Cannot open system EXE files (Windows XP)

[Guest]

Hi,
I am having a problem with opening most system files from my Windows XP SP1
computer (i.e. Internet explorer, Windows Media Player, MS Office, etc). I
cannot even open/run application files from my CD as well. I find that it is
mainly associated to EXE files. The error message I get is something like
"[Program] cannot be found. Please ensure you have the right location for
this program".
This problem happened after I updated my Norton anti-virus definitions and
then restarted my computer.
Does anyone have any clue as to what's wrong??? Is it because some internal
system file is corrupted or perhaps it is a virus of some sort??

Thanks, Any help is greatly appreciated!
Susan

 

[GasMan]

Try a system restore to before you did the update.

Hi,
I am having a problem with opening most system files from my Windows XP SP1
computer (i.e. Internet explorer, Windows Media Player, MS Office, etc). I
cannot even open/run application files from my CD as well. I find that it is
mainly associated to EXE files. The error message I get is something like
"[Program] cannot be found. Please ensure you have the right location for
this program".
This problem happened after I updated my Norton anti-virus definitions and
then restarted my computer.
Does anyone have any clue as to what's wrong??? Is it because some internal
system file is corrupted or perhaps it is a virus of some sort??

Thanks, Any help is greatly appreciated!
Susan

Please remove obvious from email address if emailing.

 

[Guest]

If the Restore procedure does not work, it may be because you have picked
up a virus. Check the below websites for a possible solution:

You cannot start programs when your computer is infected with the SirCam virus
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/q311446/

You Are Unable to Start a Program with an .exe File Extension
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/q310585/

 

[Taurarian Constellation]

You can also download the fix from here:-
Windows® XP File Association Fixes (Copyright 2003 - Doug Knox)
http://www.dougknox.com/index.html
Under WinXP Fixes
EXE File Association Fix (Restore default association for EXE files)

Also be sure to check for viruses as per the other posting

Perhaps an online security/virus check
Symantec
http://security.norton.com/sscv6/default.asp?langid=ie&venid=sym
Trend Micro House Call:
http://housecall.trendmicro.com/
Panda ActiveScan;
http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/com/activescan_principal.htm
McAfee FreeScan:
http://us.mcafee.com/root/mfs/default.asp
Kaspersky Labs On-line Virus Checker:
http://www.kaspersky.com/remoteviruschk.html
BitDefender Online Scan:
http://www.bitdefender.com/scan/licence.php

 

[Guest]

Hi Taurarian,
I just want to express my thanks for providing me with a fix for this
problem and some links to do an online virus check. My problem is now
resolved. Thanks so much for the advice...I really appreciate it

Regards,
Susan

You can also download the fix from here:-
Windows® XP File Association Fixes (Copyright 2003 - Doug Knox)
http://www.dougknox.com/index.html
Under WinXP Fixes
EXE File Association Fix (Restore default association for EXE files)

Also be sure to check for viruses as per the other posting

Perhaps an online security/virus check
Symantec
http://security.norton.com/sscv6/default.asp?langid=ie&venid=sym
Trend Micro House Call:
http://housecall.trendmicro.com/
Panda ActiveScan;
http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/com/activescan_principal.htm
McAfee FreeScan:
http://us.mcafee.com/root/mfs/default.asp
Kaspersky Labs On-line Virus Checker:
http://www.kaspersky.com/remoteviruschk.html
BitDefender Online Scan:
http://www.bitdefender.com/scan/licence.php

Hi,
I am having a problem with opening most system files from my Windows XP SP1
computer (i.e. Internet explorer, Windows Media Player, MS Office, etc). I
cannot even open/run application files from my CD as well. I find that it is
mainly associated to EXE files. The error message I get is something like
"[Program] cannot be found. Please ensure you have the right location for
this program".
This problem happened after I updated my Norton anti-virus definitions and
then restarted my computer.
Does anyone have any clue as to what's wrong??? Is it because some internal
system file is corrupted or perhaps it is a virus of some sort??

Thanks, Any help is greatly appreciated!
Susan

 

[Taurarian Constellation]

You're welcome.
Kaylene

Hi Taurarian,
I just want to express my thanks for providing me with a fix for this
problem and some links to do an online virus check. My problem is now
resolved. Thanks so much for the advice...I really appreciate it

Regards,
Susan