Process running, programs don't open

Ok gents,

I'll admit, I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed, but my goodness I've been completely baffled by this one.

I start my system as normal.

Certain applications work as normal, like MS Outlook, IOBit security, Advance System Care Pro, Word, Exel, snipping tool and Paint (that's about it)

As for all other programs, when I click on an Icon nothing happens. Task manager shows the process is running but nothing is seen anywhere.

I end the process, go to Program Files and some (15%) applications open up when I run them as administrator - the rest won't show although the process is running.

Google Chrome for instance, also do not open up when run as administrator. It does open though when I click a link in my email...

I don't have a restore point that is old enough and I have done about everything else I could think of:
1) scan for virussess/malware etc
2) defragged, cleaned disc etc
3) ran MS Error finder and the likes etc

Could anyone out there pretty please advise if you think you know what it can be?

(I don't know why but perhaps something in the registry changed or under Users, I don't know...)

Much appreciate anything.

Riaan A

Rich,

YOU are a LEGEND!

Thanks for this little fix!
I'm about to print and frame this solution as well as write you as sole beneficiary into my Will. YOu deserve everything I own

Seriously, what took me weeks to try and figure out, took 1 response from a clever guy like you - and its all sorted!

You rock!

Ps: Did I mention how thankful I am? Thanks!

Randomly found this while I was looking for a solution and this was the first one that worked after hours of searching. Thanks a lot.

Richc46, You can bump this record up to 3 fixes with 1 post. Give yourself a pat on the back mate.

richc46 said:

Onsight, we are all volunteers and it is comments like yours that makes all this worthwhile, thanks for taking the time to post.

You saved me too! Thank you so much!!! :)