Bit of an urgent one - PC help

b2tf · 11-08-2011, 10:04 PM

my laptop has decided it doesnt want to run .exe files anymore. I had a virus that was posing as a Windows Internet security program, which I removed by deleting the file. Now I cannot get any .exe programs to run at all - even if i download an antivirus program, the pc will download it but cant run it - asks me to select the program to run it from a list but it is an executable file?

Any ideas on what I can do to fix it?

GreenR · 11-08-2011, 10:06 PM

have you tried right clicking on the icon and selecting run ?

b2tf · 11-08-2011, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by plarazza

have you tried right clicking on the icon and selecting run ?

Yeah i did try that but I just fixed it by downloading an exefile fix utility. Seems to be going ok now.

The missus downloaded one of those games from the 80's things and it had a virus in it so I am now in the process of cleanup/fixup.

GreenR · 11-08-2011, 10:22 PM

Something like that sounds like file association error. Normally to do with problems in your registry. Get a program that is a registry cleaner helps fix small errors like that

tjb45 · 11-08-2011, 10:45 PM

have a read here: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950505

It should sort the problem out..

lilmattie · 12-08-2011, 08:43 AM

Also, download Malwarebytes Antimalware (free edition) and run a full scan.

Just to make sure that there's nothing else that's still there. It should also cleanup all the registry entries of that bogus AV malware..

If you're still finding odd things are happening - download a tool called combofix and let it run. I've used it many many times to remove rootkits.

b2tf · 12-08-2011, 08:47 AM

Thanks for that, I have just put Malwarebytes on here now and its scanning. Be interested to see what it comes up with.

ch33z1l · 12-08-2011, 09:06 AM

CCleaner will clean up temp files, redundant files, registry errors, as well as free up some space.

http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner/download

Russ · 12-08-2011, 09:06 AM

I use this program daily, I run it each time before switching off the computer after internet browsing, you'll be surprised what it will pick up from the registry and fingers crossed my PC has been bug free for quite some time and it seems to run quicker as well. It's also free and has auto updates available

Edit -Beat me by a millisecond

http://www.filehippo.com/download_ccleaner

lilmattie · 12-08-2011, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ch33z1l

CCleaner will clean up temp files, redundant files, registry errors, as well as free up some space.

http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner/download

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russ

I use this program daily, I run it each time before switching off the computer after internet browsing, you'll be surprised what it will pick up from the registry and fingers crossed my PC has been bug free for quite some time and it seems to run quicker as well. It's also free and has auto updates available

Edit -Beat me by a millisecond

http://www.filehippo.com/download_ccleaner

Good call guys. Temp folders are also places where other nastys can lie dormant.. or be active..

ch33z1l · 12-08-2011, 10:21 AM

Have also seen something similar on a Windows 2003 Server, where the security settings would prevent any .exe files from running. If you open the file properties, is there an unlock checkbox that you can tick? I think this is pre-service pack 2...

It does sound more like a virus/spyware/registry issue?

Once Malwarebytes is finished scanning, download Spybot Search and Destroy>Update>then Immunise, just to be sure you got it all.

The other issue could be that your profile has lost administrative permissions. Try creating a new user account with Administrative priviliges. Copy your documents, music, etc and delete the old profile.

ch33z1l · 12-08-2011, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russ

Edit -Beat me by a millisecond

First thing I install on any PC, be it my own or a clients. I've found the 'Wipe free space' is heaps better than the Windows Drive Cleaner.

Piriform also make some other awesome programs. Recuva is also very good. Haven't bothered with Defraggler, as the default Windows one is sufficient.

b2tf · 12-08-2011, 12:23 PM

I do have CCleaner on there and use it pretty regularly too.

Zero_PSI · 12-08-2011, 01:54 PM

Have you tried running the prpgrams from the command prompt?

It sounds like a damaged file on yhe operating system, the most permanent thing to do would be to reformat the affected volume and re-install the operating system. Do this via a windows image file to avoid losing all your applications. anti-virus software can removw virus' but can't repair damaged data.

This is why we create restore points people.

Josh_XC · 15-08-2011, 05:37 PM

Run your box in safe mode, you should than be able to run .exe files, if this is the case go to run ->msconfig and see what is running on startup and remove anything suspicous. Oh also do a scan while in safe mode

FGII-XR6 · 15-08-2011, 06:00 PM

Or back up your critical data then format & reinstall , nothing like a clean install to get some speed back into your system so you get a bonus as well.
some see this as overkill but I like to reinstall my OS every few months (except on my 2 servers) performance always improves after I do this. I know there is maintenance you can perform to keep your system running well but they are not perfect, you OS gets tired after a while
Don't put your data back untill you install a good AV program with all updated installed this will trap any gremlins for you