Windows XP forum: Programs will not open in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/279736 indicates this is for Windows ME - do you think it will apply for Windows XP too?

Thank you..

I tried system restore (from Safe Mode with cmd prompt because nothing is clickable). I tried about 6 times. I went all the way back to March 6th! (system was fine until about June 9,2007 or so!).

Every iteration of the restore followed by rebooting led to almost all of the same set of symptoms as described above. The one exception was that the "system tray" area of the taskbar was restored with the original 4 or 5 icons. Other than that, all the same problems remain. Most baffling, is when I rightmouse on My Computer and select Properties, nothing happens. Also, when I type CMD into the Run box, the system says it doesnt recognize CMD and prompts for a web service or select a program to run it...Is there any way to run Spybot or Ad_Aware from a command prompt in Safe Mode like I ran the RSTRUI.EXE ?

Thanks tufenuf, I read through that and I will try it tonight when I get to the laptop. It looks quite scary - this big .reg file - but I assume it will at least not make things worse. There is not much documentation on the problem in kellys-korner but I take it that you think it matches my symptoms, correct?

For a starter check out the instructions in the thread at the link below.

http://forums.cnet.com/5208-6142_102-0.html?forumID=5&threadID=251139&messageID=2507254#2507254

Tufenuf

Gregg, Go to the link below and scroll down to line 12 (left column) and click on "EXE (lnk and regfile) Fix for Windows XP" to download a reg file fix. Save the REG File to your hard disk. Double click it and answer yes to the import prompt.

http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

If you can't run the file do the following:

Press CTRL-ALT-DEL and open Task Manager. Once there, click File, then hold down the CTRL key and click New Task (Run). This will open a Command Prompt window. Enter REGEDIT.exe and press Enter. Once regedit is open click File>Import and locate that reg file fix, hilite it and click Open.

Note: If you can't access the Internet with the problem computer use another computer to download the reg file fix onto a CD or floppy and transfer the file to the problem computer.

Tufenuf

carbonation, Try right clicking on that download and choose "Save target as" then save it to your hard drive.

"I had planned to down load it to another computer that is net worked with the problem computer, then copy it over. Will that work?"

That should also work.

Tufenuf

carbonation, Reboot and see if the problem still exists. If it does try the "EXE File Association Fix" at the link below. Instructions are on the page. You may have to again use your daughter's computer to download and unzip it then transfer the unzipped reg file to the problem computer, run it and reboot.

http://www.dougknox.com/xp/file_assoc.htm

Tufenuf

carbonation, I would recommend that you post this problem in the "Spyware, viruses, & security" forum. It appears to definitely be virus/malware related and the experts on that forum should be able to help you.

Tufenuf

I'm having the same problems everyone else in this forum were having. I can't run two specific programs in Windows XP. One is a long-time application that I've been running for years XSite Pro 1.6 and the other is a new app.

The file or program found at http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm. That page is offline now.

Any direction or advisement is appreciated.

Best,
GR

I get no error messages of any kind. The software or the "Kellys-korner" link you referred to is dead -- nothing is there. At this point, I only have two programs that are not running. All others are fine from what I can see.

Thanks for any help.

GR

I am still working on this. I upgraded to Windows XP Pro with a legitimate genuine, non-bootlegged copy.

Steps I did include: ran every anti-virus, anti-malware software I could find and still nothing. I ran Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware and ZoneAlarm anti-virus and anti-spyware modules too but nothing. I also ran Spybot and Ad-Aware too.

I came to the conclusion that the software needed to be a genuine/legitimate version of Windows so I bought it. That notwithstanding, the updates that Windows does won't install. I think if I can get those updates to install, I can get the programs to open as those updates are needed (10 of them are waiting). I've contacted Microsoft to let them know that I can't get the updates to install even though I have a genuine/purchased copy of Windows XP Pro SP3 running.

Any help or guidance is appreciated.

GR

Yes, Mark, I did have a pirated copy of Windows XP. I had Windows 98 and then upgraded to ME, which was free. When I upgraded to Windows XP, my friend gave me some bootlegged Windows XP software he had. I used it, I admit, but am now "legal." I bought the full, genuine copy a couple of days ago in light of these problems.

Here's the process I went through:
1. Upgraded to a genuine, legitimate copy of Windows XP Pro SP3 a couple of days ago. It installed and updated w/o issue.

2. I installed it via a link Microsoft gave me post-sale. I clicked on it and initiated the process. Like I said, the upgrade process was issue-free. The site to start the process is http://support.microsoft.com/contactus/cu_sc_genadv_master?ws=oas#tab1. I called them and bought it then they sent me an email with the info I needed.

3. The only issue I can see is that the automatic updates from Microsoft just won't install.

4. Good question. Both of the applications are GENUINE, purchased versions. Sincerely. I bought the one XSite Pro 1.6 about 4 years ago. The other I bought on December 2nd. I contacted the programmer and he and I tried to get it to work together but it just didn't. I've not come across ANY other apps that aren't installing. I've uninstalled and reinstalled the copies but nothing. BTW, I bought both of the applications directly from the vendor so I know they're not pirated. The one I've had since 2005 (XSite Pro 1) has never been a problem ever before.

Here is a list of the updates:
a. Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool - December 2009 (KB890830)
b. Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1 Service Pack 1 Security Update for Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows 7, and Windows Server 2008 R2 (KB953297). (I actually see this in the Control Panel/Add-Remove Programs).
c. Update for Windows XP (KB971737).
d. Security Update for Windows XP (KB974392).
e. Update for Windows XP (KB967715).
f. Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer 7 for Windows XP (KB976325).
g. Security Update for Windows XP (KB973904).
h. Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 Service Pack 1 and .NET Framework 3.5 Family Update for .NET versions 2.0 through 3.5 (KB951847) x86
i. Security Update for Windows XP (KB974318).
j. Update for Windows XP (KB970430).

What happens when I try to install them? I click on the yellow shield icon that appears in the Windows system tray and the dialogue box entitled "Automatic Updates" appears. It asks, "How do you want to install updates? Windows found 10 updates." I have tried both the Express Install and Custom Install options. I then click install. When I do so, in the installation status field, it tries to install them but after each of the 10 options, it says, "...failed!". I'm then left with a dialogue box that says: "The following updates were not installed." That's it. There are no other dialogue boxes and no other error messages of any kind.

When Windows XP is closing down w/ a hard boot, it tries to install the updates but cycles through it fast as it doesn't install them.

Lastly, I also ran extensive anti-virus, malware, spyware and trojan software to find anything. While I found a few noxious tracking cookies one that still remains in Firefox 3.3.6 that I can't get rid of (it launches tabs with advertisements on them), the various software seemed to find a few things, which I quarantined and then deleted.

I use ZoneAlarm Security Suite and used Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware, Spybot - Search & Destroy, HiJackThis and TrendMicro's CWS Shredder, HJT, RootKitBuster and RUBotted as well. I tried to use their HouseCall, but it wouldn't install.

Overall, I don't think this is a trojan or bot problem, although I could be wrong. I'm thinking of installing ZoneAlarm in favor of McAfee's as I get it for free (and legitimately) anyway from Comcast.

That's it. Sorry to be so verbose. I appreciate your time and help.

Best,GR