Can't open exe files using Xp

[Cal]

This problem is driving me crazy and questioning if I
want to continue to use Xp
I cannot open .exe files. Using DOS Prompt or windows
explorer, I get a message that the file cannot be found.
My searches have suggested this is a virus and have given
specific registry instructions to locate and eliminate. I
have completed these instructions and no apparent virus
exists. Also Nortons has not detected a virus. I have
tried to run these programs in compatability mode but no
luck. These programs will run fine in Windows 98. I fear
that there is some security setting that is preventing
access. Any suggestions? Thanks

[Ramesh [MVP]]

Cal,

If the file association for .exe has changed automatically, this =
behaviour is generally caused by viruses. One of which is Sircamm virus, =
which modifies the .exe file association in registry. Reset the .exe =
file assocation using any of these steps:

Solution 1:
Click [Start] [Run] [Command]
Type the following and then press Enter after typing each one:

cd\windows
copy regedit.exe regedit.com
start regedit.com

Navigate to and select 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" %*=20
(ie., type the following characters: =
quote-percent-one-quote-space-percent-asterisk.)

Exit the Registry Editor and restart Windows.

Solution 2:

Download .exe File association fix from here:
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/file_assoc.htm

NOTE: Most importantly, *update* the definition files for your =
Anti-Virus software and scan the system for viruses.

Related MSKBs:
You Are Unable to Start a Program with an .exe File Extension:=20
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=3D310585

You Cannot Start Programs (.exe Files) When Your Computer Is Infected =
with the SirCam Virus:=20
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=3D311446

--=20
Ramesh - Microsoft MVP
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k
-------------------------------------------
Internet Explorer Newsgroup FAQs:=20
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/IEFAQ.htm

Computer viruses: description, prevention, and recovery:=20
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=3D129972
-------------------------------------------


"Cal" > wrote in message =
...
This problem is driving me crazy and questioning if I=20
want to continue to use Xp
I cannot open .exe files. Using DOS Prompt or windows=20
explorer, I get a message that the file cannot be found.=20
My searches have suggested this is a virus and have given=20
specific registry instructions to locate and eliminate. I=20
have completed these instructions and no apparent virus=20
exists. Also Nortons has not detected a virus. I have=20
tried to run these programs in compatability mode but no=20
luck. These programs will run fine in Windows 98. I fear=20
that there is some security setting that is preventing=20
access. Any suggestions? Thanks