Create new task Explorer.exe - File does not haev a program associated with it

gaz_jones

Hi everyone.

Got a problem with a users laptop.

When I start the laptop everything is fine. The novell log on screen appears. Type in username and password and click ok. The users background appears but then nothing. I can Ctrl + Alt + Del and run task manager.

Explorer is not running which I assumed was my problem. I have tried to run explorer by going to file then new task but after typing in explorer.exe and clickin ok (to run the program) the following error message appears:

'This file does not have a program asociated with it for performing this action. Create an association in the Folder Options control panel.'


Any idea's what has causd it or what I should do? I would od what the error message says but because I can't access anything other than task manager I can't go to control panel etc...

Many thanks everyone

posted_2

can you run cmd or just explorer, what size is explorer.exe?

gaz_jones

I cannot run Cmd, Explorer or any other .exe files. Explorer.exe is 0.98mb.

posted_2

Have you tried safe mode/system restore, it sounds like either corrupt registry/files or a virus

If there is a service pack on the pc, check that explorer is identical size/date

If this is a work pc, are you able to login using a different username or bypass the novell login screen.

gaz_jones

In safe mode the same happens. Ctrl alt del works but that is all. Still can't get explorer.exe to run in safe mode.

I have tried last known good config but that didn't work either. Looks liek I'll have to run a recovery on it

posted_2

You could run chkdsk on it, from recovery console, or manually do a system restore if you have boot disks available.

gaz_jones

Thanks for all your help posted. I will try a chkdsk and see if that helps. If not I'll come back and see if anyones got other suggestions before doing a recovery.

posted_2

One potential cause is these registry entries being corrupt, assuming XP?

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

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

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

To check or fix them, you would need a bootable rescue disk, like this

http://download.microsoft.com/download/d/2/1/d21aa130-321f-4f07-943d-fefd54b6b7f9/MSDaRT50Eval.msi

gaz_jones

Sorry I should have said its Xp with SP3. I will try that and see what happens. Thanks very much posted.

PeterPerfect

Sounds like a security issue. As suggested, have you tried to login with a different user. Not being a Novell expert, but understanding generally how accounts are created and maintained. It could be under the control of Novell to setup particular authority to run certain programs only. You may well have to go to your administrator to see what the user account settings are for this user.

gaz_jones

PeterPerfect wrote: »

Sounds like a security issue. As suggested, have you tried to login with a different user. Not being a Novell expert, but understanding generally how accounts are created and maintained. It could be under the control of Novell to setup particular authority to run certain programs only. You may well have to go to your administrator to see what the user account settings are for this user.

I have been logging in as admin all along. I have also tried as the user who brought the computer to me and the same problem occurs. The user who's laptop it is has admin rights anyway.

I should also note this was working fine up until this morning. I managed to log on as admin to fix an unrelated groupwise issue (nothing that would have accessed the registry). Restarted and then the problems occured.



I have ran a chkdisk and it came back fine with no errors.