can't open any programs or run .exe files

[help-me-please]

Hi, how are you?

I don't know what the problem is :s

I can open programs like word, excel or image viewers etc. if they are attachments in emails or documents saved on the desktop,
but i can’t open any programs directly or run any.exe files if i want to install a new program (it asks me what program i would like to use to open the program, but the only option is notepad.)

Except internet explorer for some reason will open from the start menu.

Firefox is the default browser, so if there is a link in a word document i can open it by opening the link.



Also, this is different, but on my older laptop, i was installing a software update for my cell phone and it had to uninstall the previous software, but for some reason the uninstall/install update didn’t work and stopped halfway through.

I think maybe the program uninstalled too much software by accident?

After that the start bar disappeared and i couldn't open internet explorer.

I can still open the task manager and do some things through there.


The screen is broken on that laptop, so i don't mind switching from it anyways...
I think i could burn my documents on a cd or copy to usb but i’m afraid to in case it’s a virus.

My sister recently got a new laptop so i can use her old one (this one)
...As you can see, we’re not a very tech-savvy family :s


If anyone who knows about this kind of thing is looking for a fun puzzle to solve please help me out!

I would really appreciate it 


Thank you!
Happy new year

[Geek-9pm]

Welcome to the Computer Hope forums. Here you will find many volunteers will help you with any computer related problems. There is no charge for this service and you don't have to buy anything.
You admit to being rather new to this personal computers stuff. That's perfectly all right.
 It seems you have more than just one problem. It would be best we could just concentrate on one issue.
Please give us some more information about the specific computer you are using and what operating system it has. Also, do you understand the importance of making regular backups? And are you using some type of anti-virus software at the present time?

Please reply and somebody will give you an answer  to a specific question.

[BC_Programmer]

try This. Open the "compressed folder" (zip file) and then double-click the .reg file and say yes to the prompt. You'll probably need to reboot afterwards.

[help-me-please]

Hi,

Thank you for your help!
Sorry this is so confusing.


This is a Toshiba Satellite and it has Windows Vista. I don't really know what the anti-virus is...

I've never made a back-up on a computer before.

Also, this is the guest account which is having problems. I'm not sure about the main one.


I guess what i'd especially like to know is how to open programs that are already on the computer and download new software (which means i have to run .exe files?)


I'll try the link, but i'm afraid to download too many things on here because it's not my laptop and if i mess it up more i don't think my sister will like it :s


Thank you!
Take care*

[soybean]

i can’t open any programs directly or run any.exe files if i want to install a new program

Also, this is the guest account which is having problems.

You need to be logged onto an admin user account to install programs.