks from your system, which is especially useful if you share your computer with other users. Modules chosen for removal can be sent directly to the included file shredder, ensuring complete elimination from your system. And for advanced users, it allows you to fix Registry inconsistencies related to adware or malicious program installations. The handy online update feature ensures that Spybot always has the most current and complete listing of adware, dialers, and other uninvited system residents.
Version 1.2 adds a variety of new and updated features, including an immunization option that allows you to block many spyware downloads before they get to your computer, and improved detection mechanisms for morphing files.
http://download.com.com/30
With its ability to scan your RAM, Registry, hard drives, and external storage devices for known data mining, advertising, and tracking components, Ad-aware can easily rid your system of these tracking components, allowing you to maintain a higher degree of privacy while you surf the Web.
I use BOTH of the above programs on my 3 Windows systems; what one program misses, the other catches. Also make sure to download the most up-to-date data before you run the programs.
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by: nauman_ahmedPosted on 2005-05-03 at 12:44:13ID: 13921049
What do you say when you boot in Safe Mode?
Download and Install Microsoft Antispyware and see if there is anthing suspiscous
-Nauman.