Unable to run program from Start Menu

[itsp1965]

We are about to go live with a couple of servers, and today noticed that I am unable to run computer mgmt by right clicking on My Computer, I cannot start programs directly using Start->Programs (but can at the command line)I get a Windows Explorer error "unable to run program", but can run them from the command line. I cannot even right click on start and select Open.
Checked permissions, check to make sure that there was no corruption with the profile (does it with other administrative accounts). Haven't checked for viruses yet.
The guy who was working on it said it clears itself after a reboot and then comes back.
Any idea guys? Thanks.

Terry

 

[itsp1965]

Would you believe a KVM switch caused this. Apparently some KVM switches will cause this behavior in Windows (I kid you not). Following the example in this thread, I was able to solve my problem

al" <al@mersinet.co.uk> wrote in message
news:f58f7ccc.0501270931.a6b2b45@posting.google.com...
> I have had some problems and found many postings where all desktop
> icons stop responding. Also runing some commands frome the start menu
> results in an error 'Unable to run this command'. I have found that a
> double click of the esc key solves my problem. I use the ScrLk ScrLk
> Esc to change my KVM. Is it something to do with the KVM or even the
> confusion caused by constantly hitting ScrLk and esc keys? Have
> others with this fault got KVMs?

Sometimes you hav to reset a KVM. Mine has to have power removed from it to
reset it. Whick means removing power to all the computers attached to it.
Not just turned off. Turning off computers still allows power to the KVM.
YMMV

 

[rockofvictory]

In case anyone else happens to run across this "unable to run this command" error, for some other reason than a KVM. I had this problem on a W2K Server (no KVM), so I couldn't reboot easily. Found this post and was amazed that a simple press of the ESC key fixed the problem!! Very bizarre.
PC Review discussion forum solution

http://www.pcreview.co.uk/forums/thread-1508940.php

~

http://Zepfanman.com

 

[rockofvictory]

For more cross-references, see also

http://www.tek-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=553312

from 2003, which describes the ESC problem. There's another thread from 2004 that mentions the KVM problem:

http://www.tek-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=794612