Problem with Windows ME

[village idiot]

Hi all

Windows ME refuses to open any program on my computer besides Internet Explorer, hence why i'm here. Everytime I attempt to run a program I get this message.
(this scenario applies for everything)

"Windows cannot find 'C:\Program\Steinberg\Cubase SX\Cubasesx.exe'. You may have typed the name incorrectly in the Run dialog, or another open program cannot find a system file. To search for a file, click the Start button, and then click Search."

From here I would attempt to run the program via "Run". Or I would select the program from its folder. I would get the same message.

Another message I get is,

"Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file. You may not have appropriate permissions too access the item"

Because of this problem I cannot run ANYTHING. I cannot run a virus check, spybot or system restore. The tray also starts up with nothing. It usually would startup with the volume control & MSN messenger icons.

If any of you kind folks could help, I would really appreciate it.

[MulderMan]

did this just happen? or have you just upgraded or done a fresh install.

[village idiot]

No upgrade or install. It just happened last night.

[not important]

Can you boot to "safe mode" and try system restore from there.

[TwoRails]

Did you scan for viruses and spyware?

[village idiot]

Two Rails: I cant Run a scan because I cant open the specific programs to do so.

Not Important: I'll try that and get back to you.

[village idiot]

I restarted my cmp in Safe Mode. The Help & Support came up. I clicked system restore but I got a Script Error. So there is nowt I can do.

[thorlo6]

Do you have the original OS CD?Or @ least a recovery CD for your computer? If you have either one, while in SafeMode, go to Run, type fdisk, and press enter. when asked are you sure, click yes and reformat your harddrive, then reinstall your OS and all of your software. That should fix the problem. I had something similar happen to me late last year. I finally had to do what I just told you to do. I know it's a pain in the butt, but it will work.thorlo6

[village idiot]

No, I dont have the original OS CD. I dont have anything like that at all.

[MulderMan]

so you cant format and install it again...

[glc]

You have picked up a virus that has taken over your .exe association. If IE will run, go to http://housecall.trendmicro.com and try to do an online scan.

If you know what you are doing, you can probably get into certain exe files you need by renaming them to .com at a command prompt or by booting it with a Win98 startup floppy. This is a common way to use regedit when this happens.

[village idiot]

I'm afraid not. More or less everything on my HD is bootleg. Quite a few programs work when I "open with" it via the selected file. when I command "fdisk" I get a "Program not found" message telling me it cannot find a file called "xkrlogfnwas.exe".

[village idiot]

Thanks glc. I'll try that and get back to you.

[TheJackal]

We cant help you with problems with your illegal software.

[village idiot]

I was expecting a comment like that. The only software on my comp which is bootleg are my music programs. I'm a producer so thats basically what covers my whole system. This whole system was set-up for me by a friend who has passed away that is why I'm at a dead-end.

[TheJackal]

Is this a brand name computer, if so, you may be able to call the manufacturer to get a new OS CD. If it is a custom PC, you should be able to call Microsoft and they will send you a new OS CD, provided that you pay a small fee, and that you have a legit CD key for your OS.

[GaryRouth]

Hi all

. . . if the trip to HouseCall doesn't work, see if you have a recent version antivirus CD around: the Norton 2003 disk, for example, is bootable, and can run an Emergency scan from it. Most of the .exe-extension-change viruses I've heard about are older ones, and the Emergency scan might catch & clean them. Then you could try HouseCall again & get any recent bugs out.

. . . If you have a helpful friend with another PC around (who has an up-to-date Antivirus program installed), you could also remove the hard drive from your infected system, and slave it in your friend's system: and clean it that way (with your friend's antivirus).

While not a wonderful experience, you should be able to salvage the system if the amount of files corrupted isn't great. And if a recent version antivirus gives your data a clean bill of health, you won't have to reinstall everything, or lose your data.
. . . Gary

[glc]

If the virus scan (whatever you can get to work) picks a virus up, note the name of the virus before doing anything about it, and research it at the site of the antivirus you are using - read removal instructions. Don't count on the program fixing it all by itself.

F-Prot for DOS is an excellent way to scan - it can be put on 2 floppies and run after booting with a bootdisk.

[village idiot]

Housecall found a few viruses on my system. Ive researched them and removed them via Registry Editor. Then I ran Spybot and everything seems to be working fine. Thanks to everyone who helped me on this matter. VI.

[glc]

Good job. A note - you did the right thing by actually researching the viruses you found and following the manual removal instructions. Antivirus software by itself is not always capable of removing and fixing damage.

Now, install a good antivirus program and keep it updated religiously to prevent further occurences!