Computer Hope
Microsoft => Microsoft Windows => Windows XP => Topic started by: liddokun on December 17, 2006, 03:11:17 PM
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hi,
Everytime I try to open an .exe file, a box pops up saying it is an unknown file, and windows does not know which program to use to open this file. It is an .exe, so there really isn't any program used to open it. I did a search online, and I found that it might be a problem with my registry, so I tried accessing regedit, however windows gave me the same message "this file is an unknown file..." etc. I can't use system restore either, because it is an .exe. Are there any ways of fixing this without re installing windows? (BTW, this problem began after I rebooted).
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Probably some malware caused this especially if you didn't do anything unusual.
What are you using for protection?
Can you get to safe mode and try a system restore?
The problem appears to be one of file associations.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307859
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/tips/xp_easy_file.htm
Do you have any important data to back up if you cannot fix this?
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I can't search for malware either seeing as my malware scan is an .exe and also, i can't use cmd as that is .exe as well.
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Well then you are ready for a format and reinstall, or at the least a repair install.
Do you have a shiney Windows CD that says Microsoft all over it, or what? What version of Windows?
Do you have any important data to back up if you cannot fix this?
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Do you mean the XP install cd?
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Yes. What does the CD say on it?
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XP SP2
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http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html
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is there any other way of fixing this without doing re install of windows? i can re install some of my programs because i have lost the discs.
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If you have a real Windows CD of the same OS that is loaded you can try a repair install:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/learnmore/tips/doug92.mspx
This will not solve the issue with what caused these problems. As I said, probably malware.