Unable to install any apps UPDATE

[Don]

I am unable to install any programs on Win XP Home Edition. When I open any
..exe file I get the following dialog box.

XXXX (name of app) has encountered a problem and needs to close. We are
sorry for the inconvenience. When I click the details it lists: "App
name"xxxx, "App Ver"xxxx, "Mod name"xxxx, "Offset"xxxx (xxxx different for
each app I try to install).

I had only one user (Owner) with administrative privileges setup when
problem first appeared. I then created another user (Test) with admn priv
and I have no problems installing applications when I log in under the Test
user.

Update... Ran up-to-date virus scan, no virus' detected. Ran EXE file
association fix (from Kelly's site), didn't help.

I'm really in a bind on this and would appreciate any additional help.
Thanks


Don

 

[Rich]

I normally see this sort of thing when the virtual memory
is set too low or needs to be purged. Don't know if
you've tried it, but you can go to my computer right click
go to properties, go to advanced tab and you should find
the virtual memory button in here. I had this issue and
extended my virt memory from 700 to 1200 and it fixed the
issue. If this doesn't help, try clearing autocomplete,
cookies, and history. Autocomplete is reached thru
START>RUN> type inetcpl.cpl <enter> content
autocomplete...Clear all the checks in the boxes and clear
forms and passwords. It sounds like your personal
profile has been corrupted with bad info if your not out
of virtual memory. See Microsoft case 303807 for a better
understanding of this issue. If neither of these
solutions helps, sorry I couldn't be of more assistance.

Rich

 

[S.Sengupta]

Hello Don,
please see:-
You Are Unable to Start a Program with an .exe File Extension:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=310585

You Cannot Start Programs (.exe Files) When Your Computer Is Infected
with the SirCam Virus:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=311446
or,
Download .exe File association fix from here:
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/file_assoc.htm

regards,
ssg MS-MVP
pronetworks.org

 

[Don]

Thanks to Rich and S. Sengupta for their input.

I have tried each one of your suggestions and still have my original
problem. After I reread my initial post I might have misstated what my
problem was. I do not have a problem when starting up programs that have
previously been installed. My problem has to do with updates that I have
downloaded which update existing programs. For instance I have downloaded
updates for Qimage (a printing program) and new virus definitions for my
eTrust EZ antivirus program, both the updates have .exe file extensions.
When I try to open them I get the error messages previously described. I
also downloaded the latest WIN XP updates and got the same error messages.

Don