Symptom
When you try to launch an application (.exe files), the following error message appears and the program does not run.
*f.imagehost.org/0473/exefiles.jpg
*f.imagehost.org/0688/exefiles2.jpg
Cause
This problem occurs if the .exe file association in the registry is corrupt. This behavior is generally caused by viruses; one of which is SirCam virus, which modifies the .exe file association in registry.
Method 1: Fixing the association settings automatically
Download exefix_xp.com utility and save to Desktop. Double-click the file to run it. This utility fixes the exefile association in the registry automatically.
download link.
*www.winhelponline.com/exefix_xp.com
[ Additional tip: To run the utility silently (without any prompts), use the -silent parameter. Open a Command window (Command.com) and type:
C:\Utilities\exefix_xp.com -silent
Assuming that the exefix_xp.com is placed in the C:\Utilities directory. ]
Method 2: Fixing the association settings using Registry editor
* Click Start, Run and type Command
* Type the following commands one by one:
cd\windows
regedit
* If Registry Editor opens successfully, then navigate to the following key:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT \ exefile \ shell \ open \ command
* Double-click the (Default) value in the right pane
* Delete the current value data, and then type:
"%1" %*
(ie., quote-percent-one-quote-space-percent-asterisk.)
* Navigate to:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.exe
* In the right-pane, set (default) to exefile
* Exit the Registry Editor.
If you're unable to launch Regedit.exe even from Command Prompt, try this:
copy regedit.exe regedit.com
regedit.com
source : *windowsxp.mvps.org/exefile.htm
When you try to launch an application (.exe files), the following error message appears and the program does not run.
*f.imagehost.org/0473/exefiles.jpg
*f.imagehost.org/0688/exefiles2.jpg
Cause
This problem occurs if the .exe file association in the registry is corrupt. This behavior is generally caused by viruses; one of which is SirCam virus, which modifies the .exe file association in registry.
Method 1: Fixing the association settings automatically
Download exefix_xp.com utility and save to Desktop. Double-click the file to run it. This utility fixes the exefile association in the registry automatically.
download link.
*www.winhelponline.com/exefix_xp.com
[ Additional tip: To run the utility silently (without any prompts), use the -silent parameter. Open a Command window (Command.com) and type:
C:\Utilities\exefix_xp.com -silent
Assuming that the exefix_xp.com is placed in the C:\Utilities directory. ]
Method 2: Fixing the association settings using Registry editor
* Click Start, Run and type Command
* Type the following commands one by one:
cd\windows
regedit
* If Registry Editor opens successfully, then navigate to the following key:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT \ exefile \ shell \ open \ command
* Double-click the (Default) value in the right pane
* Delete the current value data, and then type:
"%1" %*
(ie., quote-percent-one-quote-space-percent-asterisk.)
* Navigate to:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.exe
* In the right-pane, set (default) to exefile
* Exit the Registry Editor.
If you're unable to launch Regedit.exe even from Command Prompt, try this:
copy regedit.exe regedit.com
regedit.com
source : *windowsxp.mvps.org/exefile.htm
