Windows can't open EXE files

Hi there,

So I'm trying to fix up my brothers laptop, but this thing is a real doozy of a mess. Not sure how this happened, but somehow, the OS is no longer able to open any kind of executable other than firefox, and internet explorer. Anything else, including chrome, is on a no fly list. I can't even open the command prompt.

I tried adjusting the extension properties, and even reinstalled the extension (codec?), but nothing allows the computer to access its' exe's.

I'm pretty much convinced that since I can't access the registry (which is, I think, where the problem lies) and since the system restore is useless (it's been screwed up so long there aren't any restore points prior to the problem), I'm out of options, and simply have to wipe the HDD and do a clean reinstall, but I wanted to know if anyone out there has a different idea.

More curiosity than anything, since I have never seen a computer as screwed as this. Has anyone heard of a virus that causes this?

Welcome to Seven Forums triton907. Try reassociating the exe file type. Scroll down to .exe

Default File Type Associations - Restore

Have you scanned for infections? Often they will disable exe's so security programs will not run. Suggest downloading the free Malwarebytes, and Superantispyware and scan with both. It would be a good idea to scan with the Windows Defender Offline scanner as well. If you can't run exe's, then this will be a better option.

A Guy