Problem starting any application

Hi

I have a problem which arises when I attempt to open any application or .exe file and even trying to run 'cmd' or 'regedit'.
In all cases the 'open with' windows opens.

In safe mode, I have been able to check the registry entries for exefile and these are correct. So presumably this will be ok when in normal mode too...? If so, how come the files don't open correctly :S

Whilst in safe mode I created a new account and have managed to install, update and am currently scanning MBAM in normal mode, will try and do the same with SAS.

Is this a possible virus or a system problem?

Or is this three separate problems;

1 - problem with .exe default action
2 - corrupt user files
3 - dodgy cd/dvd drive - (I will check this when scans are complete by fitting a replacement drive and up-date the thread).

This all came to light when Norton 360 was trying to be installed from disk and when the disk is inserted into the tray the computer freezes. As it is an anti-virus program that was being blocked I was suspicious. I have managed to run MBAM as I re-named in MB.

I have been able to successfully run two other applications from cd so don't think its the cd drive, although it is a very slow machine.

(Pentium 4, 512 MB RAM Windows XP home)

FL

 

You haven't enough Ram , download this and uninstall norton

http://us.norton.com/support/kb/web_view.jsp?wv_type=public_web&docurl=20080710133834EN&ln=en_US

uninstall this and install

http://www.microsoft.com/nz/digitallife/security/microsoft-security-essentials.mspx

which is more lighter , afterwards download this

http://www.crucial.com/systemscanner/

and see what is the type of ram and if you can add more ram to your computer !! :cool

 

True, you do not really have sufficient RAM, but that is not the cause of your problems, it just causes your comp to be a bit slow. If you have a System Restore point available that pre-dates this happening you should try that first. If you haven't used System Restore before it's on the All Programs menu > Accessories > System Tools.

System Restore has no effect on your personal files and can be reversed if necessary

 

thanks Earthling and FalconAttack
one problem solved...cd drive was faulty - I have now tried a replacement drive and managed to install Norton.

Other problems remain:

Still unable to open .exe files using previous users.

I can run programs using the new user created, and browse to older docs and files and open them.


Any suggestions anyone?

FL

 

If you tried System Restore and no good then next is to type sfc /scannow in Start > Run. It checks that all your system files are present and correct, but you do need a Microsoft XP disk at hand, as it will call for it if it finds anything. You can't use a manufacturer's recovery disk for this. However it does sound as if the original user profile is corrupt, so you might have to delete it.

 

Now that Ive created the new user and installed Norton, don't really want to use Retore in case it messes things up

However will try the scan option - I have a disk so no probs.

If corrupt user profile is deleted, will the original docs and files still be available? I thought all stuff was erased if a user was deleted.

(Just to let you know, will logged off for a few hours before I can try the scan)

FL

 

Mostly right, though it does offer to save My Docs. Other stuff, emails and so on, would need to be manually saved.

 

Thanks Earthling, will save all docs. manually before deleting the corrupted user files.
FL

 

Could I ask a question about the 'scannow' utility on Win XP.
I've read several conflicting reports about how this should run.
The part that confuses me is whether the original disk will work when the system is running with service pack 3?
My understanding is that the system will be checked using 'scannow' and any missing files will be re-installed from the disk. The fact that the original disk may not include any service packs is irrelevant as the system could then be up-dated, if necessary, in the usual way.
FL

 

It's a fair enough question, but it does work, not by replacing damaged/missing files from the disk but from a cache hidden on the system drive. The cache is being constantly updated by Windows Update. Despite that, you still need an original system disk or it will hang.

 

So it will work even if the disk is the original without any SPs?

The reason for the question is that I've never downloaded SP2 or 3
independently, in order to slipstream an installation and create a new disk.

But if this isnt necessary I'm pretty relieved...

FL

 

It will, but just to be on the safe side - because with Windows you never quite know - it should