File not found when trying launch program

Laptop started refusing to run programs. If I click short cut or directly on the executable of some programs win 7 gives error that the file cannot be found. I can see it! I clicked it! It is there.


When I boot safe mode they will launch but when booted normal mode they will not launch.


This does not affect all programs. I downloaded from MS site the scan tool and it would not launch unless in safe mode. Scan found no infections.



I tried changing update settings and they wont change unless in safe mode. Many other programs launch just fine like browser etc.


How do i fix this.

Did you try resetting your file associations?
Default File Type Associations - Restore - Windows 7 Help Forums

F22 Simpilot said:

What did you to scan the computer?

Not sure i understand question, did you mean what or when? Scanned last night did a full scan with microsofts malware tool

Snick said:

Did you try resetting your file associations?
Default File Type Associations - Restore - Windows 7 Help Forums

I will try that but why would a messed up association for .exe only affect only some but not all executable's?



And don't the same associations hold in safe mode as well? Those programs will run in safe mode as explained in post

Virus infections can affect some but not all .exes

Yes, file associations hold in safe mode. Safe Mode runs with minimal M$ drivers, etc. and is primarily for troubleshooting.

I believe what F22 Simpilot was looking for is what program you used to scan your computer?

Scan with:
Malwarebytes
delete whatever it finds.
then, depending on your OS x32 or x64
HitmanPro 3.8
HitmanPro 3.8 (64-bit)

Only reset the .exe (executable associations)

If you have a restore point or system image, prior to your issue, you can roll-back you computer to that state/date.

Quite often, malware deletes restore points, or alters them in a way that renders them unusable. I always highly recommend an external Hard Drive, not SSD for system image (full backups) and regular incremental or differential backups.

SevenForums members recommend Macrium Reflect free or AOMEI backupper free. I recommend both, leaning more towards AOMEI as it has a simple GUI (graphical user interface) more suitable to less computer savvy individuals.

Nic

Will try those. It is a new(2me) refurbished so really not much installed yet. I run Avast all the time and normally have the suggested programs installed on other machines so will put those on the laptop.


Im not on that machine but the program was something like :mscie.exe or similar. Have to start that machine to find for sure.

Thanks. I used herdprotect some time ago and totally forgot about it.


After a couple of attempts I was able to get a restore point to work and all is back to normal.
Neither Malwarebytes or Hitman found anything Avast found nothing either. Had to run under safe mode or they would not function.

I can only think that a file had somehow been corrupted and it may have to do with something not being loaded in safe mode which would lead me to think of some driver. (video,audio etc)



That said don't know why it would cause certain program files to be invisible to Windows yet still appear in explorer.


Guess we chalk this one up to one of those Windows Mysteries that may never be solved.

PS not going to mark this as solved just yet because, while the system is fixed the cause was not SOLVED and someone else may have some info to add to make this more useful to someone else.