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

[ascomputers]

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]

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

Post results

 

[Kaktussoft]

Can you start http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/783-elevated-command-prompt.html ?
And run regedit for example for there?

 

[ascomputers]

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

:-(

 

[Kaktussoft]

Try to perform a clean boot http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorial...ation-conflicts-performing-clean-startup.html

 

[Kaktussoft]

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]

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

 

[ascomputers]

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]

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]

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

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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How to restore Start menu and files hidden/deleted by a virus - Smartest Computing

 

[ascomputers]

Hi flatiron, this is great.... it worked a treat. completed full malwarebytes and virus scan. computer now back to normal.

brilliant!!

 

[C-11]

Glad it worked!

I suggest that you run a free online scan with the ESET Online Scanner just to be sure.

• Disable your antivirus program
• Tick the box next to YES, I accept the Terms of Use
• Click Start
• Accept any security warnings from your browser.
• Check Scan archives
• Click Start
• ESET will then download updates for itself, install itself, and begin scanning your computer. Please be patient as this can take some time.

Also, Update Java and remove old Java versions from your system.
How do I uninstall Java on my Windows computer ?

Next download and install the newest version:

* Download the latest version of Java Runtime Environment (JRE) Version 7 Update 5 .Java Downloads for All Operating Systems
* Click on Windows Offline (32-bit) and save the downloaded file to a convenient location.
* Close any programs you may have running - especially your web browser.
* Then double-click on the download file to install the newest version.
* Reboot your computer.
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