Cannot start x86 Programs from exe files

[MaxB]

Hello,

I've run across a weird error that is making me bang my head against the wall...
I am running windows professional x64

I cannot seem to start any x86 programs from their shortcuts, or exe files. The problem exists in both regular and safe mode. When I click the exe or shortcut, the process comes up in the task bar using a tiny amount of memory (~100K) and just sits there.

I CAN run any program from cmd using the start command (start path\to\.exe), and I also can run any x64 programs that I have installed. I have tried sfc /scannnow and chkdsk /r.

Also, if I add a program to the startup list (registry or startup folder) it starts up fine on boot. Not really sure where to go from here, any help is appreciated.

 

[Cookieman]

Hi there - Try fixassociations see if that does the trick....

Download http://www.raktor.net/fixAssociations/fixAssociations.com to your desktop.
Double-click on fixAssociations.com to perform the fix.

Now test to see if the executable programs now work - you may have to reboot first.

 

[karlsnooks]

Hello,

I've run across a weird error that is making me bang my head against the wall...
I am running windows professional x64

I cannot seem to start any x86 programs from their shortcuts, or exe files. The problem exists in both regular and safe mode. When I click the exe or shortcut, the process comes up in the task bar using a tiny amount of memory (~100K) and just sits there.

I CAN run any program from cmd using the start command (start path\to\.exe), and I also can run any x64 programs that I have installed. I have tried sfc /scannnow and chkdsk /r.

Also, if I add a program to the startup list (registry or startup folder) it starts up fine on boot. Not really sure where to go from here, any help is appreciated.

MaxB,
Welcome to SevenForums.

First, follow the procedure given in this SevenForums tutorial
Default Programs - Restore Default File Type Associations
Restore Default Windows 7 File Extension Type Associations


Get back to us with the status please. Thanks

 

[MaxB]

Hi there - Try fixassociations see if that does the trick....

Download http://www.raktor.net/fixAssociations/fixAssociations.com to your desktop.
Double-click on fixAssociations.com to perform the fix.

Now test to see if the executable programs now work - you may have to reboot first.

Just applied that, no effect. I'm pretty sure that this isn't a file association issue as I can start exes from the command line and the exe's for x64 programs without issue. And clicking x86 exes start processes, the processes just arent doing anything.

 

[Cookieman]

Did you also try the above suggestion by Karlsnooks?

Also, have you ran a basic check for malware at all using Malwarebytes Anti-malware (or a similar anti-malware program) and also a scan from your resident antivirus just to rule out anything malicious?

 

[MaxB]

Did you also try the above suggestion by Karlsnooks?

Also, have you ran a basic check for malware at all using Malwarebytes Anti-malware (or a similar anti-malware program) and also a scan from your resident antivirus just to rule out anything malicious?

Yes to both.

 

[Cookieman]

Well I must admit I am at a loss too!


Unless karlsnooks who has already posted, or any other member has a solution at hand, then would it be feasible for you to use system restore to a point before this started happening.


Regards.

 

[kado897]

It might be worth trying to create new shortcuts.


You might also wan't to try running sfc /scannow from an elevated command prompt to see if you have any system corruption. You may need to run it several times if it finds any.

 

[overload]

Hi,

I have the same problem. Have someone figured it out?

Thanks

 

[Corazon]

Hello overload and welcome. You might want to try each of the suggestions made previously in this thread.

 

[MaxB]

Hi,

None of the above solutions worked for me...I've actually taken to hibernating my computer rather shutting down as the issue only occurred occasionally for me. If you find a good solution, I'd love to hear about it though.

 

[overload]

Hi,

problem solved. I had to reinstall windows and everything worked fine, until i installed "Avira Free Antivirus". After that i wasn't able to run any x86 programs.

 

[MaxB]

Interesting, I've never had Avira Free Antivirus installed on my system (and never uninstalled a different AV) but I can see how uninstalling a virus scan could mess with file associations...