"Windows cannot find...Task Manager"


  1. Posts : 191
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
       #1

    "Windows cannot find...Task Manager"


    I was using Process Explorer in place of Task Manager. I decided that I no longer wanted Process Explorer so I just deleted the files (it was a standalone .exe). Now when I press <CTRL>+<SHIFT>+<ESC> nothing happens, no error message, no task manager. The same thing happens when I press <CTRL>+<ALT>+<DELETE> and choose "Start Task Manager."

    Now if I go to C:\Windows\System32\taskmgr.exe and try and open it I get this error:
    &quot;Windows cannot find...Task Manager&quot;-no-task-manager.png

    Any ideas??

    Thanks!

    P.S. This is happening on my laptop running Windows 7 Ultimate x86
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 6,830
    Windows 7 Ultimate 32-Bit & Windows 7 Ultimate 64-Bit
       #2

    Open registry . Navigate to

    Code:
    HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\taskmgr.exe
    What does it say for Debugger ?

    If that doesn't work try this


    Find and run procexp.exe.

    Click in Options menu on Replace Task Manager and than Restore Task Manager.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 191
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
    Thread Starter
       #3

    It's shows the file path for Process Explorer that no longer exists.

    Is it as simple as putting the file path for taskmgr.exe located in the system32 folder?


    EDIT: There is no option in Process Explorer to "Restore Task Manager."
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 6,830
    Windows 7 Ultimate 32-Bit & Windows 7 Ultimate 64-Bit
       #4

    Delete the debugger key
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 191
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Thank you! Deleting the debugger key worked. Task Manager is working again.

    Thanks again!
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 6,830
    Windows 7 Ultimate 32-Bit & Windows 7 Ultimate 64-Bit
       #6

    You're welcome . You could even delete the taskmgr.exe folder under the folder Image File Execution Options
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 1
    Win 10 64 bit
       #7

    I simply had to reply and say that people like you are gold dust! That registry fix has saved me many hours of valuable time not having to restoring my system after stupidly installing process hacker. Thank you!
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 1
    Windows 10 x64
       #8

    So helpful!
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 1
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
       #9

    What's the debugger key, how do I delete it? I need a step by step.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 1
    64
       #10

    He told about program Process Explorer - Программа Process Explorer для Windows

    Download it, start procexp.exe and come back to this thread for further help.
      My Computer


 

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