Browsers, Windows system tools not opening.

Whenever I try to open any browser except IE(Mozilla/Chrome/Opera) or even any Windows System Tools like msconfig,cmd,system information or even System Restore, an alert box is popped up saying :
'The version of this file is not compatible with the version of Windows you're running. Check your computer's system information to see whether youneed an x86 (32-bit) or x64 (64-bit) version of the program'

I have tried all the antivirus and malware removal tools available and the problem remains. Please help. I dont want to reinstall my windows!

This is Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit. It came pre-installed with my Sony Vaio Laptop.

There is both a 32bit and 64bit version of core files like cmd.exe and regedit.exe. Which one you end up using depends on how you start- E.g. if you type cmd.exe in the Run box or the Start/Search box then you'll be using the 64bit version.To start the 32bit version, you need to specify the path. For instance in the Run box or start/search box type C:\Windows\sysWOW64\cmd.exe.

But try running sfc scan a couple of times, looks like system corruption.

SFC /SCANNOW Command - System File Checker

i'm not able to open cmd.exe or C:\Windows\sysWOW64\cmd.exe. Is there any other way to run SFC?

Try running from the command prompt at boot.

SFC /SCANNOW : Run in Command Prompt at Boot

I ran sfc/scannow thrice but there was no change Weird thing is when i try opening cmd.exe, it prompts an error.. but if i write sfc/scannow in start menu, the command window opens and scan begins..though there was no improvement after it.. Pls help..

What about system restore? If SR is turned on for the windows drive, you can boot to recovery options, then run system restore. SR can also be run from a repair disk or a win7 install dvd.

System Restore

If not, then you can try a repair install. For that you'll need to locate a win7 installer disk- borrow from a friend or download an iso off the web.

Repair Install

The last resort of course is a factory reinstall. Please create recovery disks if you havent already. These can also be ordered from the OEM.

As a side note, if theres another 64 bit win7 system that you have access to, try copying off the respective files and replacing the files on this machine. You might need to take ownership etc.

essenbe said:

Bill2 said:

As a side note, if theres another 64 bit win7 system that you have access to, try copying off the respective files and replacing the files on this machine. You might need to take ownership etc.

Bill2, just for my edification, could you expound on that process?

If the individual files (cmd.exe etc.) are corrupted and the store (winsxs) too is corrupted, then the only way is to get good copies either from a win7 install dvd or from another machine running windows.