Can't open programs, uninstall or install

[LauraBee]

Hi,

Last week my husband installed Azureus aka Vuze onto our Sony VIAO laptop. He said several hours later, while he was watching a video, the computer suddenly shut down. Since then, we have found that we can't open any non-Windows inherit programs. Windows did an update, but it didn't help.

We can open documents, pictures, notepad, calculator - all the things that would have come with Windows 7, but if it is a program that we have installed, like Chrome, AVG free or AdAware, we can't open it. I double-click and nothing happens.

Likewise, when I try to uninstall programs. I tried fixing the issue by removing Azureus, but I get the message that it doesn't look like it can be uninstalled and asks if I want it removed from the programs list.

I have successfully gotten ZIP folders to open and use REG files (which is how I got ZIP folders to work), but that's it.

Anyone know what to do? We've only had this computer since January of this year!

 

[richc46]

Go back with System Restore
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/700-system-restore.html

 

[LauraBee]

I should have mentioned that I also did a system restore to before the install. While the computer looks as though it restored, I still cannot open programs and did receive an error message after a few minutes saying that it didn't restore properly.

 

[richc46]

Try going back a week before the install. It is your assumption that the install caused the problem. The cause may be unrelated. If this does not work repost.
Download and run malwarebytes. Do the full scan and update first
Run a full antivirus scan
Try in safe mode. Might be a virus/malware.

 

[LauraBee]

The furthest back I could go was Oct 19th, which I did. The issue had started on Oct 29th.

I can download programs, but cannot run or install them, so doing a virus check or using malwarebytes is impossible for me.

 

[yowanvista]

Try this http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1538-sfc-scannow-command-system-file-checker.html

 

[richc46]

Try in safe mode. Sounds very much like a virus/malware. I could be wrong, but you want to catch these things as soon as possible.

 

[LauraBee]

Ran SFC and it didn't fix the issue.

In safe-mode I still couldn't open any programs.

 

[richc46]

See how this works
You should not lose any personal documents, but always good to back up, first.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/3413-repair-install.html?ltr=R

 

[LauraBee]

I will see how I can manage with this. Windows 7 was factory-installed so I don't have a bootable disc.

 

[richc46]

Can you back up your stuff?

 

[LauraBee]

Yes, I can back up whatever files I want to keep.

 

[richc46]

Ok If you can back up, we can get you going by using the recovery partition. We are not at that point yet,

See if you can do an online virus scan
HouseCall - Free Online Virus Scan - Trend Micro USA'

 

[Fayla]

If you have malware bytes downloaded, try renaming it to something random then attempt to install it

Most of the exe fix solutions relate to Vista~ but this may also be worth a read: When you run an .exe file on a Windows Vista-based or Windows 7-based computer, the file may start a different program.

Ran SFC and it didn't fix the issue.

In safe-mode I still couldn't open any programs.

 

[LauraBee]

HouseCall wouldn't run. I got to the install window from HouseCall with the 64-bit version, but an internal error prevented it from installing. At least I got somewhere.

Would it be a good idea to reset to factory settings?

 

[richc46]

Deep, deep inside me I think it may be a virus or malware. We dont want to take a chance of infecting the restore partition. I am going to leave the link to this thread with security.

 

[gregrocker]

If online virus scan will not run, then try a bootable CD scan: FREE Bootable AntiVirus Rescue CDs Download List

See if you can borrow a Win7 install DVD to run the http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/3413-repair-install.html?ltr=R. All versions can be unlocked in any retail installer by extracting the ISO using ImgBurn then following these steps: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/85813-windows-7-universal-installation-disc-create.html

If not back up your files and run your Recovery disk set if you made them already, otherwise run the Recovery partition from the All Programs menu, or by tapping F10 at bootup to start factory recovery. On some Vaio models, you'll instead tap F8, then use the Repair My Computer console to access Vaio Factory Recovery.

While in the Repair My Computer console at F8, first try Startup Repair to see if it finds issues to repair.

 

[LauraBee]

Thanks for the help. I am also on the Online help with Sony, so hopefully something comes of that. I also think that this is a virus and don't want to compromise a computer that we've had for less than a year!

 

[gregrocker]

Torrents are notorious importers of viruses. You need to run at least one of the bootable CD or internet scans, then if it will behave run Malwarebytes from desktop.

What is your AV providing real-time shield?

An infection this potentially serious often requires wiping the HD to clean reinstall. You would need to have your Recovery disks already made to do this, however, since your Recov partition could now be infected: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/91339-ssd-hdd-optimize-windows-reinstallation.html

You can run your Recov partition if necessary to see how it performs over time. But you may need to locate a clean copy Win7 installer in order to wipe the HD to clean reinstall to get beyond an infection this bad.

Perhaps Sony will provide you with the install DVD or a set of Recovery Disks. I'd ask for them in that order since the Recov disks/partition contain the factory bloatware that many tech enthusiasts try to avoid.

 

[richc46]

I have left a link of this thread with one of our Security experts.