Windows cannot open this file

[John Reed]

When my computer boots, I get this message for .lnk files. I can't
open any .exe files either. I get this message when I try to run
System Restore. I have Adaware but I can't get it open.

I think that the problem is in the registry but I have the same
problem with Regedit. I found a link to repair the registry but again,
I can't get any .exe file to work.

I'm at my wit's end. Is there a solution to this or is it time to
reload my system?

Thanks for any help,

John Reed

 

[Guest]

take a look at symptoms, and also the NOTES section towards the bottom.


Computer Viruses: Description, Prevention, and Recovery
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;129972

How to partition and format a hard disk in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/313348

How to install or upgrade to Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/316941

 

[Guest]

Are you running an updated anti-virus program? It sounds like you are not, for
the symptoms you describe are that of the Trojan Horse: SasserWorm.
Download and run the FREE Anti-virus program from Grisoft:
AVG Anti-Virus
http://www.grisoft.com/us/us_index.php

 

[Guest]

Guys, Guys, Guys....

Do you not know that a file with the extension .lnk is a file that is trying
to 'link' to another file somewhere else on the machine.

This would explain why the .lnk error message is pointing to an .exe file
that won't run.

You have a .lnk file in your startup group that is pointing to an
application that is no longer installed on your machine...

 

[Rock]

When my computer boots, I get this message for .lnk files. I can't
open any .exe files either. I get this message when I try to run
System Restore. I have Adaware but I can't get it open.

I think that the problem is in the registry but I have the same
problem with Regedit. I found a link to repair the registry but again,
I can't get any .exe file to work.

I'm at my wit's end. Is there a solution to this or is it time to
reload my system?

Thanks for any help,

John Reed

Try running the file association fix on Doug Knox' website, in the Win
XP Fixes section. Run the ones for .exe, .com, and .lnk

http://www.dougknox.com/

 

[Rock]

Guys, Guys, Guys....

Do you not know that a file with the extension .lnk is a file that is trying
to 'link' to another file somewhere else on the machine.

This would explain why the .lnk error message is pointing to an .exe file
that won't run.

You have a .lnk file in your startup group that is pointing to an
application that is no longer installed on your machine...

That's probably not the issue here. The OP said he can't run any .exe
files either. This is probably due to some trojan. The fix I indicated
with restore the right associatons in the regsistry.