Starting One App Triggers Setup of Another
The following problem is occurring on PCs running Windows XP SP3.
We have been running some petrologic programs from KWARE (Heat3d, Magma, KWDraw) on our student computers for a few years now. Last week I installed AutoCAD Map 3D 2010 on one of the computers. Now every time I try to open a KWARE program, the AutoCAD configuration runs. I have to cancel it four or five times before it will finally open the KWARE program. This happens even when I've already configured AutoCAD by opening it directly. I tried uninstalling and reinstalling the KWARE programs, but no joy.
I recall having a similar problem a few years ago, where the WordPerfect setup ran when I tried to open an unrelated application. But I can't remember what I did to fix the problem.
We have been running some petrologic programs from KWARE (Heat3d, Magma, KWDraw) on our student computers for a few years now. Last week I installed AutoCAD Map 3D 2010 on one of the computers. Now every time I try to open a KWARE program, the AutoCAD configuration runs. I have to cancel it four or five times before it will finally open the KWARE program. This happens even when I've already configured AutoCAD by opening it directly. I tried uninstalling and reinstalling the KWARE programs, but no joy.
I recall having a similar problem a few years ago, where the WordPerfect setup ran when I tried to open an unrelated application. But I can't remember what I did to fix the problem.
Check (and change) program associations if necessary.
You probably have this corrupt.
Also make sure that program shortcuts point to right
executables in proper folder if not then change.
You probably have this corrupt.
Also make sure that program shortcuts point to right
executables in proper folder if not then change.
SOLUTION
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ASKER
senad, I've checked the shortcuts and they are all good. Would you please clarify what you mean by program associations? I've checked some of the registry entries and have found no conflicts.
Bits, good suggestion to check for malware. We have antivirus software installed, but as we all know, nothing is foolproof, especially when folks seem to be working overtime to find ways to infect our computers. I'll let you know the results of the scan.
Bits, good suggestion to check for malware. We have antivirus software installed, but as we all know, nothing is foolproof, especially when folks seem to be working overtime to find ways to infect our computers. I'll let you know the results of the scan.
Hello Gazaway....
If you were able to run setup.exe or install.exe to reinstall Autocad then your program and file associations are fine. No need to worry about them. I just saw you post after the main question.
The fact that you reinstalled would have corrected any defective shortcuts as well in Autocad.
Bits...
If you were able to run setup.exe or install.exe to reinstall Autocad then your program and file associations are fine. No need to worry about them. I just saw you post after the main question.
The fact that you reinstalled would have corrected any defective shortcuts as well in Autocad.
Bits...
empty your temp (C:\Users\*****\AppData\Lo
and try....
and try....
sorry that was for W7 - XP has :
C:\Documents and settings\AppData\Local\Tem
C:\Documents and settings\AppData\Local\Tem
Once you scan for malware if you don't find any malware or after cleaning up, the problem continues, you might want to test with a NEW user profile.
If it is working fine with a new user it would mean that the current user profile is corrupt/damaged.
To correct this, you would need to take ownership of the orginal users files stored in the old profile (My Documents, Pictures, Videos, etc.) and move them to the newly created profile and assign ownership to the new user.
Keep me posted please.
Bits...
If it is working fine with a new user it would mean that the current user profile is corrupt/damaged.
To correct this, you would need to take ownership of the orginal users files stored in the old profile (My Documents, Pictures, Videos, etc.) and move them to the newly created profile and assign ownership to the new user.
Keep me posted please.
Bits...
ASKER
Still running the scan. No problems so far.
I had previously tested with two other profiles with the same results. Sorry for not mentioning that in my original post.
I had previously tested with two other profiles with the same results. Sorry for not mentioning that in my original post.
ASKER
Will also try clearing the temp data as soon as the scan completes. Thanks!
The best and most thorough way to clear the temp data on each account is to type cleanmgr.exe from the Start-Run in the menu.
ASKER
Sorry for the long delay. I work at a university and this is the first week of winter semester so I am multitasking like crazy!
The scan did find 3 files related to Trojans. Yikes! Even though they were apparently successfully removed, the original problem did not disappear. I am going to run more extensive scans this evening, but I have a feeling that, while a clean computer is essential, this is not going to solve this problem.
I am continuing to pursue some solutions of my own and will get back to "y'all" tomorrow with my results.
Thank you so much for your continued help and patience!
The scan did find 3 files related to Trojans. Yikes! Even though they were apparently successfully removed, the original problem did not disappear. I am going to run more extensive scans this evening, but I have a feeling that, while a clean computer is essential, this is not going to solve this problem.
I am continuing to pursue some solutions of my own and will get back to "y'all" tomorrow with my results.
Thank you so much for your continued help and patience!
Is this only happening with AutoCad or is it happening with other applications as well?
We do need to narrow down the variables.... Have you noticed any other strange behavior?
It would be appropriate, after you finish the scans to run from the command prompt:
SFC /scannow
This will make sure that none of the critical OS files are damaged. You might want to have a OS disc handy because if it find a problem, it will ask you for it. Don't expect much feedback from it if it doesn't find anything wrong......
Keep me posted.
Bits...
We do need to narrow down the variables.... Have you noticed any other strange behavior?
It would be appropriate, after you finish the scans to run from the command prompt:
SFC /scannow
This will make sure that none of the critical OS files are damaged. You might want to have a OS disc handy because if it find a problem, it will ask you for it. Don't expect much feedback from it if it doesn't find anything wrong......
Keep me posted.
Bits...
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Yes... your answer is the correct answer so it should be selected as the "Accepted Solution".....(unfortunate
Otherwise.... Your answer is the "Accepted Solution" and any other answer is "Assisted"...
Bits.... Thanks for the feedback... I'm sure many people will find it useful.
Otherwise.... Your answer is the "Accepted Solution" and any other answer is "Assisted"...
Bits.... Thanks for the feedback... I'm sure many people will find it useful.
ASKER
Sorry. I apparently did this wrong. I would like to designate my answer as the solution, but BitsBytesandMore's answer (ID: 26180543) as an assisted solution as it helped me uncover some malware. How can I award him some points for his participation?
Normally you would Request Attention in the "red" exclamation link above.
You "Objected" .... on yourself.... lol ..... but it should work..... Thank You... A moderator should assist you and guide you on how to do this.
You "Objected" .... on yourself.... lol ..... but it should work..... Thank You... A moderator should assist you and guide you on how to do this.
ASKER
Oh I frequently object to myself! ;-)
I'm not sure.... I seldom have a chance to see that screen but I think .... you might want to confirm this.... but I believe that you needed to split the points assigning 0 points to your question as the accepted solution and awarding xxx points to whichever answer or answers were useful or pointed you in the right direction toward achieving a solution.
The answers that most helped you would assign more points to and the answers that did not help you would assign no points to (even if you are very grateful)....
The answers that most helped you would assign more points to and the answers that did not help you would assign no points to (even if you are very grateful)....
ASKER
I don't see a way to do this. When I click "Accept Multiple Solutions" mine is not shown. If I click "Accept as solution" on my answer, I don't see any way to add an assisted solution. Frustrating! But my request for attention is still pending, so maybe the powers-that-be will be able to figure this out.
The last time I was able to see that screen.... It was confusing. I agree.
The designers say that "anyone" who reads can understand it .... I read, but had a hard time. It is not easy to see.... it doesn't jump at you as before.
Bits...
The designers say that "anyone" who reads can understand it .... I read, but had a hard time. It is not easy to see.... it doesn't jump at you as before.
Bits...
ASKER
Hey, Bits! I figured it out! Thanks again for your help!
ASKER