[TariqH]

Hi, In the last week my computer has stopped me being able to open '.exe.' files / programs. (which previously worked fine). I keep getting the following error message: "Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file. You may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item".

I am using an IBM T43p laptop - home use only (not on a network). I have Windows XP Professional (Version 2002), Service Pack 3. I am listed as the administrator (there are n other accounts on this machine).

I have tried to get the answer to my query from other forums and have tried the following:

1. In Safe Mode all the .exe files work fine....so I am assuming there is NOT a problem with my permissions.

2. I therefore have assumed a program is blocking me and its most likely one of the 'safety / protection' programs I have running. These are Comodo Firewall, AVG 8.5 Antivirus, Symantec Antivirus, AdAware and Spybot...

3. First, I closed all the above programs but this did not resolve the problem

4. Next I have tried to uninstall most of the above programs but although they seem to be 'removed' from the 'Add / Remove' list (in Control Panel) the still seem to be running in the background and my problem has not been resolved.

Can anybody please help talk me through what I should do to sort this problem out. I am a beginner, but a quick learner. Thanks in advance. Tariq

[Phantom010]

Try this fix: exefix

Save the reg file to your desktop and double-click on it to merge it to your registry.

Reboot.

[TariqH]

Thanks Phantom....will try it know and let you know. Cheers Tariq

[TariqH]

Phantom, when I click on the link in your post its takes me to a page with the title
'Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00'

and lots of other writing....there is no reg file to download or save to my desktop??

Am I missing something please?

[Phantom010]

Right-click on the file and select Open With...

Then, choose the Registry Editor and put a check mark on "Always use the selected program to open this kind of file" box.

Then, double-click on it again to merge it to your registry. You can also right-click on the file and select Merge.

Reboot.

If no luck,

Rename your file from exefix.txt to exefix.reg.

Click on Start > Run > type regedit.

Click on File > Import.

Select your reg file to import into your registry.

Reboot.