Very newbie-esque problem that's probably already been solved already.

[rexualhealing]

Hello.

I have what seems to be a very newbie-esque computer issue but I can't
find a solution for it anywhere. I've found a lot of references to it,
but no solutions whatsoever.

Anyway, everytime I start Windows (running XP Home Edition on a very
crappy Dell computer that hasn't been upgraded since we got it in 2003-
ish) I'm greeted with a prompt saying "There is a file or folder on
your
computer called 'C:\program' which could cause certain apps to not
function correctly. Renaming it to 'C:\program1' would solve this
problem. Would you
like to rename it now?". There are also windows popping up that say
"Program has encountered an illegal operation and needs to close". No
matter how many times I close the window, more keeping popping up.
Also, the Norton Anti-Virus startup icon is X-ed out and I can't find
any files named "Program" whatsoever.

Ideas?

 

[Malke]

Hello.

I have what seems to be a very newbie-esque computer issue but I can't
find a solution for it anywhere. I've found a lot of references to it,
but no solutions whatsoever.

Anyway, everytime I start Windows (running XP Home Edition on a very
crappy Dell computer that hasn't been upgraded since we got it in 2003-
ish) I'm greeted with a prompt saying "There is a file or folder on
your
computer called 'C:\program' which could cause certain apps to not
function correctly. Renaming it to 'C:\program1' would solve this
problem. Would you
like to rename it now?". There are also windows popping up that say
"Program has encountered an illegal operation and needs to close". No
matter how many times I close the window, more keeping popping up.
Also, the Norton Anti-Virus startup icon is X-ed out and I can't find
any files named "Program" whatsoever.

Ideas?

Since the NAV startup icon is "X-ed out", you need to determine if the
machine is virus/malware-free.

Go through these general malware removal steps systematically -
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware

Include scanning with either Sysclean or Multi_AV, plus AVG Anti-Spyware
(formerly Ewido - http://www.ewido.net/en/) and follow instructions to
do all scans in Safe Mode.

Standard caveat: If the procedures look too complex - and there is no
shame in admitting this isn't your cup of tea - take the machine to a
professional computer repair shop (not your local version of
BigStoreUSA). Please be aware that not all local shops are skilled at
removing malware and even if they are, your computer may be so infested
that Windows will need to be clean-installed. Have all your data backed
up before you take the machine into a shop.


Malke

 

[Jerry]

During Windows installation at least two folders are created \Windows and
\Program Files (open Explorer and verify).

Your problem could be that some programs are trying to run from \Program
Files but because of the space between Program and Files they are lost -
their path of execution should be enclosed in "" so that the space becomes
part of the path; it should be "C:\Program Files\" (or longer depending on
where the program is located.

Or, the problem programs path needs to be changed from \Program Files to
\Progra~1 - the DOS equivalent.

It is up to you to determine which fix is necessaary/required.