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program files won't launch

Started by criptonite , Nov 12 2010 02:04 AM

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#1
criptonite

Posted 12 November 2010 - 02:04 AM

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Member
53 posts

I have Windows XP. Recently it has stopped launching program files. At first I thought it was to do with file association but it only happens when I try to double click a short cut icon or the actual executable (via windows explorer etc) or if I click from start/programs. However, if I right click the icon and select start, it launches the program properly. This applies for every executable on the system with the exception of Outlook which I can launch from Start/favourites. If I double click a saved MS Word file it will start normally so it's definitely not about file association.

In short, double clicking an exe file doesn't work. XP tells me that program doesn't exist when in fact it does.

Any ideas?

#2
MikeMason

Posted 14 November 2010 - 02:10 PM

Member

Member
100 posts

Ok start with the basics.

Can you go to start and then run and type in regedit. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER, SOFTWARE and then CLASSES. Can you see a folder called .exe?

#3
criptonite

Posted 17 November 2010 - 10:48 AM

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Topic Starter
Member
53 posts

Hi, sorry for the delay in replying. In the end, I backed up and installed Linux Mint which is running just fine. Many thanks for taking the time to answer. It's greatly appreciated.