Unable to run any .EXE program files directly

Windows ME boots and I get my normal desktop, but I am unable to launch any
program files.

However if a call an application from an associated file, the application
opens.

Eg. Double click on WORD.EXE either on the desktop or in Windows Explorer
and I get an error message saying that I've typed the name in wrong and
WORD.EXE cannot be found. If I double click on MYDOC.DOC, WORD.EXE opens and
the file is displayed.

This is the same for all program files that end in .EXE, that have a file
association; the small amount of .COM files I have on the system all work
fine.. So it must be something to do with how windows handles .EXE (just
about all) files.

Therefore I cannot run any of my normal tools to restore the system.

Does anyone know what system files I should check and replace first to be
able to directly run .EXE programs.

Thanks. this is just about driving me nuts J

AAH
Wed Jan 28 13:52:57 CST 2004


Mostlikely that .exe association in the
registry has gone missing or wrong.
This .reg file should work. In my case it did solve the similiar problem.
Better wait for further advice from experienced users or
MVPs.


REGEDIT4

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.exe]
@="exefile"
"Content Type"="application/x-msdownload"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile]
@="Application"
"EditFlags"=hex:d8,07,00,00

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile\shell]
@=""

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile\shell\open]
@=""
"EditFlags"=hex:00,00,00,00

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile\shell\open\command]
@="\"%1\" %*"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile\shellex]

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile\shellex\PropertySheetHandlers]

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile\shellex\PropertySheetHandlers\{86F19A00-42A0-1069
-A2E9-08002B30309D}]
@=""

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile\DefaultIcon]
@="%1"




"springer" <springer.pressedpork@blueyonder.co.uk> wrote in message
news:mDRRb.235$aH6.26@news-binary.blueyonder.co.uk...
Windows ME boots and I get my normal desktop, but I am unable to launch any
program files.

However if a call an application from an associated file, the application
opens.

Eg. Double click on WORD.EXE either on the desktop or in Windows Explorer
and I get an error message saying that I've typed the name in wrong and
WORD.EXE cannot be found. If I double click on MYDOC.DOC, WORD.EXE opens and
the file is displayed.

This is the same for all program files that end in .EXE, that have a file
association; the small amount of .COM files I have on the system all work
fine.. So it must be something to do with how windows handles .EXE (just
about all) files.

Therefore I cannot run any of my normal tools to restore the system.

Does anyone know what system files I should check and replace first to be
able to directly run .EXE programs.

Thanks. this is just about driving me nuts J