Solved Cannot Execute or Install and programs

[johnnya]

My neighbours computer is pretty messed up. As we all hear a lot from computer owners "Well something poped up and said to do this to fix the problem and I did and now I have this major problem." What popped up? "Don't remember". What did you do? "Can't remember". etc, etc, etc.

When trying to execute any program, the "Chose the file you want to use to open this file with.", pop's up. Same happens when trying to install any program. Tried to install Macrium Reflect to at least get a image saved. No go. Tried to install malwarebytes to scan for malware - same problem. Tried to rum MSCONFIG at a run command - same problem. Tried to run SFC - ditto. Iexplore etc, etc. same result. All of these programs are physically there and the right byte count.

There are several System Restore Points but all fail to restore. Even the on board "Restore to Factory will not execute. All else fails, they do have the Factory Restore burnt DVD,s. Only want to do this as a very last resort.

The system is a HP Touch 520 all in one PC, running Windows 7 Home premium 64 bit.
I should mention that the system will startup ok in normal or safe mode and I can copy/paste file's back and forth to an external device.

EDIT-EDIT. Just found out that if I go to Favorites Folder and click on any shortcut in the folder, Ie will open up and display the website. Stranger and stranger.

A bit over my head I'm finding. Sure could use some help.
Best regards to all
JohnnyA

 

[snickersm]

Sounds like virus corrupted your windows registry. Had a friend have same problem and used fix it to resolve issue even after removing virus. Here is link just in case you need it: Can't open .EXE files in Windows 7 or Windows Vista

 

[johnnya]

No virus's, no malware. Don't know what the original problem is. I created a new User on the system with Admin rights same as the original user. All executables now working. Installed Macrium - and got an image off. Installed Malwarebytes and did a full scan - no issues.
Transfered all original user folder's to new user ID and all seems well.
Left the original User ID intact in case I find a solution later on. I hate it when I cannot find a solution to the original problem. I will mark this thread as closed.
Regards JohnnyA