Problem: I cant open files/exe (I "Specified path does not exist" error)

[Ray]

Lately, I have been having a problem running many
files/applications on my laptop. I have restarted in safe
mode and the problem still exists. The problem is that
whenever i try to run a program, I get an error that
says "Specified file does not exist". Even on such
programs like the command prompt (which will work if i
restart in Safe Mode w/ command Prompt), msconfig.exe,
helpctr.exe (help and support file), rundll32.exe (which
lets me access some parts of the control panel), and many
other files. The files are there (i can refresh the
folders) but windows can't find/recognize any of them.
So as of now i just wanted to restore my laptop back to a
couple of weeks ago....(before this problem started). It
has all pre-installed software, and with this error,
windows doesn't think that the program "C:\windows\system32
\restore\RSTRUI.exe" (which restores windows XP) exists,
which makes me unable to restore my computer. I would
greatly appreciate any input on how to restore using the
command prompt, but otherwise i dont know what else to do.
I think i damaged one of the library files, or need to
reregister it.

P.s. I didnt recently download anything and the problem
still occurs in Safe mode, So im pretty sure it isnt a
virus.

 

[Taurarian]

Have you checked for viruses?

Anyway, try this site: http://www.dougknox.com/xp/file_assoc.htm
EXE file association fix.
Hope it helps.