On starting 'any' application, notepad is the app that starts?

[geralf]

Hi
I have a problem with my Win XP Pro. If I try to open almost any application, the notepad opens and displays a cryptic document. It seems like notepad displays the exe-file/document that gets double-clicked I'm trying to start (Excel,word,Outlook Express etc.).
Even on insertion of a CD-Rom with an app, notepad starts on running setup.exe on the cd-rom.

Does anyone know what I can do to fix this problem?

Thanks in advance


Regards
Gerhard

 

[linney]

Using System Restore to go back before the problem may fix it.

Or navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ Software \ Classes \ Exefile \ Shell \ Open \ Command.

Now, whatever value is in there needs to be replaced with the following: "%1" %* (exactly as shown). You should only have to do this when your EXEs have stopped launching properly.

 

[geralf]

Thanks for your fast reply linney!

I'll try it out on monday, since I don't have access to that computer til Monday.

Since the os win xp is new to me, could youplease tell me how I perform a system restore?

Do I need to download a registry editor or has xp this built-in? If so, were do I find it?

I'll get back to you when I've tried your sugestions.

Thanks again


Regards
Gerhard

 

[linney]

For a detailed overview just type System Restore in the Help and Support program. Rather than editing your Registry this may be the easier option. In either case you need Administrator Privileges.

System Restore is launched via Start / Programs / Accessories / System Tools / System Restore

RegEdit is loaded as part of XP. It is launched via the Start / Run box and by typing Regedit in it.

322756 - HOW TO: Back Up, Edit, and Restore the Registry in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;322756&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

Is there anybody at work (like the Administrator or I.T. Supervisor) who can help you?

My advice (for what it's worth), stay away from the Registry.

 

[geralf]

Thanks for your help and advice linney. It was my neighbour who asked me if I could help him fix the problem on his company's computer. So full Admninistrator privileges are no problem. Since this is a smal business, ther's no one with real knowledge of this kind of problem.

I'll try the System Restore and probably take a peek insidr the registry, just to look at the entry mentioned. I just hope I'll be able to launch the System Restore without Notepad being the launched app. I'll get back to you when I've tried your suggestion.

Thanks again for your help.


Regards
Gerhard

 

[bcastner]

Make sure you note Linney's origninal post on this thread. The registry entry for "open" is likely corrupt, and needs direct attention with regedit32.

You might consider, I would, a thorough virus scan, and a thorough internet malware scan.

You likely, or should, have the virus scan (up to date ?) but the following freeware tools should be done as well:

For internet "SpyWare": (freeware)

http://security.kolla.de/index.php?lang=en&page=download

For Advertising capture of IE:
http:\\

http://www.adaware.com

It is decidedly not normal to corrupt a registry entry like this, although it does happen. Scan for things that may have "hijackeded" you neigbors system.

 

[linney]

Good point about System Restore not starting and also about virus infection from "Bcastner"

If that is the case it may also effect RegEdit.exe starting too!

One way to get Regedit working is to change the extension of Regedit.exe (C/Windows) to Regedit.COM and launch Regedit by clicking on the newly named .Com, also remember to undo the Rename when you have finished.






Additional information.

"Is there that much of a difference in the Registry Editor from 2000 to XP?"


In 2000 there is, where there was a functionality difference between the two programs. REGEDT32 was needed to adjust permissions. There is no difference now. REGEDT32 brings up REGEDIT in XP.

 

[geralf]

Thank you both for your time and interest in this matter. I've not been able to try this out today, but I'll try it later this week. I'll post back then

Regards
Gerhard

 

[geralf]

Hi again!

I've just tried out the suggested solutions but no one of them worked. The refered Registry entry is EXACTLY as shown in linney's post. There are some applications working (an image program, Internet explorer and some solitaite card games etc. I'm not allowed to install any new software, notpad launches on trying to run setup's

Do you folks have any other suggestions?

Thanks in advance
Gerhard

 

[linney]

This message being displayed via NotePad (even though you can't make sense of it), is its format and text different from each exe you try to load, or are they identical text?

Check out this Registry Key too,

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon

Make sure the Value in "Shell" = Explorer.exe

Do a general search of the Registry for "Notepad" and see if that turns up anything odd.

You are Unable to Start a Program with an .exe File Extension (Q310585)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q310/5/85.asp

311446 - You Cannot Start Programs (.exe Files) When Your Computer Is Infected with the SirCam Virus

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;311446&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

Run the System File Checker program from the Run Box by typing.....Sfc /Scannow in it and have your XP CD handy.

If that doesn't work you could try repairing windows itself by running it over itself. You will lose all your windows updates but your files will be untouched.

How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade (Reinstallation) of Windows XP (Q315341)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q315/3/41.asp