Vista unable to launch any program

Vista Home Premium on Sony VGN-NR460E

One user account with Admin priv. the following error msg occurs:

"windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file. you may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item."

This happens whenever I try to execute anything. I open run and type 'cmd' and the same msg appears.

In safe mode everything is fine. Safe mode+ networking the error is present.
tried creating another user profile and error still exists.

C:\ permissions are also normal. Hard drive check normal.

help?!?!

 

Since it works in safemode, I think it is a program running that is causing the problem.

Try entering msconfig in a run prompt and press enter. When msconfig comes up, select "selective startup" and uncheck the "startup" box. Also, go to service. Click on "hide all microsoft services" and then click disable all. When the computer restarts, all 3rd party software should not start with Windows. See if the problem happens then.

 

I wish I could have come to that logic sooner! One service I was unable to get back after I disabled it from startup, "TrueVector Internet Monitor". This was tied into Zone alarm. I removed zone alarm and all good now.

Thanks!:celebrate

P.S. I never liked Zone Alarm and personally never use it because I see it cause so much trouble for others.

 

Glad to help