.exe files not recognized

[k weber]

whenever I try to open any program I get the following
message:"
Windows cannot open this file:
File: xxx.exe
To open this file, Windows needs to know what program
created it. Windows can go online to look it up
automatically, or you can manually select from a list of
programs on your computer."

Since I can no longer open any program, this is kind of
anoying. Anything I can do about this?

 

[Ramesh [MVP]]

If the file association for .exe has changed automatically, this behaviour is generally caused by viruses. One of which is Sircamm virus, which modifies the .exe file association in registry. Reset the .exe file assocation using any of these steps:

Solution 1:

Click [Start] [Run] [Command]
Type the following and then press Enter after typing each one:

cd\windows
copy regedit.exe regedit.com
start regedit.com

Navigate to and select the following key:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile\shell\open\command

Double-click the (Default) value in the right pane.
Delete the current value data, and then type: "%1" %*
(ie., type the following characters: quote-percent-one-quote-space-percent-asterisk.)

Exit the Registry Editor and restart Windows.

Solution 2:

Download .exe File association fix from here:
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/file_assoc.htm

NOTE: Most importantly, update the definition files for your A/V
software and scan the system for viruses.

--
Ramesh - Microsoft MVP
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k
-------------------------------------------
Computer viruses: description, prevention, and recovery:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=129972
-------------------------------------------


whenever I try to open any program I get the following
message:"
Windows cannot open this file:
File: xxx.exe
To open this file, Windows needs to know what program
created it. Windows can go online to look it up
automatically, or you can manually select from a list of
programs on your computer."

Since I can no longer open any program, this is kind of
anoying. Anything I can do about this?

 

[Plato]

whenever I try to open any program I get the following
message:"
Windows cannot open this file:
File: xxx.exe

Often caused by many types of viruses and trojans. Do a proper check
first with a different anti-virus proggy.

 

[Kelly]

Hi,

If this has happened after running a virus cleaner, etc.

EXE and LNK Fix for Windows XP - Line 12
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

To use the Regedit: Save the REG File to your hard disk. Double click it
and answer yes to the import prompt. REG files can be viewed in Notepad by
right clicking on the file and selecting Edit.

 

[nomemole]

In my Case, it wa Disk Knight

In my case, My .exe files stopped working because I removed Disk Knight from my computer. At first I thought it was a problem with my .lnk files, since I first tried all my links which are all pointing to .exe files.

I followed the directions given in Solution 1 from Ramesh [MVP] with a little difference:

Solution 1:

Started Windows in Safe Mode with Network Support
Opened Windows Explorer thru Key Shortcut (Windows Key - E)
Browsed c:windows
copied and pasted regedit.exe
renamed "Copy of regedit.exe" to "regedit.com"
Start -> Run -> regedit

Navigate to and select the following key:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTexefileshellopencommand

Double-click the (Default) value in the right pane.
Delete the current value data, and then type: "%1" %*
(ie., type the following characters: quote-percent-one-quote-space-percent-asterisk.)

Exit the Registry Editor and restart Windows.

I Also deleted all other entries containing "Knight" before restarting.

I'm back again with my computer!