Double Click No Longer Starts Programs

DaLarry · 10 Aug 2010

The only way I seem to be able to launch a program is to right click and select "Run as Administrator". This odd behavior only happens on a system I have designated as my media server. It is a P4 3.06Ghz w/4 GB Memory, Hyper Threading, and ~ 4 TB of storage. I am running Win7 Pro 32 bit. I've checked my mouse settings and internet options and don't see anything out of the ordinary as compared to my other Win 7 systems which work normally.

It began acting strangely about 4 to 6 weeks ago after a massive Windows Update. Windows Update crashed in the middle of the update and began what seemed at first to be a endless reboot loop to install the updates which invariably failed.

I was just about to pull the plug and rebuild the system from scratch when it finally booted up saying all the updates were successful!?!? However, since that time programs will only launch when I right click and select "Run as Administrator". Double clicking either program shortcuts or registered file types starts the "busy" indicator but it stops after a few seconds with no action. For the programs I use on that system most often it's not a problem. However, there are some program file types like ".msi" where "Run as Administrator" is not on the "right click" options menu. I can't do anything with them.

I'm stumped, anybody have a clue what's happening? Any help would be appreciated.

osholt · 11 Aug 2010

Enable the guest account (Guest Account - Turn On or Off) and login as a guest.

Now see if the double click to open feature works.

Also try using a different mouse, if possible.

This is a good place to start.

Oli

DaLarry · 12 Aug 2010

I tried a variation of that; I created a new Administrator Account and it worked perfectly. Problem solved. Thanx for your help.

osholt · 12 Aug 2010

DaLarry said:

I tried a variation of that; I created a new Administrator Account and it worked perfectly. Problem solved. Thanx for your help.

No problem, I'm glad I could help and that you fixed it.

As you are new to the forum I thought you might like to know how to mark threads as solved as well as the uses of some of the other buttons.

To the top right of this post you will see 3 icons. An orange (+), a set of scales and a red and white warning triangle.

The orange (+) or blue (-) denotes whether a user is on or offline (orange = on, blue = off).

The scales are used to give rep points; click this button if someone has helped you significantly or solved your queries (only give this to posts that you think really deserve it).

The red and white warning triangle is used to denote either an abusive post OR to mark a thread as solved (just put solved in the box that comes up and the admins or moderators will mark it solved).

Be sure to mark this thread solved when you know for sure that Windows is back to normal.

I'm sorry if I'm stating the obvious and you know all this stuff already, if so I apologise, if not I don't

.

Oli

mitchell65 · 12 Aug 2010

Hi Oli

As you are new to the forum I thought you might like to know how to mark threads as solved as well as the uses of some of the other buttons.

To the top right of this post you will see 3 icons. An orange (+), a set of scales and a red and white warning triangle.

The orange (+) or blue (-) denotes whether a user is on or offline (orange = on, blue = off).

The scales are used to give rep points; click this button if someone has helped you significantly or solved your queries (only give this to posts that you think really deserve it).

The red and white warning triangle is used to denote either an abusive post OR to mark a thread as solved (just put solved in the box that comes up and the admins or moderators will mark it solved).

Be sure to mark this thread solved when you know for sure that Windows is back to normal.

I'm sorry if I'm stating the obvious and you know all this stuff already, if so I apologise, if not I don't

I often think I should add a bit more when I post to a new members thread but never seem to have time (I type slowly you see!) Would you mind if I copied and pasted your paragraph above as this suits perfectly what I want to say?
Thanks

osholt · 12 Aug 2010

mitchell65 said:

Hi Oli

As you are new to the forum I thought you might like to know how to mark threads as solved as well as the uses of some of the other buttons.

To the top right of this post you will see 3 icons. An orange (+), a set of scales and a red and white warning triangle.

The orange (+) or blue (-) denotes whether a user is on or offline (orange = on, blue = off).

The scales are used to give rep points; click this button if someone has helped you significantly or solved your queries (only give this to posts that you think really deserve it).

The red and white warning triangle is used to denote either an abusive post OR to mark a thread as solved (just put solved in the box that comes up and the admins or moderators will mark it solved).

Be sure to mark this thread solved when you know for sure that Windows is back to normal.

I'm sorry if I'm stating the obvious and you know all this stuff already, if so I apologise, if not I don't

I often think I should add a bit more when I post to a new members thread but never seem to have time (I type slowly you see!) Would you mind if I copied and pasted your paragraph above as this suits perfectly what I want to say?
Thanks

I have no problems with that what so ever (that's exactly what I do

).

If you want to find it search in Google for 'osholt (+) deserve' and it's the second post in the first link.

Any other member of the forum reading who would like to do the same feel more than happy to do so.

Oli