Solved "Windows cannot find...Task Manager"

[hArLtRoN]

I was using Process Explorer in place of Task Manager. I decided that I no longer wanted Process Explorer so I just deleted the files (it was a standalone .exe). Now when I press <CTRL>+<SHIFT>+<ESC> nothing happens, no error message, no task manager. The same thing happens when I press <CTRL>+<ALT>+<DELETE> and choose "Start Task Manager."

Now if I go to C:\Windows\System32\taskmgr.exe and try and open it I get this error:


Any ideas??

Thanks!

P.S. This is happening on my laptop running Windows 7 Ultimate x86

 

[VistaKing]

Open registry . Navigate to

HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\taskmgr.exe

What does it say for Debugger ?

If that doesn't work try this


:ar: Find and run procexp.exe.

:ar:Click in Options menu on Replace Task Manager and than Restore Task Manager.

 

[hArLtRoN]

It's shows the file path for Process Explorer that no longer exists.

Is it as simple as putting the file path for taskmgr.exe located in the system32 folder?


EDIT: There is no option in Process Explorer to "Restore Task Manager."

 

[VistaKing]

Delete the debugger key

 

[hArLtRoN]

Thank you! Deleting the debugger key worked. Task Manager is working again.

Thanks again!

 

[VistaKing]

You're welcome . You could even delete the taskmgr.exe folder under the folder Image File Execution Options

 

[deke7777]

I simply had to reply and say that people like you are gold dust! That registry fix has saved me many hours of valuable time not having to restoring my system after stupidly installing process hacker. Thank you!

 

[rocrandall]

So helpful!

 

[Revoemahg]

What's the debugger key, how do I delete it? I need a step by step.

 

[ant1ksts]

He told about program Process Explorer - Программа Process Explorer для Windows

Download it, start procexp.exe and come back to this thread for further help.