System32 problem

[Mark Hall]

ok so the other day I went to run regedit and I get this message "Regedit is
not a valid win32 application." so I decided to open it the long way so I
went in through my computer C:\windows and then went looking for system32
folder. only it wasn't there. so I checked the folder settings to make sure
it was set to show hidden folders which it was so there was no problem
there. then I though I'd try unticking the box that says "hide protected
operating system files". so I did that clicked ok and poof there it is the
system32 folder (god knows why its hidden like this). so anyways I go into
the folder and try to run regedit and it works great.

I have 2 questions
1. is the system32 folder supposed to show when all other protected
operating system files are hidden.

2. how can I make the run dialog box recognise any programs in the system32
folder (because its not just the regedit its every other program in there
too, like CMD.exe).

 

[R. McCarty]

Likely your system's Path Environment Variable is missing the entries
for C:\Windows & C:\Windows\System32
Click Start, Run (Type) Cmd

Path [Enter]

Check that the "Path" includes the items above.
To modify, Right Click My Computer, Left Click Properties, Advanced
(TAB), Environment Variables (Button)
Path will appear in the alphabetical listing in the bottom box. Left Click
Path to Highlight (Select) and then click the Edit button.

 

[Mark Hall]

Not a bad idea I never thought about that one. but unfortunately they are
present so that isn't the problem.
any more ideas


Likely your system's Path Environment Variable is missing the entries
for C:\Windows & C:\Windows\System32
Click Start, Run (Type) Cmd

Path [Enter]

Check that the "Path" includes the items above.
To modify, Right Click My Computer, Left Click Properties, Advanced
(TAB), Environment Variables (Button)
Path will appear in the alphabetical listing in the bottom box. Left Click
Path to Highlight (Select) and then click the Edit button.

 

[Rick \Nutcase\ Rogers]

Hi,

The system32 folder contains the protected system files, so is only visible
if typed into the address bar or if that option is unchecked.

As to why you got the initial error message, search the system for
regedit.com and delete it if found.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org

 

[Pennywise]

|>ok so the other day I went to run regedit and I get this message "Regedit is
|>not a valid win32 application."

There is malware that will copy regedit.com to your system, Type in
Regedit.exe if it works, start cleaning.