No files with exe extension will open. Any ideas??

[Shasta]

This week, my pc that is running Windows 95 has been acting up. Perhaps a virus or some accidental file deletions, but I want to avoid re-loading Windows and other software if possible.<br>
<br>
Apparently no exe files will run. With that, many shortcuts do not work. Also, no exe file will run from a floppy/CD. For example, if I go to a Microsoft Word doc, I can pull up the doc and make new Word documents. But I cannot access Microsoft Word by going to Start --&gt; Programs --&gt; Microsoft Word. I don't even receive a message. <br>
<br>
If I right click on my desktop and go to properties, I get a message 'Access to the specified device, path, or file is denied'. <br>
<br>
I have McAfee First Aid (which in theory could restore) but the exe files aren't working and I can't get First Aid to run.<br>
<br>
Any ideas are appreciated. <br>
<br>
Thanks.

 

[jsauce]

Although I am not a fan of re-installing, this may be one of those times to try.

 

[Shasta]

Thanks, I think that is my only option too.

 

[Alt255]

Reinstallation can propagate existing problems and create new ones. Try booting to a clean floppy to run a virus scanner if you think you've been infected (probably not but you never know). Try booting to the start-up disk you created when you installed Windows or the "recovery" disk provided with an OEM version. Save the reinstallation for last.<br>
My first install of '95 failed. It was followed by a failed uninstall and two more failed installations. I had to manually "nuke" the OS, reinstall Win 3.1 and then install '95 over 3.1.<br>
Growing pains I will try to avoid in the future.

 

[jsauce]

Although you are correct that this could happen. A fresh re-install should normally do just fine. But in his case I think he may have already decided "all else fails".

 

[Alt255]

Sorry, jsauce, you're right. I was just having flashbacks from my first encounter with the original '95.<br>
Hope to hear from Shasta soon.<br>

 

[jsauce]

I too have flashbacks about the original. Wasn't the beta better? I think the very first beta release should have been the end product. It was much more stable. Although I hate to have to re-install any operating system, sometimes its the only option. Today I was visiting a client's site and discovered they were using their server as their main work computer. Now I have to go back and re-install Windows NT, so I can understand the pain involved in re-installs.

 

[Alt255]

The horror... the horror.... NT or 2000, which is cost effective? We may need a new thread. Let's call it OS grievance. I'll be the first in line. Post it and I'll tell you horror stories beyond belief.<br>
<br>
P.S. Haven't heard from Shasta. I'm VERY interested in the result.

 

[Zelandakh]

Does it make any difference with safe mode I wonder. Also, do you think the silence from Shasta means he has nuked his installation and can't get it running so he can't call for help???<br>
<br>
Speech expected from Shasta shortly. (Don't call me shortly)<br>

 

[Shasta]

Hi there guys. Not much good news. <br>
<br>
The computer is a mess. There is probably a virus.<br>
<br>
When trying to re-install WIndows, the Norton Antivirus said that a file was trying to write to the d drive. <br>
(C:\wininsto-400\suwin.exe) was trying to write to the D Drive. Do you know if that is a virus? <br>
<br>
Also, when the installation was done, I checked the d-drive and a win386.swp file was there. I did not write to the d-drive and am not sure what that file is there for.<br>
<br>
Also, though I received a confirmation that Windows had been installed, the problems remained: no exe files will run or open! (Right now the computer is locked...need to re-boot. I am using my lap top now.) So re-installing Windows did not work, rescue disks would not run, and the anti-virus software that I have didn't really help me. Messy, isn't it?<br>
<br>
I am assuming I will need to repartition the hard drive. Fortunately there is nothing that important that I will be losing...most important stuff is on disk (though I fear they may be carrying a virus now). Unfortuantely, I will need to dig around for my DOS disks.<br>
<br>
Thanks for both of your advice. I'll keep you posted on my slow progress.<br>

 

[jsauce]

could be. They should have a forum just for installations. So people could talk about the horror of installation failure. BTW I think he exhausted all possibilities. I hope he at least tried safe mode. But I mean if there was a time like the present to be re-installing it would be one his system. BTW Alt255 NT will become cost effective. Since Windows 2000 will undoubtably be very expensive, I see people sticking with NT for a while. Plus I think Windows NT will probably drop in price slightly, to give people more of choice.

 

[Alt255]

Err... Shasta. I don't make it a habit to rob graves, and I know this sounds really sick, but could you send me a copy of the boot sector on the failed system? Jsauce can find me.<br>
<br>
We might be able to stop the problem before it

 

[Zelandakh]

The win386.swp file is your swap file (virtual memory, paging file and other such names). It is a hidden file that acts as memory when your physical RAM is not enough. It is volatile so that it only uses what it needs. If you are re-installing, it is safe to delete it, otherwise (on a running system) leave it well alone!<br>

 

[Shasta]

Perhaps it is obvious that I am no pc guru <br>
<br>
Thanks for the explanation, Zelandakh. I did not know what it was doing there in the D drive (or any drive actually).<br>
<br>
Alt255, I don't know what a boot sector is to even make a copy. But thanks so much for your offer to help. I think I need to do my homework. If I only had more time to deal with this. Having another computer allows me to procrastinate too.<br>
<br>
Perhaps I will buy a nice hammer. That should fix it.<br>

 

[Alt255]

This may be off the wall... and may have been the first place you should have looked. Check in the CMOS setup. You access it on boot by pressing the DEL key, F2 or a variety of others. There will usually be a message telling you how to get there. Make sure that virus protection is disabled. Windows can't finish installation with virus protection on (it needs to modify the boot sector - that's the first part of your hard drive). Also check to see if there are any other options to to protect the hard disks. If so, disable them. (Hey, you already said there was nothing important on the hard drive. If you already have a virus, there is nothing to lose.) Make sure the

 

[jsauce]

I thought of that, but he got through the setup at least one time so i don't think it is that.

 

[Alt255]

Hmmmph! About 75% of my post didn't post. Any way, I'll summarize the remaining 99 pages of wind with a just a few words: compression software. Some (like good ol' Stacker) write-protected the drive when there were problems. The presence of WIN386.SWP on the D: drive could be a clue. Maybe not. Is D: the host for C:?

 

[Shasta]

Hey, good news (some what good, anyway).<br>
<br>
I just deleted a bunch of stuff...anything in the last 5 weeks (I just did 'Find' 'Files or Folders' and a 5 week date range. Also I uninstalled my McAfee which I had installed just a month ago. Now my exe files open. I can access MS Office, Netscape, etc where before I could not access those programs. And my desk top shortcuts work now too.<br>
<br>
I know there are some problems here, though I still don't know what. But at least I can access files now and run exe's.<br>
<br>
Thanks for everyones tips and help.<br>
<br>
Also, Alt255, I don't know why the WIN386.SWP is in the D drive. But there is a WIN386.LNK that is in the C drive (I suppose that just tells the system where the SWP file is located). I don't understand the significance. Also, I don't purposely use the D drive for anything, so I would have to say, 'No, it's not the host for the C'. <br>

 

[Alt255]

These questions and more....<br>
I'm glad you're up and running. I just wish I could've tagged the original problem. Know-is-the-edge.<br>
Sadly, I can't get there from here.<br>
;-)<br>

 

[joeblough]

May I suggest a fresh install after all this? Save all your data and re-load everything for good measure with Win 98. Sounds like McAfee thought your exe's were invaders and fixed em good. You may end up in the same boat down the creek. Also update your McAfee- should you choose to re-install. I have had problems with virus protection software.