Unable to open .exe files

Anonymous
2010-02-01T02:00:45+00:00

Vista won't load .exe files! And more problems...

Ok, so all of a sudden, my computer goes berserk and I get all these pop-ups and messages saying that my computer is infected. Then it continues to say that I can't use the computer unless I delete the Trojans. I press the Remove Virus button and it takes me to a page on IE that says I have to pay for this Windows Vista Security package to remove the viruses. I ignore that, and proceed to download Avast! the great free anti-virus program that so many people have told me about.

Well, I tried to open Avast! but Windows kept saying that that file was infected. So I shut down several times, and I still had the problem. So I gave up, went to bed, hoping that the problem would be fixed tomorrow.

Next day: I opened Windows, and I didn't have any of those pop-ups. But, I couldn't open ANYTHING. I tried to open Firefox, and something popped up saying something like "Windows cannot find the correct program to open firefox.exe, choose a program from the list" and all that was on the list was Internet Explorer.

When I tried to open Microsoft Word, it said that it couldn't find the correct program, and told me to choose frmo the listed programs, which was just Internet Explorer.

Same thing happened with Google Chrome, Avast!, and Notepad.... All of them were prompting me to open them with a different kind of program.

Thing is, when I try to open IE itself, it prompts me to open it with the correct program-opener, and lists Internet explorer.

I didn't get those pop-ups, or messages telling me I had viruses anymore...

Please help, as soon as possible.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Apps

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Anonymous
2012-03-30T01:04:56+00:00

Hello Pixel Lite,

There was a KB article created to help fix this issue, the article has a Fix it to automate the steps.

See this KB article:

Can't open .EXE files in Windows 7 or Windows Vista

Hope this helps.

L.D.

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Anonymous
2010-02-04T09:10:54+00:00

So I just fixed mine, EXEs are loading correctly now. It was a few registry issues that just need to be changed.

  1. Type command in the RUN dialog box to open Command Prompt
  2. When Command Prompt is up, type cd \windows3. Type regedit to open up the Registries.

4. Expand HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT and find the folder of .exe

  1. Without expanding it, on the main .exe folder, Right-click (Default) and Modify. Change the Value Data to exefile6. Now in the same HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT find the folder of exefile and Right-click (Default) and Modify. Change the Value Data to "%1" %*
  2. Lastly expand exefile, expand shell, expand open, click on the command folder, Right-click (Default) and Modify. Change the Value Data to "%1" %*
  3. Close Regedit and Restart the computer. When restarted, EXE files should not prompt you to choose a program to run it now and load correctly.

Hope this helps yall out!

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  1. Anonymous
    2010-03-02T06:24:31+00:00

    Hi kingralp and HelpPuleeze,

    Try Safe Mode with networking - repeatedly tap F8 as you boot up.

    The top two methods allow the scanners to run and/or get AV.exe out of the way or removal.

    1.

    CTRL SHIFT ESC  - Task Manager  OR Right Click the TaskBar - Task Manager

    Processes tab - End Process on AV.EXE and then proceed with the Uninstall Guide.

    If needed use Start - Computer  OR  Windows Explorer  to navigate to

    C:\Program Files\Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware\mbam.exe  or where ever it is installed at - if

    needed Right Click the Malwarebytes - Properties - Shortcut tab - target line to see where it

    is installed.

    Right Click on it and Rename it to ZZMbam.COM (or anything different than it is now) and then

    double click on it and run it that way. You can rename it back later. Do similar with other

    programs as needed. Use this method for others as needed - DO NOT ASSUME any one

    program removes it all or that there is not other malware involved.

    Another method is to use these :

    Use Process Explorer to "Suspend" not Stop the Processes

    Then use AutoRuns to remove the malware startup items.

    Now use UnLocker to delete the files in the malware.

    You may have to do this one file at a time.

    Process Explorer - Free

    http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb896653.aspx

    AutoRuns - Free

    http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb963902.aspx

    UnLocker - Free (do not install the Ebay adaware)

    http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/System-Miscellaneous/Unlocker.shtml

    AV.exe

    ==============================================

    There are MANY varieties of these with many names however all can be removed with the same methods :

    XP Internet Security 2010, Antivirus Vista 2010, and Win 7 Antispyware 2010 are rogue antivirus, 

    scams to force you to pay for them while they have no benefits at all.

