I cant open programs

  • Thread starter Thread starter John
  • Start date Start date
J

John

I get the message

"Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or
file. You may not have the appropriate permissions to
access the item."

when attempting to run various programs. I'm logged in
with the only username and it has 'admin' privileges.
Norton Antivirus says the system is clean.

I see odd symptoms such as being able to run IE from the
desktop icon, but getting the above err. msg. when
attempting to run it via the Start menu icon.

In 'classic' Control Panel, most of the icons result in
the above err. msg, but some do work, such as Folder
Options, Fonts, Admin. Tools, Printers, Taskbar, etc.. the
other ones such as Add/Remove Programs, User Accounts,
etc.. result in the err. msg.

Attempting to run Accessories, such as Notepad, Paint,
Wordpad result in the err. msg, but right-click, Run-As,
Current User will allow the program to run.

There's only one user account, so I don't see why that
would make a difference, but I think this symptom should
be a useful clue as to where the problem might be. ..
somthing to do with permissions, even tho the only user
account is 'administrator'.

A Ctrl-Alt-Del does bring up the Task Manager, but only
for a short time (typically ~ 1 sec) then automatically
closes.

Any suggestions or ideas to resolve this would be most
appreciated.
 
A Ctrl-Alt-Del does bring up the Task Manager, but only
for a short time (typically ~ 1 sec) then automatically
closes.
You could be infected with one of these worms:
W32.Spybot.Worm
http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32.spybot.worm.html
W32.Klez.Worm
http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/[email protected]
W32.Yaha.Worm
http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/[email protected]

http://www.dougknox.com/xp/utils/xp_emerutils.htm
Creates usable copies of REGEDIT, MSCONFIG and Task Manager

Not sure if your other problems are related but do suggest you check system
for viruses.
 

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