Open With prompt for programs Like IE, not for files

[lab49232]

No matter what I open even programs my computer asks me what to open it with such as virus scan, IE, AIM, Firefox. These are programs and therefore need no program to open them. I tried to restart it in safemode and I lose my wireless internet and still get the prompt for "open with" and thus can not run my virus scan. I can get on the internet still if not in safe mode but not on AIM and can't open virus scan.

When clicking on IE I can choose to open it with IE and then I get asked again what to open it with and if at that point I close the prompt box IE opens up but it doesn't work for all programs. The fact that this still happens in safe mode scares me. Not sure if it is a virus or what. I finally after jumping through some hoops managed to open system restore but I apparently have no restore points. It has been doing this for over a week now. I have ran malwarebytes and gotten nothing.

[Allan]

First thing you want to do is run a full scan on your system with BOTH your anti virus utility AND MalwareBytes

[lab49232]

I have ran both and neither did anything. I have no idea what is wrong with it. I have not done anything that would remove a command or anything from my computer that I know of. I don't really mess around with much on my computer but is it possible I deleted something on my computer that could cause this? need it fixed, its really annoying!

[Allan]

but is it possible I deleted something on my computer that could cause this?

I don't know. What did you do just before the problem arose? This particular problem cannot occur spontaneously. If it's not malware then you did something - what did you do?

[Allan]

BTW, if it's just .exe files that can't open (programs) download the .exe file fix and run it: http://www.winhelponline.com/articles/105/1/File-association-fixes-for-Windows-Vista.html

[lab49232]

I do not remember doing anything, I am running virus scan, malware and adaware now again hoping it helps somehow this time.

[Allan]

AdAware is useless. Download and run MalwareBytes. And did you see my last post above re: .exe file?

[lab49232]

I have both programs on my computer, malwarebytes really slows down and messes with my copmuter when its running so I don't like to use it too much.

The exe fix fixed the problem it would appear though!!!!! Thanks so much!

[Allan]

You're welcome. But DO use MalwareBytes for scanning your system. Let it run when you're not sitting in front of it. Again, AdAware is useless. MalwareBytes works!!!