I can't open any programs

First of all it isn't a virus or malware. I think it might be a permissions issue.

I'm using windows 7 64bit.

I had shut my computer down last night and when I turned it on this morning, none of my normal programs ran. For instance, none of my pinned programs in the taskbar showed up. They ARE showing up as processes in my task manager.

I can only open firefox by right clicking and running as administrator.

But this opens only firefox and nothing else.

So when I double click something, it doesn't open. No error or anything. I get the hourglass as a cursor for about 5 seconds then nothing.

When I go to restart, it says "These programs are still running and need to be closed" etc etc, but the list is empty and I have to force restart.

I've restart 3 or 4 times in the past hour trying everything I can.

I ran my antivirus and malware bytes and all it found were some cookies in my temp files.

I think somehow my permissions might have gotten reset or something. I know this happened in the past where I couldn't save anything due to a permissions conflict.

so please help, I desperately need to work on my homework for school but I can't open flash or dreamweaver!!

 

Here's a site giving instructions on permissions:
http://www.blogsdna.com/2159/how-to...sions-to-access-files-folder-in-windows-7.htm

Also check that your file extensions for executable programs are still .exe (should be, as progs are showing up in processes).

Also try cascading your open windows (in case everything is minimised). Right click in TaskBar and click Cascade Windows.

What happens if you start in Safe Mode?

What happens if you log in as administrator (or are you already?)?

Maybe try a System Restore.

 

Hi, I ended up calling Microsoft for help.
turns out windows just wasn't activated. I had no idea it needed to be activated.
So the tech guy helped me activate it and now everything works fine.

 

Another of those things you didn't know you had to know!
Thanks for feedback. Glad it's sorted.

 

I can't open anything!!

Please help!!

I have windows 7 64bit.
I can't open anything. I just did a complete clean install about a week ago and this problem started.

Somehow, I managed to open Internet Explorer. But it's the only thing that opens.

When I double click or run as administrator on any file, it just doesn't do anything. It starts the process in the task manager but that is it.

And this isn't a virus.

Please help!

 

Re: I can't open anything!!

Did the problem start at the beginning, or sometime after the install?