EXE files not running

[ken.k.koh]

I am not sure what happened but all of a sudden, running anything with
an .exe extension will result in windows prompting to choose a program
to open the file.

I have try implementing the fix that Microsoft suggested, which is to
go into the registry and change all the command attribute to %1 %,
however it is still not working. Nothing, including regedit.exe runs(I
had to rename regedit.exe to regedit.com to get into regedit).

The strange thing is that if I just start, say, MS Word by clicking
the Word icon, it will give me an error. However, if I just double
click on a Word document, both Word and the document will open. Same
goes with IE and html files, Acrobat and PDF files...but not Media
Player and .mpg files or .wav files...

I have also tried to "repair" Windows by reloading XP from the CD but
it will even asked me, in the middle of the Windows install, to choose
a program to open rundll32.exe or subsequently any .exe files that may
be run during the installation process.

Before I reformat the HDD and reload XP, I would like to hear from you
if you have any idea that may help me out......

Any info will be appreicated.

Thanx in advance

Ken

 

[Ramesh, MS-MVP]

Ken,

See if "Method 1" in this page helps.

Unable to Start a Program with an .exe File Extension:
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/exefile.htm

--
Regards,

Ramesh Srinivasan, Microsoft MVP [Windows XP Shell/User]
Windows® XP Troubleshooting http://www.winhelponline.com


I am not sure what happened but all of a sudden, running anything with
an .exe extension will result in windows prompting to choose a program
to open the file.

I have try implementing the fix that Microsoft suggested, which is to
go into the registry and change all the command attribute to %1 %,
however it is still not working. Nothing, including regedit.exe runs(I
had to rename regedit.exe to regedit.com to get into regedit).

The strange thing is that if I just start, say, MS Word by clicking
the Word icon, it will give me an error. However, if I just double
click on a Word document, both Word and the document will open. Same
goes with IE and html files, Acrobat and PDF files...but not Media
Player and .mpg files or .wav files...

I have also tried to "repair" Windows by reloading XP from the CD but
it will even asked me, in the middle of the Windows install, to choose
a program to open rundll32.exe or subsequently any .exe files that may
be run during the installation process.

Before I reformat the HDD and reload XP, I would like to hear from you
if you have any idea that may help me out......

Any info will be appreicated.

Thanx in advance

Ken

 

[Guest]

Drop me an email Ken, I may be able to help. It sounds like a virus. Could
you send a link over for that "fix that microsoft suggested"? There are
quite a few

 

[ken.k.koh]

Ramesh,

It worked!! Thank you very much for your help. I really appreciate it.

Ken

 

[Ramesh, MS-MVP]

You're welcome Ken.

--
Regards,

Ramesh Srinivasan, Microsoft MVP [Windows XP Shell/User]
Windows® XP Troubleshooting http://www.winhelponline.com


Ramesh,

It worked!! Thank you very much for your help. I really appreciate it.

Ken