Can't runexe files in Vista

Hello,

I just bought a new computer with Vista Ultimate, and I am experiencing a problem with running exe installation files. When I doubleclick the file, I just get a brief hourglass and then nothing. I am logged on as administrator. I have tried to reboot several times without solving it. A few files work, but most don't. I have also tried redownloading, eg. Winamp to make sure the file is not corrupt, but same thing.

Any help much appreciated.

Jemoto

 

Have you tried right clicking on the .exe file and choosing "Run as Administrator" ?

 

Thanks, Lev.

Yep, tried that, same result.

I didn't have this problem before, only the last few weeks, and I have no clue what could cause it..

J

 

Confirm for me you have UAC turned on please.

 

Sorry, Lev, if you by that mean am I logged on as administrator, then yes, I am. If UAC is more nuanced than that, ten I may have to read up on it...

 

OK..do this:


1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel

2. In Control Panel click User Accounts.

3. In User Accounts window click User Accounts

4. In the User Accounts task window, click Turn User Account Control on or off.

Tell me from this whether the Admin Approval mode is on or off.

 

Lev,

Read it, and now the UAC is turned on. But no change as regards the exe files.

J

 

Admin approval mode is on.

 

Out of interest, turn UAC off and try running an .exe file. Don't forget to turn UAC back on after.

 

Thanks, Lev, now I can run them. But is this the way it should be?

 

I am not Lev, but I would say no. I have never had this problem in my Vista. Do you log in as Administrator every time you use the computer, or are you on a limited user account?

 

Hi,

Yes, always as administrator, and I spoke too soon, problem is back now, despite UAC being turned off.

Most exe files I cannot run. No error message just a brief wait icon, and then nothing...

 

No that is not the way it should be. You can turn UAC off (as you now know) but it is not advisable. I just wanted to know that UAC made a difference (even if only short lived) because now we know we are dealing with administrator rights issue over anything else.

Open a new user account and give your self full admin rights. Does it happen on that account too?

 

I set up a new account, and tried 3 -4 that I cannot open on my regular account, and it seemed to work fine...

 

Good...now try your regular administrator account in Safe Mode. Does that work ok?

 

Heading to bed but didn't want to leave you high and dry. You have the new account you can use to run programs while we get this fixed.

I'm thinking you have something going on - malware etc, that is doing this. If you have downloaded and installed new applications recently, they could be the problem, so uninstall and see if that makes any difference. After uninstalling run a cleaner like CCLeaner and also run the registry cleaner within this too (make a backup first when it prompts you to). Then reboot.

If that doesn't allow you to run the Administrator account normally, then work through this link step by step. If after following all the instructions you are still having this issue, start a new thread in the malware forum and post up the logs as requested. An Authorized Malware Fighter will then assist you.

Read & RUN ME FIRST Before Asking for Support

 

Thanks, Lev. Bid you goodnight, and appreciate all the help.

I started in safe mode and no problem.

But I really don't think this is a malware issue, as I scan regularly and use CC Cleaner a lot.

We can perhaps continue tomorrow...

 

Another day

I do need you to work through the Read and Run Me First link so we can eliminate malware as one of the possible issues. If the scans find nothing just post up here and let me know. If they do find something, follow the advice I gave in my previous post

 

Lev,

Appreciate your input. I have completed the suggested actions without finding anything.

Funny thing, though, it seems running exe's now work fine. I have no idea what is different now, but something must be?

J

 

Well that is good news indeed. If that happens to change, however, post back in this thread so we keep the continuity of what has already been worked through