Windows Media Player starts when I try to run Programs

[frnchlfty]

Hi,

 I am running win7 sp1 and when I try to run Task Manager, Event Viewer, Inet Explorer, etc. it starts windows media player. I tried removing the feature, disabling in services etc. but that just causes more problems.

[Geek-9pm]

How long has this been happening g?
Did you recently install new programs?
What did you remove?
Did you set restore  points?
Do you have AV protection?

What about other browsers?

[Allan]

try repairing the file associations: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/fixexec/

[frnchlfty]

Thank you very much for your input but unfortunately this doesn't fix the problem. It appears as if every .exe or .com file is automatically associated with media player. When you to the default program option yo cannot change the type of association for these types of files as those extensions aren't listed. It only happens on one id on the machine. All other id's work fine, I'd like to get to the bottom but time becomes a factor so it may be easier to just recreate the user id.

[frnchlfty]

When I tried to run fileexec it ran windows media player. I have norton, it's been happening about a month after accessing a web site (?). It happens on all browsers. Restore points were not set.

[Allan]

Please follow the instructions in the following link and post your logs in the thread you create (NOT in this thread):
http://www.computerhope.com/forum/index.php/topic,46313.0.html

[frnchlfty]

Hi,

Thank you for your assistance. This problem occurs on one id (any attempts to run applications brings up windows media player including msconfig, internet explorer, chrome, task manager, etc). The other two id's run fine. I also noticed that running malwarebytes continues to find files that have to be deleted. I am running norton security suite, all security and windows updates are current as of yesterday. I also noticed that the owner has a lot of third party software.

Thank you

[recovering disk space, attachment deleted by admin]

[patio]

Did you in fact try Allan's link in Post #3 ? ?

[frnchlfty]

If you had in fact read the messages you would have seen that I did try the suggestion. Why are you sending messages if you don't want to help?

[Allan]

I've moved your post to the malware forum, which is where I asked you to post the logs. Please wait for a malware specialist to respond. Thanks.

[SuperDave]

Hello and welcome to Computer Hope Forum. My name is Dave. I will be helping you out with your particular problem on your computer.

1. I will be working on your Malware issues. This may or may not solve other issues you have with your machine.
2. The fixes are specific to your problem and should only be used for this issue on this machine.
3. If you don't know or understand something, please don't hesitate to ask.
4. Please DO NOT run any other tools or scans while I am helping you.
5. It is important that you reply to this thread. Do not start a new topic.
6. Your security programs may give warnings for some of the tools I will ask you to use. Be assured, any links I give are safe.
7. Absence of symptoms does not mean that everything is clear.

If you can't access the internet with your infected computer you will have to download and transfer any programs to the computer you're using now and transfer them to the infected computer with a CD-RW or a USB storage device. I prefer a CD because a storage device can get infected. If you use a storage device hold the shift key down while inserting the USB storage device for about 10 secs. You will also have to transfer the logs you receive back to the good computer using the same method until we can get the computer back on-line.
*************************************************************************
Update Your Java (JRE)

Old versions of Java have vulnerabilities that malware can use to infect your system.

First Verify your Java Version

If there are any other version(s) installed then update now.

Get the new version (if needed)

If your version is out of date install the newest version of the Sun Java Runtime Environment.

Note: UNCHECK any pre-checked toolbar and/or software offered with the Java update. The pre-checked toolbars/software are not part of the Java update.

Be sure to close ALL open web browsers before starting the installation.

Remove any old versions

1. Download JavaRa and unzip the file to your Desktop.
2. Open JavaRA.exe and choose Remove Older Versions
3. Once complete exit JavaRA.

Additional Note: The Java Quick Starter (JQS.exe) adds a service to improve the initial startup time of Java applets and applications. To disable the JQS service if you don't want to use it, go to Start > Control Panel > Java > Advanced > Miscellaneous and uncheck the box for Java Quick Starter. Click OK and reboot your computer.
*********************************************
Please update and run MBAM again and post the log.
*************************************************
Please download Junkware Removal Tool to your desktop.

•Warning! Once the scan is complete JRT will shut down your browser with NO warning.

•Shut down your protection software now to avoid potential conflicts.

•Temporarily disable your Antivirus and any Antispyware real time protection before performing a scan. Click this link to see a list of security programs that should be disabled and how to disable them.

•Run the tool by double-clicking it. If you are using Windows Vista or Windows 7, right-click JRT and select Run as Administrator

•The tool will open and start scanning your system.

•Please be patient as this can take a while to complete depending on your system's specifications.

•On completion, a log (JRT.txt) is saved to your desktop and will automatically open.

•Copy and Paste the JRT.txt log into your next message.
**************************************************
Malwarebytes' Anti-Rootkit

Please download Malwarebytes' Anti-Rootkit and save it to your desktop.

• Be sure to print out and follow the instructions provided on that same page for performing a scan.
• Caution: This is a beta version so also read the disclaimer and back up all your data before using.
  
• When the scan completes, click on the Cleanup button to remove any threats found and reboot the computer if prompted to do so.
  
• Perform another scan with Malwarebytes Anti-Rootkit to verify that no threats remain. If they do, then click Cleanup once more and repeat the process.
  
• If there are problems with Internet access, Windows Update, Windows Firewall or other system issues, run the fixdamage tool located in the folder Malwarebytes Anti-Rootkit was run from and reboot your computer.
  
• Two files (mbar-log-YYYY-MM-DD, system-log.txt) will be created and saved within that same folder.
• Copy and paste the contents of these two log files in your next reply.