    How to remove ALL varities of this malware - please read the Removal Instructions carefully.http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/virus-removal/remove-antivirus-vista-2010

    RENAME these as needed to allow them to run : (use another name with the .COM extension instead of .exe)

    These can be done in Safe Mode - repeatedly tap F8 as you boot however you should also run them

    in regular Windows when you can.

    Download malwarebytes and scan with it, run MRT, and add Prevx to be sure it is gone. (If Rootkits

    run UnHackMe)

    Download - SAVE - go to where you put it - Right Click on it - RUN AS ADMIN

    Malwarebytes - free

    http://www.malwarebytes.org/

    Run the Microsoft Malicious Removal Tool

    Start - type in Search box -> MRT  find at top of list - Right Click on it - RUN AS ADMIN.

    You should be getting this tool and its updates via Windows Updates - if needed you can download it

    here.

    Download - SAVE - go to where you put it - Right Click on it - RUN AS ADMIN

    (Then run MRT as above.)

    Microsoft Malicious Removal Tool - 32 bit

    http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=AD724AE0-E72D-4F54-9AB3-75B8EB148356&displaylang=en

    Microsoft Malicious Removal Tool - 64 bit

    http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=585D2BDE-367F-495E-94E7-6349F4EFFC74&displaylang=en

    also install Prevx to be sure it is all gone.

    Download - SAVE - go to where you put it - Right Click on it - RUN AS ADMIN

    Prevx - Home - Free - small, fast, exceptional CLOUD protection, works with other security programs.

    This is a scanner only, VERY EFFECTIVE, if it finds something come back here or use Google to see

    how to remove. 

    http://www.prevx.com/   <-- information

    http://info.prevx.com/downloadcsi.asp  <-- download

    PCmag - Prevx - Editor's Choice

    http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2346862,00.asp

    Try the trial version of Hitman Pro :

    Hitman Pro is a second opinion scanner, designed to rescue your computer from malware (viruses,

    trojans, rootkits, etc.) that have infected your computer despite all the security measures you have

    taken (such as anti virus software, firewalls, etc.).

    http://www.surfright.nl/en/hitmanpro

    If needed here are some online free scanners to help

    http://www.eset.com/onlinescan/

    http://onecare.live.com/site/en-us/default.htm

    http://www.kaspersky.com/virusscanner

    Other Free online scans

    http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&source=hp&q=antivirus+free+online+scan&aq=f&oq=&aqi=g1

    Also do these to cleanup general corruption and repair/replace damaged/missing system files.

    Run DiskCleanup - Start - All Programs - Accessories - System Tools - Disk Cleanup

    Start - type this in Search Box ->  COMMAND   find at top and RIGHT CLICK  -  RUN AS ADMIN

    Enter this at the prompt - sfc /scannow

    How to analyze the log file entries that the Microsoft Windows Resource Checker (SFC.exe) program

    generates in Windows Vista cbs.log

    http://support.microsoft.com/kb/928228

    Run checkdisk - schedule it to run at next start and then Apply OK your way out then restart.

    How to Run Check Disk at Startup in Vista

    http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/67612-check-disk-chkdsk.html

    If any Rootkits are found use this thread and other suggestions. (Run UnHackMe)

    http://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/InternetExplorer/thread/a8f665f0-c793-441a-a5b9-54b7e1e7a5a4/

    Hope this helps.

    Rob - Bicycle - Mark Twain said it right.

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  2. Anonymous
    2010-03-02T06:25:15+00:00

    Hi,

    Methods to restore .exe functionality AFTER removing the malware.

    1. Make a Restore Point so you can revert back if needed though not likely required.

    How to Create a System Restore Point in Vista

    http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/76332-system-restore-point-create.html

    How to Do a System Restore in Vista

    http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/76905-system-restore-how.html

    2 . Copy BETWEEN these lines and paste into Notepad - Save as exefileFix.reg  -  then Right

    Click on it and MERGE - REBOOT

    DO NOT COPY LINES

    Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

    [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT.EXE]

    @="exefile"

    "Content Type"="application/x-msdownload"

    [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT.EXE\PersistentHandler]

    @="{098f2470-bae0-11cd-b579-08002b30bfeb}"

    [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile]

    @="Application"

