Can't open programs, uninstall or install

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  1. Posts : 17,796
    Windows 10, Home Clean Install
       #11

    Can you back up your stuff?
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 9
    Windows 7 Home Premium OA
    Thread Starter
       #12

    Yes, I can back up whatever files I want to keep.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 17,796
    Windows 10, Home Clean Install
       #13

    Ok If you can back up, we can get you going by using the recovery partition. We are not at that point yet,

    See if you can do an online virus scan
    HouseCall - Free Online Virus Scan - Trend Micro USA'
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 826
    Windows 7 Professional 64 Bit SP1
       #14

    If you have malware bytes downloaded, try renaming it to something random then attempt to install it

    Most of the exe fix solutions relate to Vista~ but this may also be worth a read: When you run an .exe file on a Windows Vista-based or Windows 7-based computer, the file may start a different program.

    LauraBee said:
    Ran SFC and it didn't fix the issue.

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


  5. Posts : 9
    Windows 7 Home Premium OA
    Thread Starter
       #15

    HouseCall wouldn't run. I got to the install window from HouseCall with the 64-bit version, but an internal error prevented it from installing. At least I got somewhere.

    Would it be a good idea to reset to factory settings?
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 17,796
    Windows 10, Home Clean Install
       #16

    Deep, deep inside me I think it may be a virus or malware. We dont want to take a chance of infecting the restore partition. I am going to leave the link to this thread with security.
      My Computer

  7.    #17

    If online virus scan will not run, then try a bootable CD scan: FREE Bootable AntiVirus Rescue CDs Download List

    See if you can borrow a Win7 install DVD to run the Repair Install. All versions can be unlocked in any retail installer by extracting the ISO using ImgBurn then following these steps: Windows 7 Universal Installation Disc - Create

    If not back up your files and run your Recovery disk set if you made them already, otherwise run the Recovery partition from the All Programs menu, or by tapping F10 at bootup to start factory recovery. On some Vaio models, you'll instead tap F8, then use the Repair My Computer console to access Vaio Factory Recovery.

    While in the Repair My Computer console at F8, first try Startup Repair to see if it finds issues to repair.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 9
    Windows 7 Home Premium OA
    Thread Starter
       #18

    Thanks for the help. I am also on the Online help with Sony, so hopefully something comes of that. I also think that this is a virus and don't want to compromise a computer that we've had for less than a year!
      My Computer

  9.    #19

    Torrents are notorious importers of viruses. You need to run at least one of the bootable CD or internet scans, then if it will behave run Malwarebytes from desktop.

    What is your AV providing real-time shield?

    An infection this potentially serious often requires wiping the HD to clean reinstall. You would need to have your Recovery disks already made to do this, however, since your Recov partition could now be infected: SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation

    You can run your Recov partition if necessary to see how it performs over time. But you may need to locate a clean copy Win7 installer in order to wipe the HD to clean reinstall to get beyond an infection this bad.

    Perhaps Sony will provide you with the install DVD or a set of Recovery Disks. I'd ask for them in that order since the Recov disks/partition contain the factory bloatware that many tech enthusiasts try to avoid.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 17,796
    Windows 10, Home Clean Install
       #20

    I have left a link of this thread with one of our Security experts.
      My Computer


 
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