Windows 7: Can't open programs, uninstall or install

Hi,

Last week my husband installed Azureus aka Vuze onto our Sony VIAO laptop. He said several hours later, while he was watching a video, the computer suddenly shut down. Since then, we have found that we can't open any non-Windows inherit programs. Windows did an update, but it didn't help.

We can open documents, pictures, notepad, calculator - all the things that would have come with Windows 7, but if it is a program that we have installed, like Chrome, AVG free or AdAware, we can't open it. I double-click and nothing happens.

Likewise, when I try to uninstall programs. I tried fixing the issue by removing Azureus, but I get the message that it doesn't look like it can be uninstalled and asks if I want it removed from the programs list.

I have successfully gotten ZIP folders to open and use REG files (which is how I got ZIP folders to work), but that's it.

Anyone know what to do? We've only had this computer since January of this year!

Go back with System Restore
System Restore

I should have mentioned that I also did a system restore to before the install. While the computer looks as though it restored, I still cannot open programs and did receive an error message after a few minutes saying that it didn't restore properly.

Try going back a week before the install. It is your assumption that the install caused the problem. The cause may be unrelated. If this does not work repost.
Download and run malwarebytes. Do the full scan and update first
Run a full antivirus scan
Try in safe mode. Might be a virus/malware.

The furthest back I could go was Oct 19th, which I did. The issue had started on Oct 29th.

I can download programs, but cannot run or install them, so doing a virus check or using malwarebytes is impossible for me.

Try this SFC /SCANNOW Command - System File Checker

Try in safe mode. Sounds very much like a virus/malware. I could be wrong, but you want to catch these things as soon as possible.

Ran SFC and it didn't fix the issue.

In safe-mode I still couldn't open any programs.

See how this works
You should not lose any personal documents, but always good to back up, first.
Repair Install

I will see how I can manage with this. Windows 7 was factory-installed so I don't have a bootable disc.