Executables are shown as File Folders.

Hi Everyone,
I have a pc running windows xp sp2. However this is the strage behaviour I
am observing. When I click on
Start = Run and type msconfig, I expect the system configuration utility
to open up.

However it is opening the msconfig in the notepad and showing all the
executable code.

So I went to the \windows\system32 folder and saw the executables. What I
noticed is that all the applications (including msconfig.exe) are shown as
File Folder instead of applications. I dont know what is going on. Is there
any setting which might have caused this?

Can some one help me out on this issue. Because of this, I am not able to
run any utilities /executables.

Help is immediately requested.

Thanks.

*Please* see this: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/837334
CAUSE
This problem may occur if the W32/Swen.A@MM (Swen) worm installed itself on your
computer when you installed a security update that you received as an e-mail attachment to
an unexpected e-mail that claims to be from Microsoft.

It may be another malware that's causing this. Suggest you scan the
system with the installed antivirus program. IF it will not run than the
only recourse is to do an online scan :
http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?t=15574

The Kaspersky Online Scanner will detect but NOT remove malware. If this
is why the .exe associations were changed, then strongly suggest you
post to a reputable anti-malware forum for assistance AFTER reading the
guidelines of the forum of your choice:

http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/foru...lysis-f22.html
http://spywarewarrior.com/viewforum.php?f=5
http://forums.spywareinfo.com/index.php?showforum=44
http://castlecops.com/f67-Hijackthis...s_Oh_My.htm l

To restore .exe functionality, go back to KB837334, under Resolution,
1. Restart your computer in safe mode.
Follow the steps for Microsoft Windows XP Professional and Microsoft
Windows XP Home Edition


MowGreen [MVP 2003-2007]
===============
*-343-* FDNY
Never Forgotten
===============


test wrote:

Hi Everyone,
I have a pc running windows xp sp2. However this is the strage behaviour I
am observing. When I click on
Start = Run and type msconfig, I expect the system configuration utility
to open up.

However it is opening the msconfig in the notepad and showing all the
executable code.

So I went to the \windows\system32 folder and saw the executables. What I
noticed is that all the applications (including msconfig.exe) are shown as
File Folder instead of applications. I dont know what is going on. Is there
any setting which might have caused this?

Can some one help me out on this issue. Because of this, I am not able to
run any utilities /executables.

Help is immediately requested.

Thanks.