Solved No programs launch.

[OhSnapWord]

I'm running Windows 7 Ultimate x64. No programs launch. I click on Firefox and the icon lights up in the taskbar as if it opens, however the window never comes up. After about a second, the icon dims again. The Firefox process never shows up in task manager. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Neutron16]

Can you please use this advice and check if there are some errors?

 

[OhSnapWord]

Nothing there. I'm ready to format and install Ubuntu.

 

[OhSnapWord]

Update. Outlook launches. It seems that Outlook is the only program that will launch. When I click a link in an email message, I get the following error.

"An error occurred in sending the command to the application."

 

[JaidynM]

Run an sfc/scannow command thrice in an elevated command prompt, with each command followed by a restart.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1538-sfc-scannow-command-system-file-checker.html

Also, what anti-virus are you currently using?

 

[OhSnapWord]

Thanks. I'm using Avast Free.

 

[JaidynM]

Ah, that would explain it. avast! has been having quite a few problems with x64 systems as of late. Definitely run the sfc/scannow command as I instructed above and uninstall avast! anti-virus. The sfc/scannow command will fix the problem but uninstalling avast! will ensure the problem doesn't continue.

I recommend switching to Microsoft Security Essentials for real-time protection and Malwarebytes just for regular scans. Just until avast! gets their bugs and glitches sorted out.

Microsoft Security Essentials
Virus, Spyware & Malware Protection | Microsoft Security Essentials
Malwarebytes
Malwarebytes : Free anti-malware, anti-virus and spyware removal download

 

[OhSnapWord]

It worked! I've never had a problem with avast! before. This is pretty disheartening.

 

[Britton30]

It only appears to be an issue with Avast's last definition update.

 

[JaidynM]

It worked! I've never had a problem with avast! before. This is pretty disheartening.

I'm glad I could help.

It looks like it's only the latest update so you should be fine when a new update comes out. Though as I suggested, you would do well to switch AV in the meantime.