Path to .exe is not a valid Windows application (worm virus??)

ascomputers · 17 Jul 2012

Received a laptop the other day with the following error

Path to .exe is not a valid Windows application - error message.

All files seem to have disappeared (showing in remove programs but not under start folder) and i cannot run any programs. I've even tried running regedit to have a look at the registry thinking that it may be a worm thats causing the problem but again i get the error message.

Can anyone advise on how i go about getting an anti-virus and malwarebytes to run on the system (tried connecting through a USB but with no luck).

All help is greatly appreciated.

details.
samsung laptop
windows 7 (64bit)

thanks
andrew

Kaktussoft · 17 Jul 2012

Can you browse files in explorer?
Rightclick on exe file and select "open"
Same for bat files
Same for cmd files

Post results

Kaktussoft · 17 Jul 2012

Can you start Elevated Command Prompt ?
And run regedit for example for there?

ascomputers · 17 Jul 2012

hi Kaktussoft. Unable to run explorer. unable to run elevated command prompt

:-(

Kaktussoft · 17 Jul 2012

Try to perform a clean boot Troubleshoot Application Conflicts by Performing a Clean Startup

Kaktussoft · 17 Jul 2012

ascomputers said:

hi Kaktussoft. Unable to run explorer. unable to run elevated command prompt

:-(

explorer is running, otherwise you don't see desktop.

No icons on desktop? Is there anything you can start?

Kaktussoft · 17 Jul 2012

winflag+e starts explorer? If so, browse to txt, xls or doc file. Doubleclik on them. notepad, word, excel opens?

ascomputers · 17 Jul 2012

desktop icons are present but nothing under start/programs.

run icon showing under accessories but again still get error message when i try to run regedit or autoexec.bat

ascomputers · 17 Jul 2012

nothing runs apps wise. i just keep getting the Path to .exe is not a valid which would suggest that the registry has been changed.

C-11 · 17 Jul 2012

Copy below and paste in Notepad and save as FixExe.reg

Code:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\.exe\shell\open\command]

[-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\secfile\shell\open\command]

[-HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.exe\shell\open\command]

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.exe]
@="exefile"
"Content Type"="application/x-msdownload"

[-HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\secfile]

Right click on FixExe.reg and Merge.

Then try to open Malwarebytes, update it an scan.
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