HELP! Can't Run Any Program

[passing-thru]

Hi There,

My PC is weird today, I can't execute anything.

Example, when I click Firefox, an "Open With" windows pop-up and ask me to choose a program to execute it. The same goes for ALL programs I clicked.

I can't scan for any virus as I'm unable to execute the virus scan program.

Any idea whats causing this problem?

Thanks in advanced.

 

[dmroeder]

Does anything work in safe mode?

 

[Cubbywoods]

I have had this happen on a couple different pc's at work. Somehow all applications become unassociated. try this


http://symantec.atgnow.com/consumer/...esultType=5000#




Error: "This file doesn't have a file associated with it . . . "

Situation:
You installed a Norton 2006 program and restarted the computer. Now, when you try to start any program, you see the error message: "This file doesn't have a file associated with it, so before starting this process, create an association in the folder options in Control Panel . . ."

If you try to open the Windows Control Panel, it does not open completely.

Solution:
As part of these instructions, you will restart your computer. We suggest that you print this page now so that you do not lose these instructions.

Section 1: Start the computer in Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Start the computer in Safe Mode with Command Prompt so that you can make some needed changes to Windows settings.
Restart your computer.
At the black screen, press the F8 key.
In the Windows Advanced Options menu, press the arrow keys to highlight Safe Mode with Command Prompt.
Press Enter. If you see a log on screen, log on as a user who has administrator rights.
Go to the next section.
Section 2: Fix Windows settings
Make sure that specific Windows settings are correct.

Type the following on the black screen:

regedit

Press Enter.
In the registry editor, click HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT.

http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT...ElemFormat=gif
On the Edit menu, click Permissions.
In the Permissions for HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT box, click Add.

http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT...ElemFormat=gif



In the Select Users or Groups box, click Advanced.

http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT...ElemFormat=gif
Click Find Now.

http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT...ElemFormat=gif
Next, press and hold down the Ctrl key. While you hold down the key, first click Administrators and then click SYSTEM so that both are highlighted.
You may have to use the right-hand scroll arrows to get to SYSTEM.
The two pictures that follow show these two items highlighted.
These two entries will be in a long set of entries.


http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT...ElemFormat=gif
After both Administrators and SYSTEM are highlighted, click OK.
When the Select Users or Groups box opens, make sure that both <computer name>\Administrator and SYSTEM are shown in the white box. Then click OK.
In the example given here, <computer name> is WINDOWS XP.


http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT...ElemFormat=gif
In the Security tab, in the Group or use names box , highlight Administrators. Then check Full Control and Read.

http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT...ElemFormat=gif
With the box still open, highlight SYSTEM and check Full Control and Read.
Click OK to save the changes.
Restart the computer.

 

[passing-thru]

Hi,

Thanks for the quick reply.

I haven't try it in Safe Mode yet.

I'll give your suggestion a try Cubbywoods.

Let you know how it goes.

Thanks again.

 

[passing-thru]

Hi, just an update:

Safe Mode doesn't help. Still the same.

Cubbywoods, I followed your instructions and still the same. Can't run anything.

I have re-formated my hardisk and re-installed Windows. Hope it will not happen again.

Thanks.

 

[Zoron]

There was a virus that appeared years ago (before XP) that would do the very thing you encountered... any .exe file would not open and bring up the same dialogue you were getting. It's quite possible you somehow picked up this virus, though again, I haven't seen it in years.

 

[passing-thru]

I did a scan of the hardisk on the other partitions and found some viruses.
Mostly Trojans. I guess the problem is probably caused by some virus.