Cant Open/Run certain files w/o selecting "Run As..." from the PopUpMenu

[Ray]

Whenever i try to open some system files such as
cmd.exe, helpctr.exe, regedit, msconfig, ect... I get an
error message that says "File Does Not Exist. Please check
file path and try again." However, if i right-click on the
same exact file and click Run As (using default user), the
program or file will start up with no problems.( The
problem also occurs with some nonsystem files too.) This
problem still occurs in safe mode, and i have
also checked the registry in case of a virus. In addition,
I cant run most things in my control panel, since the file
rundll32.exe also comes up with an error. Because of this
problem, i can not use rstrui.exe (the restore program
that XP offers) because it, too, says "specified path does
not exist."
I would appreciate anyones help on this problem, I
have tried all i can and nothing has helped. Im pretty
sure one of the system files is damaged, but i have no
clue where to start. Thanks.

 

[Malke]

Whenever i try to open some system files such as
cmd.exe, helpctr.exe, regedit, msconfig, ect... I get an
error message that says "File Does Not Exist. Please check
file path and try again." However, if i right-click on the
same exact file and click Run As (using default user), the
program or file will start up with no problems.( The
problem also occurs with some nonsystem files too.) This
problem still occurs in safe mode, and i have
also checked the registry in case of a virus. In addition,
I cant run most things in my control panel, since the file
rundll32.exe also comes up with an error. Because of this
problem, i can not use rstrui.exe (the restore program
that XP offers) because it, too, says "specified path does
not exist."
I would appreciate anyones help on this problem, I
have tried all i can and nothing has helped. Im pretty
sure one of the system files is damaged, but i have no
clue where to start. Thanks.

What does "I have checked the registry in case of a virus" actually
mean? Have you run a scan with a *current* antivirus using updated
definitions? What does this show?

Malke