Can't run some .exe files

Iv'e seen this in many threads. I can't find one to follow though solution. A office computer running XP, and Mc Afee was infected with virus or spyware under the guise of windows spyware protection suite from a popup. I noticed a great deal of redirection of web sites happening. I began the anti virus protocol per Major geeks Instructions. Spybot found the problem software but couldn't "fix" it. Updated Malwarebytes didn't see the two problems Spybot found. Ran CCleaner. I set the files and extensions to view. Made sure the startup was set to normal. Deleted McAfee, Deleted Java, Downloaded Avast. During the set-up of Avast the computer needed to be restarted. I set a boot scan with Avast and restarted the computer.
The computer restarted and went through the Avast scan. When windows came up MOST of the usual icons on the desktop were changed to generic whitesheet icons that would not execute. My Computer, My Network Places. Recycle, and Internet Explorer icons remained unchanged.
Until the reboot all programs run as usual. The only problems were with Browser redirecting.
I can't run any programs except IE. The computer will start in Safe Mode, IE won't connect. Nothing starts from Start/Run, no msconfig, command, regedit. Nothing downloaded to the desktop executes.

 

What is the message when you double-click an exe file?

 

Windows cannot open this file:

File: "xxxxxxxx"
To open this file windows needs to know what program created it. Windows can go online to look it up automatically, or you can manually select from a list of programs on your computer.
What do you want to do?
Then there are a couple click buttons for Use the web service, or select program from a list.

 

I'd try the fix #12 over at KellysKorner. It is a reputable site. In your browser right-click #12 and choose Save Link As... It will save a file named xp_exe_fix.reg.txt. Rename the file removing the .txt at the end so xp_exe_fix.reg

Right click the file and choose Merge. Accept the warning message and say OK. It should reset the file associations back to defaults for exe files.

 

Avast won't load "windows cannot open AshAvast.exe" same message. As for system restore "windows cannot open rstrui.exe" same message.
KellysKorner #12 I right clicked, chose save target as, saved to the desktop. The downloaded file name is exefix.reg as opposed to xp_exe_fix.reg.txt I right clicked chose merge, at the security message chose run. I got the "Open With" dialog box. I didn't see anything listed to open .reg files.

 

Ctrl/Alt/Del brings up Task Manager. I noticed AshServ.exe, AshMaiSv.exe, and AshWebSv.exe are running. So some parts of Avast are running. Cant uninstall Avast through "Remove Programs" Rundll32.exe brings up the "cannot open" message

 

In taskmanager, if you choose new task does rstrui.exe run?

 

Avast! has an uninstaller listed at its website.

 

Avast uninstaller is a .exe downloaded to the desktop which results in the "Windows cannot open" message. rstrui.exe does not run from task manager, nor do command switches, regedit or msconfig.
Do you think an online scan would have any effect? I noticed Avast has an online scan. I remember using Panda in the past.
I am at home now and won't get another shot at the work PC until Monday.

 

I've worked on a few quirky computers that have been help with this"

http://majorgeeks.com/Dial-a-fix_d4899.html

By no means a cure-all, but I've at times been very pleased with the results, plus it makes you look like a genius, something I am a whole bunch of IQ points short of.

 

I think exeHelper.com may enable you to run *.exe files again, there's a link to it from TimW's first post in this thread.

You really should go through the steps listed in the Malware Removal Guide, read and follow it carefully ...

 

Downloaded dial-a-fix to C drive can't open dial-a-fix.exe, or secedit.exe. "Windows Cannot Open This File" message.
I went to TimW's post downloaded AVPFind.bat, and exehelper to the desktop. Got the "Windows Cannot Open" message for both AVPFind.bat and exehelper.com.
I was in the process of going through the Malware Removal Procedures as described. The steps I completed are in my first post.

 

I saw the superantispyware.com online scan in TimW's post. I gave it a shot. I clicked to start the download. Security Warning came up, I chose "RUN". The Windows File Association web page popped up. File Type: Unknown, Description: Windows does not recognize this file type

 

Try the very first part of this post http://filext.com/faq/broken_exe_association.php just to make sure exe is listed in file associations and associated with applications.

I think you have done everything else listed there already.

 

Sach2 you're the geek! The instructions on first half of the site worked. There were no EXE extension listed. I created a new one and all is well.
Now, I can go back to the original problem. When I go to Google I get redirected to Google Netherland. I don't speak Dutch, yet.
Spybot found "Microsoft Windows Redirected Hosts" and "Fraud Windows Protection Suite" Spybot can't fix them and malwarebytes doesnt find them. I guess I'm going back to the malware guys.
Thanks to TimW, satrow, brandypeppy, dr.moriarty. If we make enough attempts that don't work, we get closer to the one that will.
Sach2 Thanks again