Windows Vista .exe is not a vaild Win32 application

[mkearney]

Hi, I am in a seriously angry state thanks to my computer at the minute.

Upon downloading any form of application or file, I am given the error message "XXX.exe is not a valid Win32 application". I have noticed that any images I download have the file size of 0kb, and that my antivirus software has somehow vanished.

The main problem is that it is even impossible for me to download my AVG again as the error message will appear after download. I think that some form of information in the registry or a file has been removed.
Please can someone give me some advice as to how to repair this problem?

I am certain that it is not an issue with my browser or the file I am downloading.
I am running Windows Vista Home Premium on a Toshiba Equium A120

 

[Madxgraphics]

Download Malwarebytes to a USB stick via another computer, restart yours in safe mode and install Malwarebytes, let it do what it has to do, hopefully it will sort the problem, when you have done that get rid of AVg and go for Avira if yu are going to use a free AV, its much better..

 

[mkearney]

I'll give that a go asap when I can get another computer, thanks

 

[mkearney]

Unfortunately Malwarebytes didn't fix it, although it did remove a few issues, Thanks

 

[Madxgraphics]

Maybe a repair install ?

 

[Ian]

It sounds like you need to run a virus scan on there ASAP. Are you able to run an online virus scanner in your browser?

http://housecall.trendmicro.com/

I would try downloading Avira from the net on another PC and then see if you are able to install/run it in safe mode : http://www.avira.com/en/download/index.php

 

[mkearney]

Neither are opening on this computer, I'll cram open another laptop and see if I can transfer in safe mode
Thanks

 

[mkearney]

None have worked =(

 

[Ian]

Did you try the repair install option?

Another option would be to backup all your important files and then start from a clean install?

 

[mkearney]

Unfortunately I didn't make any recovery disks. How can I repair install??
All files are backed up so I'm not worried about that

 

[Ian]

I don't know if Toshiba use a recovery partition, the last time I used them there was a recovery DVD provided. However, if you check the manual it should confirm if a recovery partition is provided. A quick google shows that if you hold down the zero key before and while you power the unit on, it may load the recovery manager. This will reset Windows to it's factory state, removing ALL information on the laptop.

 

[mkearney]

I'll give that a go ASAP, wish me luck

 

[clydeartwork]

Try to repair your OS, and soon after repairing, restart the computer in safe mode and use malwarebytes and try to use Kaspersky Internet Security or Avira.
I am sure that when you repair your OS, it will solve the problem