    "EditFlags"=hex:38,07,00,00

    "FriendlyTypeName"=hex(2):40,00,25,00,53,00,79,00,73,00,74,00,65,00,6d,00,52,\

      00,6f,00,6f,00,74,00,25,00,5c,00,53,00,79,00,73,00,74,00,65,00,6d,00,33,00,\

      32,00,5c,00,73,00,68,00,65,00,6c,00,6c,00,33,00,32,00,2e,00,64,00,6c,00,6c,\

      00,2c,00,2d,00,31,00,30,00,31,00,35,00,36,00,00,00

    [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile\DefaultIcon]

    @="%1"

    [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile\shell]

    [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile\shell\open]

    "EditFlags"=hex:00,00,00,00

    [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile\shell\open\command]

    @=""%1" %*"

    "IsolatedCommand"=""%1" %*"

    [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile\shell\runas]

    [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile\shell\runas\command]

    @=""%1" %*"

    "IsolatedCommand"=""%1" %*"

    [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile\shellex]

    [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile\shellex\DropHandler]

    @="{86C86720-42A0-1069-A2E8-08002B30309D}"

    [-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExts.exe\UserChoice]

    DO NOT COPY LINES

    If needed :

    Check the EXE file fix here

    http://www.winhelponline.com/articles/105/1/File-association-fixes-for-Windows-Vista.html

    Also check this one if it applies

    http://www.winhelponline.com/articles/165/1/Restore-the-exe-file-association-in-Windows-Vista-after-incorrectly-associating-it-with-another-application.html

    How to Set Default Associations For a Program in Vista

    http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/83196-default-programs-program-default-associations.html

    Hope this helps.

    Rob - Bicycle - Mark Twain said it right.

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  3. Anonymous
    2010-03-02T15:45:04+00:00

    For many of those who cannot open regedit from the Run command, try this.  It works in XP to get the registry to open when you cannot start regedit.exe.  I have not had a chance to play with Vista to verify it.

    Click Start, choose Run

    type "command.com" press enter.

    This should start a command prompt, without using cmd.exe.  Now, do the following:

    type "cd c:\windows\system32"  Press Enter.  This moves you into the correct directory to update regedit.

    type "copy regedit.exe regedit.com"  press Enter.  This makes a duplicate regedit - this one is a .com file, since you cannot open the .exe.

    type "start regedit.com"

    This should open a registry editor.  I then minimized the registry editor, and the command prompt window.  Then I created a .reg file, again, by tricking the computer:

    right-click the desktop, choose "New Text Document."  (you don't have to name it yet)

    double-click the new text document, and it should open Notepad.

    Copy/Paste the following Text into Notepad:

    Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

    [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT.exe]

    @="exefile"

    "Content Type"="application/x-msdownload"

    [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT.exe\PersistentHandler]

    @="{098f2470-bae0-11cd-b579-08002b30bfeb}"

    [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile]

    @="Application"

    "EditFlags"=hex:38,07,00,00

    "TileInfo"="prop:FileDescription;Company;FileVersion"

    "InfoTip"="prop:FileDescription;Company;FileVersion;Create;Size"

    [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile\DefaultIcon]

    @="%1"

    [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile\shell]

    [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile\shell\open]

    "EditFlags"=hex:00,00,00,00

    [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile\shell\open\command]

    @=""%1" %*"

    [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile\shell\runas]

    [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile\shell\runas\command]

    @=""%1" %*"

    [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile\shellex]

    [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile\shellex\DropHandler]

    @="{86C86720-42A0-1069-A2E8-08002B30309D}"

    [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile\shellex\PropertySheetHandlers]

    [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile\shellex\PropertySheetHandlers\PEAnalyser]

    @="{09A63660-16F9-11d0-B1DF-004F56001CA7}"

    [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile\shellex\PropertySheetHandlers\PifProps]

    @="{86F19A00-42A0-1069-A2E9-08002B30309D}"

    [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile\shellex\PropertySheetHandlers\ShimLayer Property Page]

    @="{513D916F-2A8E-4F51-AEAB-0CBC76FB1AF8}"

    Go to file>Save as, and save the document, but ensure save as type is all files.  Name the file "regfix.reg"

    Open the registry editor, choose File>Import, then navigate to the desktop, and choose the regfix.reg file.  It will import the information into the registry.  Restart your computer, and all should be well.

    Please note that I have fixed a couple of Windows XP computers this way.  I have not verified any of the information in Vista.

    I hope this information proves useful!

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