can't open any programs

Typing regedit in the search box also lists it under programs for me. Some malware will delete and or rename the file to prevent you from running regedit and trying to remove them.

alphanumeric said:

mitchell65 said:

Where did you type "regedit"?

Oops sorry > start > run

No chance!!

It says " windows can't find HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\Local Settings"

I think anything to do with .exe it has been disabled.. but some of it, if I use right mouse click, with open as adminstrator, it works... but some exe file are lost... like I can't find my world.exe now...

moogly said:

in start menu " search programs and files"

That should have opened the link to the regedit.exe. If you can't get to your registry then that is a real problem. It is a must to clear this virus!
I think you are getting close to a format and re-install Windows 7 but before that how about considering this route. There is a tool to remove this virus. I haven't needed to use it but it comes well recommended. Perhaps the other more learned members would care to comment on its use. I offer this as if you get to the point where a format is the only course left then it might be worth trying this first. The link to the download and full explanation is here:
AV.exe Virus Removal | Virus Removal Guru
Hope this is of some use!
BTW what anti virus program are you using. Is it the freebie from Microsoft?

I agree with Mitchell that this is getting pretty close to a clean install.

Maybe you can try a repair install with your windows disc. I'm not sure if it will straighten up all of your .exe associations though.

Thanks Mitchell... I will try to use this AV.exe now... because this is the virus I am having in my computer... I am using Microsoft security Enssential - yes, freebie from MS

This article doesn't actually say that MSE is not quite as good as some of the market leaders but it does make interesting reading. I'm afraid I'm a long time member of the old school where "There is no such thing as a free lunch" and "If something looks too good to be true it probably is!"
Microsoft Security Essentials Probably Not for You - Reviews by PC Magazine

Thank you all!! expecially Mitchell!!! I did it!! everything is back to normal now - I can click and open every program and also if I type in regedit, it can be opened!! Yeah!! however, the scan is still going, so I hope by the end of it , it will able to remove the icon in my notisfication tray... it is still there ( av.exe) but it's faded...

big hugs!!

I use the MSE for a while, and very happy with it. but this time the virus came thru an email attachment. It's from UPS and says I have a package wasn't able to deliver. asked to click into the invoice attached and I did send package thru them in Dec. so I wasn't aware, the attachement came in Zip file, when I opened it, it was a word file and I could not open it. at this time, I realized it was virus, but too late!

Is it zip file can go under the rader of anti-virus?

Moogly said:

alphanumeric said:

mitchell65 said:

Where did you type "regedit"?

Oops sorry > start > run

No chance!!

It says " windows can't find HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\Local Settings"

You don't type HKEY_CURRENT_USER in the search box just regedit or regedit.exe.
Regedit if it exists will be in the windows folder. There is also a Regedt32.exe in the system32 folder you could try. Regedt32 without the i is the correct spelling.


Oops, looks like you posted while I was still typing my post.