EXE files not running

  • Thread starter Thread starter ken.k.koh
  • Start date Start date
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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
 
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
 
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 :)
 
Ramesh,

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

Ken
 
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
 
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