Windows XP SP2
Problem:
Can only run applications by clicking on the data file associated with a program. If I try to run an application by clicking on the shortcut or directly on the EXE file I get the following message: (and the program does not run)
This file does not have a program associated with it for performing this action. Create an association in the Folder Options control panel.
Steps leading to the error:
My wife booted up our PC and Adaware prompted her to block or permit "something", of course she didn't write anything down and blocked whatever it was. Since then I cannot run any applications by clicking on the shortcut or exe. Example...Excel will not run unless I double click on an XLS file. To get Firefox or Windows Explorer to open I need to double click on an HTM or HTML file.
I tried to run system restore to try to fix this problem but it will not run, same message. I can't run REGEDIT or even CMD. Some things do run; My Network, Recycle Bin, and My Computer. Control Panel will open but I get the same message when I tried to run any items in Control Panel.
I can right click on the Start button and run Explorer to look at the Folder Options but how would one associate an EXE file in Folder Options?
This is very frustrating, any ideas for me to try?
Thanks
Problem:
Can only run applications by clicking on the data file associated with a program. If I try to run an application by clicking on the shortcut or directly on the EXE file I get the following message: (and the program does not run)
This file does not have a program associated with it for performing this action. Create an association in the Folder Options control panel.
Steps leading to the error:
My wife booted up our PC and Adaware prompted her to block or permit "something", of course she didn't write anything down and blocked whatever it was. Since then I cannot run any applications by clicking on the shortcut or exe. Example...Excel will not run unless I double click on an XLS file. To get Firefox or Windows Explorer to open I need to double click on an HTM or HTML file.
I tried to run system restore to try to fix this problem but it will not run, same message. I can't run REGEDIT or even CMD. Some things do run; My Network, Recycle Bin, and My Computer. Control Panel will open but I get the same message when I tried to run any items in Control Panel.
I can right click on the Start button and run Explorer to look at the Folder Options but how would one associate an EXE file in Folder Options?
This is very frustrating, any ideas for me to try?
Thanks