Q: "Specified File Does Not Exist Error" Does Not Make sense.....

[Nicholas]

I am currently running windows xp on a toshiba laptop
(which has pre-loaded software).......

The problem i have is that i often receive an error
message saying that the file i want to open does not
exist. However, i know for a fact that the files do exist
because i can see them when browsing through folders (and
in DOS). Also, the error message only occurs on most
system files, but not some programs. I have been able to
actually run the same files that have previously brought
up the error message (by right clicking the file's icon
and selecting Run As...). I have checked the registry
thinking that it was a virus, however it is not. I can
also say that the same problem persists when i restart in
Safe Mode. Any input would be greatly appreciated, I have
all preloaded software on my laptop, and it did not come
with a restore cd. And one note, please dont tell me this
is a virus, because it must pretty smart to be able to
load up during Safe Mode (since the problem still persists
in safe mode).

P.S. I have tried on several occasions to use Windows
XP's built in system restore tool, (rstrui.exe). However,
in order to complete the restore process, windows must
reload. And during the process in which it is reloading
and trying to relaunch "rstrui.exe" to complete the
process, it is stopped (and remains incomplete) because i
will recieve the same error message (Title =
rstrui.exe) "Specified file does not exist").

 

[Michael Solomon \(MS-MVP Windows Shell/User\)]

Can't be sure if it's a virus until you run a scan. If your system is
infected, it would be infected in Safe Mode as well. Whether you are in
Safe Mode or at the desktop makes no difference to infected files.